D&C 88

In follow up to my blog yesterday in regards to the Lord's commandment to to the saints to assemble, organize, and sanctify themselves, the Lord again returns to the same topic.  But in this case, He seems to provide a little bit more guidance on what He meant as He continues -

"...the order of the house prepared for the presidency of the school of the prophets, established for their instruction in all things that are expedient for them, even for all the officers of the church, or in other words, those who are called to the ministry in the church, beginning at the high priests, even down to the deacons..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:127)

In my mind, the school of the prophets was nothing more that what is referred to today a priesthood meeting.  This group was to -

"Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:122)

And  they were to -

"...seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:118)

And by doing so, the priesthood was to -

"...Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.
121 Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:119 - 121)

"See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.

124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come...."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:123 - 126)

The Lord also provided some guidelines in how the priesthood was to treat one another as He instructs -

"...let the teacher arise, and, with uplifted hands to heaven, yea, even directly, salute his brother or brethren with these words:
133 Art thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:132 - 133)

This is great instruction for priesthood leaders.