Pray Always

My message in the last general conference focused upon the gospel principle of asking in faith in prayer. Today I want to discuss three additional principles that can help our prayers become more meaningful, and I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost for me and for you.

Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37).

Principle #2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude.

Principle #3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart.

(To read the entire talk, click here)

Ask In Faith

I invite the Holy Ghost to assist us as we consider a principle that can help our prayers become more meaningful—the gospel principle of asking in faith.

I want to review three examples of asking in faith in meaningful prayer and discuss the lessons we can learn from each one of them. As we speak of prayer, I emphasize the word meaningful. Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer. I expect that all of us already know that prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection. But what we know is not always reflected in what we do. And even though we recognize the importance of prayer, all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers.

(To read the entire talk, click here)

Praying to Our Heavenly Father

• What Is Prayer?

Prayer is one of the greatest blessings we have while we are here on earth. Through prayer we can communicate with our Heavenly Father and seek His guidance daily.

• Why Do We Pray?

Prayer has been an important part of the gospel from the beginning of the world. An angel of the Lord commanded Adam and Eve to repent and call upon God in the name of the Son (see Moses 5:8). This commandment has never been taken away. Prayer will help us draw closer to God. All of our thoughts, our words, and our actions are influenced by our prayers.

• When Should We Pray?

At times we may not feel like praying. We may be angry or discouraged or upset. At these times we should make a special effort to pray (see 2 Nephi 32:8–9).

• How Should We Pray?

As we pray to our Heavenly Father, we should tell Him what we really feel in our hearts, confide in Him, ask Him for forgiveness, plead with Him, thank Him, express our love for Him. We should not repeat meaningless words and phrases (see Matthew 6:7–8). We should always ask that His will be done, remembering that what we desire may not be best for us (see 3 Nephi 18:20). At the end of our prayer, we close in the name of Jesus Christ (see 3 Nephi 18:19).

• How Are Prayers Answered?

Often God gives us the power to help answer our own prayers. As we pray for help, we should do all we can to bring about the things we desire.

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

The Holy Ghost

• The Holy Ghost Came to Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve called upon Heavenly Father in prayer. He spoke to them and gave them commandments, which they obeyed. An angel of the Lord came and taught Adam and Eve the plan of salvation. The Lord sent the Holy Ghost to testify of the Father and of the Son and to teach Adam and Eve the gospel. (See Moses 5:4–9.)

• Attributes of the Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost is our Heavenly Father’s messenger and is a special gift to us (see chapter 21 in this book).

• The Mission of the Holy Ghost

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we should make ourselves worthy to receive this special messenger and witness of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Relief Society's Purpose is the same as the Lord's Purpose

After being called as Relief Society general president, Sister Julie B. Beck and her counselors, Sister Silvia H. Allred and Sister Barbara Thompson, began pondering the purposes and objectives of Relief Society. They read the history of the organization, the Church Handbook of Instructions, and other lists of objectives. They found that everything about Relief Society could be summarized with three things Latter-day Saint women should be doing every day.

Relief Society doesn't have a purpose that is different than the Lord's purpose, Sister Beck said. "That is why Relief Society was organized."

Referring to these responsibilities, "faith, family, relief," Sister Beck said, "Everyone should be able to remember three things."

Sister Allred said the words "faith, family, relief" are not new. In fact, this message is formulated from the counsel of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who instructed women during the Church's first Relief Society meetings. "He told them that this organization was not only to specifically help the poor and the needy, but also to save souls. So saving souls has great implications on what the work should be."

(To read the entire article, click here)

Quote - United in Building the Kingdom of God

... we can tell whether or not we put the kingdom of God first by looking at how we treat our brothers and sisters in the Church. Is there a special bond uniting us? Is there an absence of envy and backbiting? Do we rejoice in the success of a brother or sister as much as in our own? Do we share our substance so that all may be rich like unto us? Ultimately, are we our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers?

As I travel throughout the Church I marvel at all the positive things that are occurring. Yet I never feel that we, as a people, are living up to our real potential. My sense is that we do not always work together, that we are still too much interested in aspirations for personal honors and success, and show too little interest in the common goal of building the kingdom of God.

When we look at all the Lord asks of us, it can sometimes seem overwhelming. Of course, where much has been given, much is expected. I believe it is helpful when faced with an enormous challenge to view it as a step-by-step process. We begin by taking the first step, then continue by taking one step at a time. I am certain that the Lord is pleased even with our small beginnings, because in His infinite wisdom He knows that small things often become great things.

The first step always involves a deepening of commitment to the Lord and His glorious work. Again, this is a commitment to consider His work first. Our subsequent steps are guided by this initial commitment, but can, of course, take several directions.

We can help by serving our brothers and sisters in the Church. We can go to those who have not yet received the gospel and convert them to its truths. We can go to the temple and perform this great redeeming work for the dead. As we engage in the work of the Lord, He will increase our capacity as we increase our desire. We will pull closer together as a people engaged in a common effort. Through sacrifices we make one for another and for Him, we will realize our potential as His children and prepare the way for His eventual, glorious return.

May each of us accept the challenge to seek the kingdom of God first, before and above all else, and by so doing draw closer together as a people, until we are all of one heart and one mind, I humbly pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

--L. Tom Perry, “‘United in Building the Kingdom of God’,” Ensign, May 1987, 33

President Doxey's Remarks on 21 March 2010

• President Doxey shared the account of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball leaving their wives, children, and humble homes to journey to Great Britain in response to their mission calls to that faraway land. Heber C. Kimball records the event in these words:
• “ ‘September 14th, … President Brigham Young left his home at Montrose to start on the mission to England. He was so sick that he was unable to go to the Mississippi, a distance of thirty rods, without assistance. After he had crossed the river he rode behind Israel Barlow on his horse to my house, where he continued sick until the 18th. He left his wife sick with a babe only three weeks old, and all of his other children were sick and unable to wait upon each other. Not one soul of them was able to go to the well for a pail of water, and they were without a second suit to their backs, for the mob in Missouri had taken nearly all he had. On the 17th, Sister Mary Ann Young got a boy to carry her up in his wagon to my house, that she might nurse and comfort Brother Brigham to the hour of starting.
• “ ‘September 18th, Charles Hubbard sent his boy with a wagon and span of horses to my house; our trunks were put into the wagon by some brethren; I went to my bed and shook hands with my wife who was then shaking with a chill, having two children lying sick by her side; I embraced her and my children, and bade them farewell. My only well child was little Heber P., and it was with difficulty he could carry a couple of quarts of water at a time to assist in quenching their thirst.
• “ ‘It was with difficulty we got into the wagon, and started down the hill about ten rods; it appeared to me as though my very inmost parts would melt within me at leaving my family in such a condition, as it were almost in the arms of death. I felt as though I could not endure it. I asked the teamster to stop, and said to Brother Brigham, “This is pretty tough, isn’t it; let’s rise up and give them a cheer.” We arose, and swinging our hats three times over our heads, shouted: “Hurrah, hurrah for Israel.” Vilate, hearing the noise, arose from her bed and came to the door. She had a smile on her face. Vilate and Mary Ann Young cried out to us: “Goodbye, God bless you!” We returned the compliment, and then told the driver to go ahead. After this I felt a spirit of joy and gratitude, having had the satisfaction of seeing my wife standing upon her feet, instead of leaving her in bed, knowing well that I should not see them again for two or three years’ ” (Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1967, pp. 265–66).
• They were willing to make any sacrifice asked of them to build the kingdom of God.
• When President Doxey first served in the Hokkaido branch, there were only 8 people but on his last day there, there were 70.
• President Doxey told another story from his mission: There was a 16 year-old girl who used to attend the free English classes taught by the missionaries. When President Spencer W kimball went to Japan to announce the building of a temple there, her parents wouldn't allow her to go. She then wrote a letter to President Kimball and in his reply to her, he mentioned that her parents would join the church. The leaders there started trying to teach her parents the gospel to no avail. When they decided to send Japanese elders there, they managed to get into their home but there was still a lot of resistance. Being Japanese was most important and this included things like tea, sake, etc. One day, they decided to go to church and they heard someone gave a talk about Joseph Smith. The father started to cry and knew that Joseph Smith was a true prophet. Since then, he never smoked again, never drank tea or sake again. He served two terms in the temple presidency.
• We need to be obedient and do the things that our branch president asks of us. We need to prepare. We are the Lord's hands.
• President Uchtdorf counseled us to lift where we stand.
• This is not about splitting the branch. This is about building Zion.

President Sanders' Remarks on 21 March 2010

• We are at the Kirtland stage of the growth of the church here.
• President Sanders is grateful for his great grandfather who joined the church during the Kirtland era.
• If we continue faithful, the generations after us will also hold our names in reverence.
• When President Sanders served his mission in Bolivia, he worked among the pioneers of the church there and it was the same for President Doxey in Japan and President Renner in the Philippines.
• The people had to be united to draw strength from one another.
• It is vital that we be faithful, purify our hearts, prepare ourselves, be ready, be united, be worthy and be full tithe-payers.
• Elder Jeffrey R Holland suggested 5 reasons why all of us, should faithfully pay our tithes and offerings:

1. do so for the sake of our children and grandchildren, the rising generation.
2. to rightfully claim the blessings promised those who do so.
3. as a declaration that possession of material goods and the accumulation of worldly wealth are not the uppermost goals of our existence.
4. out of honesty and integrity because they are God's rightful due.
5. as a personal expression of love to a generous and merciful Father in Heaven.
   

• The great intercessory prayer of Jesus as mentioned in John 17 applies also to all of us.
• We are among the ones referred to by Isaiah in Isaiah 58:12 as the repairer of the breach and the restorer of paths to dwell in.

President Renner's Remarks on 21 March 2010

Here's a quick recap of what was said last Sunday, especially for those of us who couldn't make it to church.

• The Kuala Lumpur Branch will split in 12 months but we actually have less time than that.
• The split will be based on the following assumptions:

1. The current rate of baptism remains the same.
2. Those who are baptized remain active.
3. Aaronic priesthood holders advance to Melchizedek priesthood on time.

• The split will be roughly along even lines, 50/50.
• We are to focus on being temporally and spiritually reliant.
• Leaders are to train those for whom they are responsible.
• Teachers are to prepare their lessons well and teach by the spirit.
• Those who hold grudges should repent and move on.
• Those who are coasting along should start contributing.
• By December this year, we could have about 10 members from our branch serving missions, including sisters.

Sisters, exciting times are ahead. President Renner is having a combined Priesthood and Relief Society meeting this Sunday to further instruct us so please make sure we're all there to receive it.

The Fall of Adam and Eve

• Adam and Eve Were the First to Come to Earth

Adam and Eve were among our Father’s noblest children. In the spirit world Adam was called Michael the archangel (see D&C 27:11; Jude 1:9). He was chosen by our Heavenly Father to lead the righteous in the battle against Satan (see Revelation 12:7–9). Adam and Eve were foreordained to become our first parents. The Lord promised Adam great blessings: “I have set thee to be at the head; a multitude of nations shall come of thee, and thou art a prince over them forever” (D&C 107:55).

• The Garden of Eden

When Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, they were not yet mortal. In this state, “they would have had no children” (2 Nephi 2:23). There was no death. They had physical life because their spirits were housed in physical bodies made from the dust of the earth (see Moses 6:59; Abraham 5:7). They hadspiritual life because they were in the presence of God. They had not yet made a choice between good and evil.

• Adam and Eve's Separation from God

Because Adam and Eve had eaten the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the Lord sent them out of the Garden of Eden into the world. Their physical condition changed as a result of their eating the forbidden fruit. As God had promised, they became mortal. They and their children would experience sickness, pain, and physical death.

• Great Blessings Resulted from the Transgression

Some people believe Adam and Eve committed a serious sin when they ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, latter-day scriptures help us understand that their Fall was a necessary step in the plan of life and a great blessing to all of us. Because of the Fall, we are blessed with physical bodies, the right to choose between good and evil, and the opportunity to gain eternal life. None of these privileges would have been ours had Adam and Eve remained in the garden.

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Becoming Provident Providers

Happy 168th birthday to us!

As sisters in Relief Society today, we have a rich and faithful heritage. More than 168 years have passed since the Prophet Joseph Smith met with a small group in Nauvoo, Illinois, to organize the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Like those who preceded us, we stand today united in faith, steadfast in following the living prophet, and committed to building the kingdom of God.

Those founding sisters came from different circumstances—three of them were in their late teens, some were raising families, and others were single. Then and now, as women of all ages, marital statuses, and cultures, we consecrate ourselves to the cause of Christ through our service.

When the Prophet Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society he taught that this organization was part of the Restoration and was organized for “the relief of the poor, the destitute, the widow and the orphan” (History of the Church, 4:567). In addition he taught that the Relief Society was “not only to relieve the poor, but to save souls” (History of the Church,5:25). This is our purpose.

Asian Saints Taught by Elder Nelson

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve made several stops during a tour of Southeast Asia, Feb. 20-28. They included meetings with members and missionaries.

East Malaysia

He began by presiding over the Miri East Malaysia District conference on the island of Borneo on Feb. 20-21.

Despite limited means, humble saints in the district arranged weeks ahead of time to be off work for the weekend conference, according to Sister Julie McKellar, a senior missionary serving in East Malaysia. She said, they scrubbed their children, dressed in their best available clothing, and boarded buses and other transportation to make the trip.

After traveling for hours, they entered the meetinghouse with great anticipation, filling the entry foyer and halls as they sat on the floor in traditional Malaysian style and waited, many families up to four hours before the meetings began, Sister McKellar said. There were 437 in attendance at the district conference.

Elder Nelson, the first apostle in this dispensation to visit Borneo, was accompanied by his wife, Wendy; Elder Kent Watson of the Seventy and counselor in the Church's Asia Area presidency and his wife, Connie; and Singapore Mission President Terrence Clark and his wife, Laraine.

The Malaysian members were joyous as Elder Nelson welcomed all who would like to, to shake his hand. That gesture was something the members deeply longed for. They quietly lined up for the opportunity, many going away with tears streaming down their faces.

After the conference, district president Benedict Saran Ingkon best represented the feelings of all when he said, "These two days were the happiest of my life."

While on Borneo, Elder Nelson also visited a few members living in Brunei.

Members of the Miri East Malaysia District on the island of Borneo

sit in the meetinghouse while waiting for the start of district conference.

Elder Russell M. Nelson, far left, and other leaders

sit with family of district president Benedict S. Ingkon.

West Malaysia

He then proceeded to Kuala Lumpur in West Malaysia, where he met with missionaries and members. Elder Nelson was the first member of the Twelve to visit Kuala Lumpur since 1998. Members joined in a meeting Tuesday evening, Feb. 23, to be taught by the Spirit. Members in attendance were from more than 30 countries in this "melting pot" of Asia. Elder Nelson taught about the Savior using many languages.

(To read the entire article, click here)

The Creation

• God's Plan for Us

When we lived as spirit children with our heavenly parents, our Heavenly Father told us about His plan for us to become more like Him. We shouted for joy when we heard His plan (see Job 38:7). We were eager for new experiences. In order for these things to happen, we needed to leave our Father’s presence and receive mortal bodies. We needed another place to live where we could prepare to become like Him. Our new home was called earth.

• Jesus Created the Earth

Jesus Christ created this world and everything in it. He also created many other worlds. He did so through the power of the priesthood, under the direction of our Heavenly Father. God the Father said, “Worlds without number have I created; … and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten” (Moses 1:33). We have other testimonies of this truth. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw Jesus Christ in a vision. They testified “that by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:24).

• Carrying out the Creation

The earth and everything on it were created spiritually before they were created physically (see Moses 3:5). In planning to create the physical earth, Christ said to those who were with Him, “We will go down, for there is space there, … and we will make an earth whereon these [the spirit children of our Father in Heaven] may dwell” (Abraham 3:24).

• God's Creations Show His Love

We are now living in this beautiful world. Think of the sun, which gives us warmth and light. Think of the rain, which makes plants grow and makes the world feel clean and fresh. Think of how good it is to hear a bird singing or a friend laughing. Think of how wonderful our bodies are—how we can work and play and rest. When we consider all of these creations, we begin to understand what wise, powerful, and loving beings Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are. They have shown great love for us by providing for all of our needs.

(To read the entire lesson, click here)

Quote - Moral Agency

"I know that God loves us. He allows us to exercise our moral agency even when we misuse it. He permits us to make our own decisions. Christ cannot help us if we do not trust Him; He cannot teach us if we do not serve Him. He will not force us to do what’s right, but He will show us the way only when we decide to serve Him. Certainly, for us to serve in His kingdom, Christ requires that we experience a change of thought and attitude."

--Thomas S. Monson, "Looking Back and Moving Forward", Ensign, May 2008, 87–90