Our Father Cares

Preparing for the Holy Day, March 2

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8. OFC 73.1

At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said, “Remember.” He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” OFC 73.2

All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment.... OFC 73.3

When the Sabbath is thus remembered, the temporal will not be allowed to encroach upon the spiritual. No duty pertaining to the six working days will be left for the Sabbath. During the week our energies will not be so exhausted in temporal labor that on the day when the Lord rested and was refreshed we shall be too weary to engage in His service.... OFC 73.4

On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done.... The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. OFC 73.5

There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day. On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled from the soul. In a humble spirit, “confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another.” OFC 73.6

Before the setting of the sun let the members of the family assemble to read God's Word, to sing and pray. OFC 73.7

We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy time.^{2The Faith I Live By, 34.} OFC 73.8