Law of Consecration Ceremony

 

PETER: A couple will now come to the altar (the witness couple come forward and they kneel at the altar as before.) We are instructed to give unto you the Law of Consecration as contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants (picks up Doctrine and Covenants from the altar, in connection with the Law of the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice which you have already received. It is that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents and everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.

All Arise (patrons all stand up.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square.

You and each of you covenant before God, angels and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Consecration as contained in this the book of Doctrine and Covenants. It is that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents and everything with which the Lord has blessed you or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.

Each of you bow your heads and say yes.

BRETHREN and SISTERS: (all bow their head Yes.)

PETER That will do (patrons all sit down.)

SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD
The Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail
PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the token with the Brother at the altar) We will now give you the second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign. This token is given by clasping the right hands interlocking the little finger, and placing the tip of the forefinger on the center of the wrist, in this manner (shows the audience the token.) We desire all to receive it. All arise.

The witness couple stand up and return to their seats as the patrons all stand and each one receives the secret grip from on of the temple workers who circulate through the rows of patrons

If any of you have not received this token you will please raise your hand.

This token has a name and a sign but no penalty is mentioned. However, you will be under just as sacred obligation of secrecy in connection with this token and sign as you are with the other tokens and signs of the Holy Priesthood which you have received in the Temple this day. The name of this token will not be given to you at this stage of the Endowment, but it will be given later on.

The Officiator demonstrates the sign

The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words:

Pay lay ale Pay lay ale Pay lay ale

(The Officiator raises and lowers his hands three times in synchronism with the words.) When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words he used, Which interpreted are: "Oh God, hear the words of my mouth." repeated three times.*

We desire all to receive it. All arise (patrons all stand up.) Each of you make the sign of the second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail by raising both hands high above the head, and by lowering your hands to your sides, while repeating the words of the prayer.

BRETHREN and SISTERS: (Patrons all make the sign by raising and lowering their hands three times while reciting the words in unison) Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale.

PETER:That will do (patrons all sit down.)

A lecture will next be given, which summarizes the instructions, ordinances and covenants, and also the tokens with their key words, signs and penalties, pertaining to the endowment which you have thus far received. You should try to remember and keep in mind all that you have heard and seen and may yet hear and see in this Temple this day. The purpose of this lecture is to assist you to remember that which has been taught you this day. You must keep in mind that you are under a solemn obligation never to speak, outside of these walls, of the things you see and hear in this sacred place.

LECTURE BEFORE THE VEIL
LECTURER: Brethren and sisters, these Endowments as herein administered, long withheld from the children of men, pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times and have been revealed to prepare the people for exaltation.

(The Lecturer explains to the patrons what they have gone through, from the Washing and Anointing Room to the time they receive this lecture. He mentions that they have received the keys of the Priesthood contained in the Endowments.)

These are what are termed the mysteries of Godliness and they will enable you to understand the expression of Jesus made prior to his betrayal - This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. May God bless you all. Amen.

(Another translation of these words, from Biblical Hebrew, is "Wonderful Lucifer" repeated three times. See Strong's Concordance, Hebrew Dictionary section, words #6382 and #1966. Note that on page 27 it is Lucifer who answers Adam's prayer!)

Next: The Prayer Circle

Back to Mormonism Page