Anyone who follows the 37 Signals blog knows they are pretty big on the idea that less is more. I’ve been reading them for quite awhile now and have implemented many of their suggestions and idea on our work site.
I have also noticed in the last little while that this philosophy has crept into my religious/church life. I find my prayers becoming more succinct, and the way I perform ordinances to be more fundamental. For example, one popular way to give a blessing to someone might be:
John James Doe, having been given the Melchizedek Priesthood, we seal the anointing that has taken place, by its authority and in the name of Jesus Christ, and pronounce upon you a blessing. We bless you that…
Now, what I say may be something more similar to this:
John James Doe, by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood we seal the anointing and bless you that…
I am finding that my focus now seems to be less on how I introduce the ordinance and more on what is said during the ordinance. I also find that I am less inclined to rely on habitual repetition or traditional wording in the way I speak.
In a recent priesthood leadership meeting, our Stake President stressed that there are only a handful of ordinances where strict language is required (temple ordinances and sacramental prayers). All other ordinances may have required language, but no strict order is required.
I tend to use the same language when giving a blessing, at least when starting the blessing.
Btw- congrats on the move to Word Press. Everything looks good!
Less is more is a personal philosophy of mine. I sometimes use repetition at the beginning of ordinances just so I can concentrate of the “personal” part of the blessing.
P.S.There’s a nice podcast, “Inside the Net, Episode 005” where one of the 37signals guys is interviewed.