I’m one of those annoying people who likes to correct others incorrect use of the English language. I don’t know why. It’s not like I’m an expert in English. In fact, my last English class was my junior year in high school 11 years ago. My step mom was a junior high English teacher. Maybe it was the joy I had in finding flaws in her grammar that brought me amusement when correcting her.
In any case, it seems in the past two weeks I’ve heard something said in prayers that I find interesting. It is this phrase: “We thank Thee for Thy Savior…”
Now, in my mind it would seem more appropriate to say “Thy Son” or “Our Savior”. It would seem to me that since we are addressing our Heavenly Father, the term “Thy Savior” would imply that Jesus was the Savior of God the Father, which is not the case. For what is a savior? According to Dictionary.com, a savior is “a person who saves, rescues, or delivers.” Certainly our Heavenly Father does not need to be saved, rescued, or delivered as he is God and is perfect.
As long as I’m on the topic, I might also point out something I hear much more often over the pulpit. When a person closes a talk or testimony I often hear: “I say these things in the name of thy Son…” This works well in prayers when you are addressing your Heavenly Father, but when you are addressing a congregation, I think it is better to leave out “thy Son” and simply close in the name of Jesus Christ. Even changing one letter might be appropriate: “the Son.”
I hope I don’t offend anyone by my comments. My hopes are instead that we might be more conscious in how we speak of our Savior.
Ummm, I’m not sure we’re on the same page.
Maybe we’re still on the same page. You probably skimmed over the part where I wrote: “When a person closes a talk or testimony…” 😉
I’m one of those annoying people who likes to correct others incorrect use of the English language.
Ah, a kindred spirit! 🙂
Now, in my mind it would seem more appropriate to say “Thy Son” or “Our Savior”.
I totally agree, and have heard this slip-up a few times. Usually I think it’s people who confuse the two when nervous about saying a prayer, and don’t catch themselves. I remember one time on a date, instead of saying “cool” or “sweet” I said “swool” (or something close). So I hope that the majority of times we hear this, it’s an innocent slipup.
This works well in prayers when you are addressing your Heavenly Father, but when you are addressing a congregation, I think it is better to leave out “thy Son” and simply close in the name of Jesus Christ.
Ummm, I’m not sure we’re on the same page. When somebody is praying in behalf of the congregation, they’re still addressing Heavenly Father, so “thy Son” is still completely appropriate. They’re not starting the prayer by saying “Dear congregation…”! 🙂
Another one I dislike is when somebody (in sacrament meeting, a class, or anytime a public prayer is offered on behalf of a congregation) says “I say these things…” instead of “we say these things…” to close the prayer.
I couldn’t agree more! I can’t tell you how often I hear this, and all it tells me is that the person doesn’t understand what he’s really saying. I think we all just need more education in this regard.
Hmmm, you must be in my ward.
Maybe we’re still on the same page. You probably skimmed over the part where I wrote: “When a person closes a talk or testimony”
Ah, my bad. Yeah, a talk or testimony shouldn’t have that… and it happened in my ward this Sunday, but the girl caught herself right as she did it… 🙂
You people need to relax! If you want to come across as being flawless / perfect (and you will)…knock it off! There’s more to life and more important things than being so anal about the use of simple words. Talk about stress for yourself and the lives of those who you nit-pick things like this.
I believe the meaning of “Thy Savior” is dependent on who we are calling God the Father. If we are speaking of Adam, Father of the human race, then saying “Thy Savior” would be appropriate since Father Adam was made perfect through the sacrifice of the Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, Jesus Christ was the Savior of Father Adam.
Regardless of whether we are calling Adam or Adam’s father “God the Father”, “Thy Savior” is still appropriate as it is saying we are grateful for the Savior thou (God) has provided. Thus, “Thy Savior” means the “Savior that belongs to God”.
Good points all! As an incorrigible wordsmith myself, I have to jump in with the grammarians. Although I try to refrain from driving the Spirit away by “tsk tsking” language errors, I do believe if we are asked to speak to the Creator of the Universe in the most reverent language we can muster (thee, thou, etc.), we probably should use the most grammatical language we can muster as well.
I don’t mean to suggest that someone who has a less-than-perfect grasp of the language in which he prays should just hold his tongue– think of the impact on missionary efforts!– but we should always strive to improve.
So… here’s another language-related bugabear for me: “Prideful”– abomination or useful addition to the language of faith (as distinguished from the good ol’, already-existing word “proud” meaning “full of pride”)?