Are missionaries allowed in temple prayer circles?

Question

Gramps,

Are missionaries allowed to be in the prayer circle in the temple and if not why?

Dean

Answer

Hi Dean,

Thank you for your question: Are missionaries allowed to participate in temple prayer circles?

Having spoken with several recently returned missionaries from around the world about this, I feel I can better shed a little light on the subject now. The answer to your question is both yes and no. Many members of the church make great efforts to attend the temple. Some drive long distances, take time off work, incur personal expense and are only able to visit infrequently. Because missionaries may have easier access to the temple, they have been asked to give other patrons the opportunity to participate in prayer circles before themselves. Because of their schedules, it can be typical that  many missionaries might attend the temple all on the same day. With a mass influx of Elders & Sisters at the temple all at once, it might leave other patrons without the chance to be in the prayer circle themselves. So as a courtesy, missionaries are asked not to participate in the prayer circle in those circumstances. During slower times and when there are few to no other missionaries or patrons, missionaries may be allowed to participate in prayer circles. Each mission may vary in their adherence to this gesture, so missionaries should check with their Mission President for the exact policy in their respective areas.

All in all, it really is simply extending a courtesy to other patrons.

Thank you,

Gramps