Learn how this sacred ordinance is performed, how members of the congregation partake of the bread and water, and why we use water instead of wine or grape juice for the sacrament.
Sacrament Performed by the Priesthood
The ordinance of the sacrament is performed in the chapel by worthy male members of the Church who hold the priesthood. The blessing of the sacrament is performed by priests and the passing of the sacrament to the congregation is performed by deacons. This ordinance is done at the sacrament table, located at the front of the chapel, to either the right or left of the podium.
Prior to the beginning of the sacrament service, priesthood brethren prepare for the sacrament by placing upon the sacrament table a white tablecloth, trays with slices of bread, trays with small cups filled with water, and another white tablecloth to cover the trays.
At the beginning of the sacrament service the priests sit behind the sacrament table while the deacons sit in the first two rows directly in front of the table.
Singing of the Sacrament Hymn
Before the sacrament is blessed, a hymn is sung by the congregation in preparation of this sacred ordinance. The hymn is appropriately selected to reflect the atonement of Jesus Christ and the blessing and passing of the sacrament. During the sacrament hymn, priests fold back the top tablecloth to reveal the trays of bread and then break the bread by tearing it into small pieces which are placed back onto the trays.
While the hymn is sung, teachers (another order of the priesthood) close the chapel doors and stand in front of them to help maintain reverence during the service.
Sacrament is Blessed
After the hymn, a priest kneels at the sacrament table and blesses the bread with a specific prayer.1 The congregation reverently join in the prayer by listening with eyes closed and head bowed, until the closing "amen" of the prayer which is repeated by all.
Deacons of the Aaronic priesthood take the trays of broken bread to Church members who eat one piece of bread and then pass the tray down to the next person. When all have received of the bread the deacons return to the sacrament table and partake of the bread themselves.
The priests cover the trays of bread with the tablecloth and then reveal the trays of water. A priest kneels at the sacrament table and blesses the water2, which the deacons then pass to the congregation.
After the administering of the sacrament the priesthood brethren return to sit with the rest of the congregation.
Why Don't We Use Wine?
During the early history of the Church the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith that it didn't matter what type of drink was used to represent the blood of Christ for the sacrament:
"For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins" (D&C 27:2).Thus The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses water instead of wine or grape juice to represent Christ's blood.
Notes:
1 See D&C 20:76-77
2 See D&C 20:78-79
