I just read Dr. Holzapfels' blog about the 'Hosanna Shout' and it inspired me to write about my experiences with temple dedications.  When I was nine-years-old, I had the opportunity to attend the temple dedication of the Spokane, Washington temple.  Not only was I able to go in the temple, but I witnessed the dedication in the Celestial room with the prophet of God standing and sitting a few feet in front of me.  In the presence of President Hinckley, we sang "The Spirit of God" and since that day, it has been my favorite hymn. 

Last week I attended the Draper temple dedication at the Marriott Center.  The spirit was so strong when we sang "The Spirit of God like a Fire is Burning" that I could not hold back the tears.  It was so powerful.  And then the Hosanna Shout was performed by everyone in attendence in the Marriott Center and the temple.  There were white handkerchiefs waving everywhere and the spirit of the voices was so powerful.  The word Hosanna was used when Christ rode into Jerusalem on the donkey in ancient days: "And the multitude that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest" (Matt. 21:9).  What a wonderful opportunity to shout Hosanna, through the 'Hosanna Shout', to God and His Son whenever a temple is dedicated.

Tags: Temples Spirit Hosanna

Bookmark: