Tag: Jesus

8. What Is Prayer?

8. What Is Prayer?

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Praying to Our Heavenly Father

Jesus taught, “Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name” (3 Nephi 18:19).

please follow the link to request missionaries to come visit and give you further instruction in prayer, and closeness with our Father in Heaven and His son Jesus our Savior. I will do more on prayer, as time goes on. Sharing my experiences etc.. I hope this helps…

Make sure and click on the photo of the missionaries at the bottom of this blog post…. They will be right there is you ask… anywhere in the world!

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.

Prayer is a sincere, heartfelt talk with our Heavenly Father. We should pray to God and to no one else. We do not pray to any other being or to anything made by man or God (see Exodus 20:3–5).

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.

We should pray for strength to resist the temptations of Satan and his followers (see 3 Nephi 18:15; D&C 10:5). We should pray to confess our sins to God and ask Him to forgive us (see Alma 38:14).

We should pray for the Lord’s guidance and help in our daily lives. We need to pray for our families and friends, our neighbors, our crops and our animals, our daily work, and our other activities. We should pray for protection from our enemies. (See Alma 34:17–27.)

We should pray to express love to our Heavenly Father and to feel closer to Him. We should pray to our Father to thank Him for our welfare and comfort and for all things He gives us each day (see 1 Thessalonians 5:18). We need to pray to ask our Heavenly Father for strength to live the gospel.

We should pray so we can keep on the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. We must pray to God, the author of all righteousness, so we may be righteous in our thoughts, words, and actions.

How has prayer helped you draw nearer to Heavenly Father?

When Should We Pray?

We can pray whenever we feel the need to communicate with our Heavenly Father, whether silently or vocally. Sometimes we need to be alone where we can pour out our souls to Him (see Matthew 6:6). In addition, we can pray during our daily activities. We can pray while we are in a Church meeting, at home, walking down a path or street, working, preparing a meal, or wherever we may be and whatever we may be doing. We can pray any time of the day or night. We can pray when we are alone or when we are with other people. We can keep our Heavenly Father in our thoughts at all times (see Alma 34:27). We can “pray always” (D&C 10:5).

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).

We should each pray privately at least every night and every morning. The scriptures speak of praying morning, midday, and evening (see Alma 34:21).

We are commanded to have family prayers so that our families may be blessed (see 3 Nephi 18:21). Our Church leaders have counseled us to pray as families each morning and night.

We also have the privilege of praying to give thanks and ask a blessing on the food before each meal.

We open and close all of our Church meetings with prayer. We thank the Lord for His blessings and ask for His help so we may worship in a manner that pleases Him.

How Should We Pray?

No matter where we are, whether we stand or kneel, whether we pray vocally or silently, whether we pray privately or in behalf of a group, we should always pray in faith, “with a sincere heart, with real intent” (Moroni 10:4).

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?

Why do you think answers to prayers are not always readily apparent? Why do you think answers to prayers do not always come when we want or in the way we want?

Our sincere prayers are always answered. Sometimes the answer may be no, because what we have asked for would not be best for us. Sometimes the answer is yes, and we have a warm, comfortable feeling about what we should do (see D&C 9:8–9). Sometimes the answer is “wait a while.” Our prayers are always answered at a time and in a way that the Lord knows will help us the most.

Sometimes the Lord answers our prayers through other people. A good friend, a husband or wife, a parent or other family member, a Church leader, a missionary—any of these individuals may be inspired to perform acts that will answer our prayers. An example of this is the experience of a young mother whose baby was injured in an accident at home. She had no way to get the baby to a doctor. She was new in the neighborhood and did not know her neighbors. The young mother prayed for help. In a few minutes, a neighbor came to the door, saying, “I had a feeling I should come and see if you needed any help.” The neighbor helped the young mother get the baby to a doctor.

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.

As we live the gospel of Jesus Christ and pray always, we will have joy and happiness. “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers” (D&C 112:10).

In what ways has Heavenly Father answered your prayers?

Additional Scriptures and Other Sources

James 1:5 (what to pray for)

1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 55:17; 2 Nephi 32:9 (when to pray)

Alma 34:26 (where to pray)

3 Nephi 19:6, 24 (how to pray)

D&C 88:63–65 (how prayers are answered)

Moroni 10:3–5; Alma 37:37 (promises for prayer)

James 5:16 (the power of a prayer from a righteous person)

Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 753

Please consider inviting the missionaries to come visit and answer your questions. These young Men and Women teach with the power and authority of Jesus Christ through the Holy Ghost. They are not pushy, rather they are kind loving and amazingly knowledgeable representatives of Jesus Christ and his church. Click the link below anywhere in the world and they will come visit.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/missionary-visit

just click on the photo of the missionaries, and request a visit. I am happy to respond as well.

Request Missionaries Here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/missionary-visit

3. Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior

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Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior

A Savior and Leader Was Needed

Why did we need to leave Heavenly Father’s presence? Why do we need a Savior?

When the plan for our salvation was presented to us in the premortal spirit world, we were so happy that we shouted for joy (see Job 38:7).

We understood that we would have to leave our heavenly home for a time. We would not live in the presence of our Heavenly Father. While we were away from Him, all of us would sin and some of us would lose our way. Our Heavenly Father knew and loved each one of us. He knew we would need help, so He planned a way to help us.

We needed a Savior to pay for our sins and teach us how to return to our Heavenly Father. Our Father said, “Whom shall I send?” (Abraham 3:27). Jesus Christ, who was called Jehovah, said, “Here am I, send me” (Abraham 3:27; see also Moses 4:1–4).

Jesus was willing to come to the earth, give His life for us, and take upon Himself our sins. He, like our Heavenly Father, wanted us to choose whether we would obey Heavenly Father’s commandments. He knew we must be free to choose in order to prove ourselves worthy of exaltation. Jesus said, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever” (Moses 4:2).

Satan, who was called Lucifer, also came, saying, “Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor” (Moses 4:1). Satan wanted to force us all to do his will. Under his plan, we would not be allowed to choose. He would take away the freedom of choice that our Father had given us. Satan wanted to have all the honor for our salvation. Under his proposal, our purpose in coming to earth would have been frustrated (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay [2003], 207).

Jesus Christ Became Our Chosen Leader and Savior

As you read this section, think about the feelings you have for the Savior.

After hearing both sons speak, Heavenly Father said, “I will send the first” (Abraham 3:27).

Jesus Christ was chosen and foreordained to be our Savior. Many scriptures tell about this (see, for example, 1 Peter 1:19–20; Moses 4:1–2). One scripture tells us that long before Jesus was born, He appeared to a Book of Mormon prophet known as the brother of Jared and said: “Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. … In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name” (Ether 3:14).

When Jesus lived on earth, He taught: “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. … And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:38, 40).

The War in Heaven

Because our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Satan became angry and rebelled. There was war in heaven. Satan and his followers fought against Jesus Christ and His followers. The Savior’s followers “overcame [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11).

In this great rebellion, Satan and all the spirits who followed him were sent away from the presence of God and cast down from heaven. A third part of the hosts of heaven were punished for following Satan (see D&C 29:36). They were denied the right to receive mortal bodies.

Because we are here on earth and have mortal bodies, we know that we chose to follow Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Satan and his followers are also on the earth, but as spirits. They have not forgotten who we are, and they are around us daily, tempting us and enticing us to do things that are not pleasing to our Heavenly Father. In our premortal life, we chose to follow Jesus Christ and accept God’s plan. We must continue to follow Jesus Christ here on earth. Only by following Him can we return to our heavenly home.

In what ways does the War in Heaven continue today?

We Have the Savior’s Teachings to Follow

Think about how the Savior’s teachings have influenced you.

From the beginning, Jesus Christ has revealed the gospel, which tells us what we must do to return to our Heavenly Father. At the appointed time He came to earth Himself. He taught the plan of salvation and exaltation by His word and by the way He lived. He established His Church and His priesthood on the earth. He took our sins upon Himself.

By following His teachings, we can inherit a place in the celestial kingdom. He did His part to help us return to our heavenly home. It is now up to each of us to do our part and become worthy of exaltation.

Additional Scriptures

Moses 4:1–4; Abraham 3:22–28 (Savior chosen in premortality)

D&C 76:25–29 (War in Heaven)

Revelation 12:7–9, 11 (Savior’s followers in the War in Heaven overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony)

Isaiah 14:12–15 (why Lucifer was cast out)

Please follow the links below to the The Church of Jesus Christ, or latter day saints, site.

It has all the scriptures, in an easy to use, highlight tab sync library, etc…

Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, Our Chosen Leader and Savior

Gospel Principles

Books and Lessons

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-3-jesus-christ-our-chosen-leader-and-savior?lang=eng&verse=#p

To meet with missionaries please click here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/missionary-visit

2. Our Heavenly Family,

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We Are Children of Our Heavenly Father

What do scriptures and latter-day prophets teach us about our relationship to God?

God is not only our Ruler and Creator; He is also our Heavenly Father. All men and women are literally the sons and daughters of God. “Man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal [physical] body” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 335).

Every person who was ever born on earth is our spirit brother or sister. Because we are the spirit children of God, we have inherited the potential to develop His divine qualities. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can become like our Heavenly Father and receive a fulness of joy.

For teachers: You do not need to teach everything in each chapter. As you prayerfully prepare to teach, seek the Spirit’s guidance to know which portions of the chapter you should cover and which questions you should ask.

How does your knowledge that you are a child of God influence your thoughts, words, and actions?

We Developed Personalities and Talents While We Lived in Heaven

Think about talents and gifts you have been blessed with.

The scriptures teach us that the prophets prepared themselves to become leaders on earth while they were still spirits in heaven (see Alma 13:1–3). Before they were born into mortal bodies, God foreordained (chose) them to be leaders on earth. Jesus, Adam, and Abraham were some of these leaders. (See Abraham 3:22–23.) Joseph Smith taught that “every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was [fore]ordained to that very purpose” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 511). However, everyone on earth is free to accept or reject any opportunity to serve.

We were not all alike in heaven. We know, for example, that we were sons and daughters of heavenly parents—males and females (see “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). We possessed different talents and abilities, and we were called to do different things on earth. We can learn more about our “eternal possibilities” when we receive our patriarchal blessings (see Thomas S. Monson, in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 82; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 66).

A veil covers our memories of our premortal life, but our Father in Heaven knows who we are and what we did before we came here. He has chosen the time and place for each of us to be born so we can learn the lessons we personally need and do the most good with our individual talents and personalities.

How have other people’s talents blessed you? How can your talents and gifts bless others?

Our Heavenly Father Presented a Plan for Us to Become Like Him

How does earth life help prepare us to become like our Heavenly Father?

For teachers: Class members or family members are more likely to give a thoughtful answer to a question if they are given time to ponder their response. For example, after asking a question, you could say, “Please take a minute to think about your response, and then I’ll ask for answers.” Then give them time to ponder.

Our Heavenly Father knew we could not progress beyond a certain point unless we left Him for a time. He wanted us to develop the godlike qualities that He has. To do this, we needed to leave our premortal home to be tested and to gain experience. Our spirits needed to be clothed with physical bodies. We would need to leave our physical bodies at death and reunite with them in the Resurrection. Then we would receive immortal bodies like that of our Heavenly Father. If we passed our tests, we would receive the fulness of joy that our Heavenly Father has received. (See D&C 93:30–34.)

Our Heavenly Father called a Grand Council to present His plan for our progression (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 209, 511). We learned that if we followed His plan, we would become like Him. We would be resurrected; we would have all power in heaven and on earth; we would become heavenly parents and have spirit children just as He does (see D&C 132:19–20).

We learned that He would provide an earth for us where we would prove ourselves (see Abraham 3:24–26). A veil would cover our memories, and we would forget our heavenly home. This would be necessary so we could exercise our agency to choose good or evil without being influenced by the memory of living with our Heavenly Father. Thus we could obey Him because of our faith in Him, not because of our knowledge or memory of Him. He would help us recognize the truth when we heard it again on earth (see John 18:37).

At the Grand Council we also learned the purpose for our progression: to have a fulness of joy. However, we also learned that some would be deceived, choose other paths, and lose their way. We learned that all of us would have trials in our lives: sickness, disappointment, pain, sorrow, and death. But we understood that these would be given to us for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). If we allowed them to, these trials would purify us rather than defeat us. They would teach us to have endurance, patience, and charity (see Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 15–16).

At this council we also learned that because of our weakness, all of us except little children would sin (see D&C 29:46–47). We learned that a Savior would be provided for us so we could overcome our sins and overcome death with resurrection. We learned that if we placed our faith in Him, obeying His word and following His example, we would be exalted and become like our Heavenly Father. We would receive a fulness of joy.

List some of Heavenly Father’s attributes. How does the plan of salvation help us develop these attributes?

Additional Scriptures

Hebrews 12:9 (God is the Father of our spirits)

Job 38:4–7 (premortal life implied)

Abraham 3:22–28 (vision of premortal life)

Jeremiah 1:5 (vision of premortal life)

D&C 29:31–38 (vision of premortal life)

Moses 3:4–7 (spiritual and temporal creations)

1 Corinthians 15:44 (spiritual and temporal creations)

D&C 76:23–24 (begotten sons and daughters)

D&C 132:11–26 (plan for progression)

Chapter 2: Our Heavenly Family

Gospel Principles

Books and Lessons To Learn more faster click the link below, wonderful resources, all scriptures, as well as lesson plans etc…

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-principles/chapter-2-our-heavenly-family?lang=eng&verse=#p

To meet with missionaries please click here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/requests/missionary-visit

Defining Scripture!

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All truth belongs to our Father in Heaven. 

At its most basic level scripture then is 2 + 2 = 4

Now we add Satan to the mix telling us good is evil and evil is good. As clear as that seems isn’t that what we see from Hollywood and the Hollywood News?

But it starts with Satan saying 2+2= 2.000001. In other words 99.99% true. To be clear than that is not from our Father run Heaven as it is t 100% true.

I have friends that are into science and ancient aliens and ancient technology that built the pyramids etc. I can believe in some of what they say. The true part.

How do we tell? Prayerfully reading the core scriptures and developing a relationship with Jesus. We then can “ask” and as Jesus promised “knock and it shall be opened unto you”. And “seek and ye shall find”.

Let’s take a book as a great example. We become what we think about and what / who we tell ourselves we are. The books the secret or the power of intention are two great examples of being 99% correct. The scriptures tell us to ask God for what we need or want. Then we are told to be patient while we wait. If we simple remove the thought that “the universe” will do this or that and change that to Our Father in Heaven will answer our prayers we now have corrected these books.

Remember all things Gods created spiritually before they were manifested into this world. Thoughts are things according to Anthony Robins. And “there is creative power in our words. According to the core scriptures. “

So let’s remember to speak what we want. Only what we want. God through Jesus spoke and this world was created.

I’d encourage everyone to have a vision board. Here is a picture of mine. In the center is Jesus. Put In order

1.Jesus

2. My wife

3. My Children

4. You!

Ever in-front of me are reminders of what’s important to me. And Yes I have written plans for business and have had them for 40+ years now ever since reading think and grow rich!

Peace, love, know you are forgiven!

One of my reminders. #HearHim

And this is my vision board

Working from home as I can. I had a horrible injury on 10-26-20. Lots of surgeries. Jesus has a plan for me I am being patient as I wait for Him to tell me. Note: Jesus will tell me His plan for my new life. Just because my spine is mostly titanium now means nothing but some physical pain 24/7 now. But the best is yet to come. I am waiting for I know Jesus always answers my prayers.

Peace and love and know you are perfect as you are as God made you. God gave you all your weakness to keep you humble but has said His grace is sufficient = your sins are forgiven. And He has said believe in me and I will make the weak things strong into you! Today is the beginning of your new life!

1840 German Bible Wonderful Artwork!

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Just wanted to share. At times when I am stressed I have an album on my phone “peaceful photos”. I’ll turn to it and just look at the pictures.

I know Jesus and seeing Him always brings peace. If you look at my Facebook profile my personal one I have an album there with over 200 pictures. Feel free to grab them for yourself. Anxiety runs from our savior!

I hope you like them. I think they are really detailed. Hand drawn!

Also I am starting with a bit of a prompt. In todays world the only thing we can do is get as close to Jesus as we can. #hearhim has lots of wonderful videos etc.

Peace, Love, Acceptance, forgiveness these things are of Jesus. But “he” that has the spirit of contention is of Satan as Jesus has nothing to do with contention! #HearHim

I know Jesus and seeing Him always brings peace. If you look at my Facebook profile my personal one I have an album there with over 200 pictures. Feel free to grab them for yourself. Anxiety runs from our savior!

If it wasn’t this it would be something else.

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From the movie “Elizabeth Town”. I’ve kinda adopted this as mine. Seems most of my great ideas or sayings originated somewhere else?

Just to share no $ just send a address to my P.O. Box 3669 turlock ca 95381. Or just a message with your address and how many you’d like.

It’s a nice picture of Jesus reminding to keep Him first. See the photo of the front and back. We laminate them etc ourselves so not high quality. But the message and the picture bring me peace and comfort. I have 4-5 different ones they are about the size of a credit card so fits nicely in your wallet.

No kidding not a con or some other bs. My wife made one of these larger a few years ago and put it on our refrigerator. One of those days when you out your head against the refrigerator and say a prayer for some help. And sure enough Jesus shows up. I opened my eye and read the blurb and saw the picture of Jesus. It changed me life from that minute on.

Let us know which one or ones you’d like. And we will send it to you. No $$ please just pay it forward.

Anyway just get us your address and let us know which ones you’d like.
This is the one from our refrigerator and what’s on the pack of the photo we will send you.

I am going to say. It. Is what it. Is Things change and they cage he fast. If anyone could give you one thing. Just one thing it would be one of these pictures with the reminder to out Jesus first!

Your life will change. Peace, love, joy, acceptance, forgiveness just a big ole hug fromGod Himself is what this is!

Peace in a busy day

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Please share my video with me.

The theme is finding peace in your day. Even when everything is great I still worry. Yet a peaceful place is key to staying at peace and being able to pray out loud “speak to our savior” have a conversation for an hour changes your life and as you will see I intertwine this with our work which is always helping others. 🙂

GDBLU says so!

If you don’t give up you can never fail. Jesus taught us that. We fail and then repent and get up and go again and fall and repent and go again. We don’t give up. And won’t at anything else we desire to achieve.

 

Having a Peaceful Retreat is Key for anyone working a half day or more. Ie. 12 hours or more it’s a must also as I am almost 60 now I find I need it more even though my day maybe fewer hours I accomplish more and remain centered in Jesus.

 

Old Church’s Always Remind Me of a Great Scripture

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I found these two church’s in Pacific Grove.

John 17:20

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

As Jesus prayed for his apostles he gave them great blessings and power as He said he goes to be with the Father so whatever you ask in His name He will do it. Faith of course is the key that unlocks the powers of Heaven in your life.

This verse then blesses us all that believe on the words of his apostles these same blessings.

There are other verse in the scriptures that come to mind.

Such as how blessed are they that seeing believe Jesus is the son of God. But how more blessed are they that have not seen Him and believe. Aka the rest of us! Love, peace & Jesus !

Pacifica Grove Ca GDBLU
Pacific Grove Ca. GDBLU