Merciful Answers
For those who sometimes struggle to feel answers to prayer, seeking the Lord’s mercy is one of the most powerful ways to feel the witness of the Holy Ghost. – James R. Rasband, “The Plan of Mercy,” Liahona (CR) May 2025
Prayer
Spiritual Malnutrition
Just as salmon need to be nourished in the ocean to grow, we also need to nourish ourselves spiritually to avoid dying of spiritual malnutrition. Prayer, the scriptures, the temple, and our regular attendance at Sunday meetings are vital in our spiritual menu. – Sergio R. Vargas, “Our Heavenly Guidance System,” Liahona (CR) May 2025
Answers to Prayers
Sometimes we seem to get no answer to our sincere and striving prayers. It takes faith to remember that the Lord answers in His time and in His way so as to best bless us. Or, on further reflection, we will often realize that we already know full well what we should do. Please do […]
No Appointment Needed
It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent […]
Recognizing Blessings That We Receive
I always have very tender feelings about prayers and the power and blessings of prayer. In my lifetime I have received more blessings than I can ever adequately give thanks for. The Lord has been so good to me. I have had so many experiences in sickness and in health that leave me with no […]
What Can We Learn Through Prayer?
When we pray, we should speak from our hearts, express our gratitude, and share our hopes and desires. Once we have said all that we want to say, we end our prayer by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” We do this because Jesus commanded us to pray in His name. Praying to […]
The Testimony of James is True
For all the beautiful truths we might learn from that First Vision, perhaps Joseph’s main takeaway was simply, “I had found the testimony of James to be true—that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain.” As one scholar noted: “The real resonance of the First Vision today is to know that […]
Certain Answers
Looking back, I know for sure that the promises of the Lord, if perhaps not always swift, are always certain. – Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Continue in Patience,” Ensign (CR) May 2010
Prayer and Work
I long have been impressed with the truth that meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as “a form of work, … is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings” (Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 753). We press […]
Receive Counsel through Prayer
When we pray, we should not presume to give counsel but should inquire of the Lord24 and hearken to His counsel.25 Joseph Smith’s first prayer ushered in the Restoration of the gospel.26 In 1833, he received the Word of Wisdom after asking the Lord for counsel.27 The revelation on the priesthood received in 1978 by […]