Noticed an interesting theme among some of the
#ldsconf tweets that pertained to the discussion surrounding the usage of
thee,
thou,
thy, and
thine.
One person commented: "I would've hoped that a well-educated man like Elder Nelson would know that "thou" is, in fact, the familiar, not formal pronoun. I don't think he was suggesting it was a commandment. I agree with you, but it helps some people to use those words."
Another person wrote: "Disagree with the use of archaisms in prayer. Jesus didn't use them, and I don't feel the need to either. Sad that people confuse archaisms with sacredness. 'Thee' 'thy' 'thine' simply meant 'you' and 'your' in KJV times."
Now, I have to admit that although I was listening, I wasn't trying to remember every phrase uttered word-for-word. I cannot recall whether or not Elder Nelson said that "thou" was a formal pronoun. However, I believe both of these comments miss the point of the direction to use
[what is now considered a formal pronoun, right? Wouldn't your friends think you were being formal or pretentious if you used those pronouns today?] "thou" when addressing God in prayer.
I imagine the leaders of the Church who counsel us to use these pronouns understand the history behind their usage. In fact, Elder Dallin H. Oaks
wrote back in 1993:
The special language of prayer that Latter-day Saints use in English has sometimes been explained by reference to the history of the English language. It has been suggested that thee, thou, thy, and thine are simply holdovers from forms of address once used to signify respect for persons of higher rank. But more careful scholarship shows that the words we now use in the language of prayer were once commonly used by persons of rank in addressing persons of inferior position. These same English words were also used in communications between persons in an intimate relationship. There are many instances where usages of English words have changed over the centuries. But the history of English usage is not the point.
Scholarship can contradict mortal explanations, but it cannot rescind divine commands or inspired counsel. In our day the English words thee, thou, thy, and thine are suitable for the language of prayer, not because of how they were used anciently but because they are currently obsolete in common English discourse. Being unused in everyday communications, they are now available as a distinctive form of address in English, appropriate to symbolize respect, closeness, and reverence for the one being addressed.
(emphasis added)
I personally don't see his instructions as an attempt to equate "archaisms with sacredness." But more on instructions regarding the language of prayer shortly.
Again, it was noted: "Since Jesus didn't use them, I don't feel the need to either." I'm not sure if anyone has specifically asked the Savior
which words He used and didn't use. And, if someone had, I would imagine that the Prophets and Apostles would be able to shed some light on the subject. I think this attitude towards the direction of prayer-specific language overlooks the blessing of continuing revelation. When Jesus instituted the Sacrament, He used wine. Today, we are instructed to use water. Understanding that Jesus used wine, would you therefore feel unsettled and disinclined to participate in the Sacrament because water is used?
Likewise, modern revelation
has provided instruction relating to the language of prayer. While one may be inclined to continue to "not feel the need" to use the pronouns "thee," "thou," "thy," and "thine" in prayer, a study of the words of Church leaders can lead one to understand that such pronoun use is continually suggested, yea, even strongly admonished:
[U]se the sacred language of prayer. We should always address Deity by using the sacred pronouns thou, thee, thy, and thine. The late President Stephen L. Richards gave us this wise counsel:
“We have discovered … a lack of proper teaching with reference to prayer. I know that I myself have been shocked out in the mission field as I have heard missionaries called on for prayer who seem to have had no experience or training whatever in the use of the language of prayer. …
“I think, my brethren, that in the quorums and in the classes, you would do well, as in the homes also, to teach the language of prayer—‘Thee and Thou,’ rather than ‘you.’ It always seems disappointing to me to have our Father in Heaven, our Lord, addressed as ‘you.’ It is surprising how much we see of this. … I think you might make note of it, and avail yourselves of any opportunities that may come in order to teach the sacred and reverential language of prayer.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1951, p. 175.)
Let us teach our children to use the language of prayer.
(From Elder L. Tom Perry, 1983, emphasis added)
Speaking of teaching our children the language of prayer, Elder Oaks continued his message on prayer with the following counsel:
Modern revelation commands parents to “teach their children to pray.” (D&C 68:28.) This requires parents to learn and pray with the special language of prayer. We learn our native language simply by listening to those who speak it. This is also true of the language with which we address our Heavenly Father. The language of prayer is easier and sweeter to learn than any other tongue. We should give our children the privilege of learning this language by listening to their parents use it in the various prayers offered daily in our homes.
And,
We should also remember that our position on special prayer language in English is based on modern revelations and the teachings and examples of modern prophets. [...]
However, we should be considerate of those who have not yet learned, or who have not yet become comfortable with the "language of prayer." While not using the proper pronouns should not get one "banned" from, or mocked in, public prayer, we should both remember that we each are at different parts of the journey along the Gospel path, and that our leaders teach us
the ideal that we should strive for. Elder Oaks continues:
We are especially anxious that our position on special language in prayers in English not cause some to be reluctant to pray in our Church meetings or in other settings where their prayers are heard. We have particular concern for converts and others who have not yet had experience in using these words.
I am sure that our Heavenly Father, who loves all of his children, hears and answers all prayers, however phrased. If he is offended in connection with prayers, it is likely to be by their absence, not their phraseology.
When one of our daughters was about three years old, she did something that always delighted her parents. When we called her name, she would usually answer by saying, “Here me is.” This childish reply was among the sweetest things her parents heard. But when she was grown, we expected her to use appropriate language when she spoke, and of course she did. As the Apostle Paul said, “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” (1 Cor. 13:11.)
The same is true of prayer. Our earliest efforts will be heard with joy by our Heavenly Father, however they are phrased. They will be heard in the same way by loving members of our church. But as we gain experience as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we need to become more mature in all of our efforts, including our prayers.
With all the informality and abbreviations creeping into our everyday language
(how many of you can understand, or have used, the following: ur a qt pi; ttyl; we went to his house b/c ur rents were in da way), and all the new words and phrases joining common usage
(Googling, Twittering, surfing the Net, etc.), should it really be that difficult to learn and to master a few more words and their usage so that we might be able to speak in the language of prayer?
I'll end this post with the following, again from Elder Oaks:
Men and women who wish to show respect will take the time to learn the special language of prayer. Persons spend many hours mastering communication skills in other mediums, such as poetry or prose, vocal or instrumental music, and even the language of access to computers. My brothers and sisters, the manner of addressing our Heavenly Father in prayer is at least as important as these.
