LDS Church to reinstate opening prayers in Sunday second-hour meetings

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced Wednesday, 22 December 2022, about its plans to reinstate opening prayer in Sunday second-hour meetings—to be effective immediately.

The direction is given in a notice from the Church’s Priesthood and Family Department to stake, mission, district Presidencies, bishoprics, branch presidencies, stakes, and ward councils.

This reverses the policy change announced in 2018 when the Church of Jesus Christ implemented a new and simplified Sunday meeting schedule.

The December 21 notice also cites the Church’s “General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” reminding leaders of the language and length of prayers in Church meetings as well as who may offer prayers.

Under the heading “Prayers in Church Meetings,” section 29.6 states: “Prayers in Church meetings should be brief, simple, and directed by the Spirit. Any baptized Church member may offer an opening or closing prayer.

“Members should pray using words that express love and respect for Heavenly Father. In English, this includes the pronouns Thee, Thy, Thine, and Thou when addressing Him.”