8. What Is Prayer?

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

5. The Creation

God’s Plan for Us

The Creation, Why did we need to come to the earth?

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.

Why do you think we shouted for joy when we learned of the plan of salvation?

For teachers: Some class members or family members may not feel comfortable reading aloud. Before asking them to read aloud, you may want to ask, “Who would like to read?” Then call on individuals who have volunteered.

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

What are the purposes of 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).

Under the direction of the Father, Christ formed and organized the earth. He divided light from darkness to make day and night. He formed the sun, moon, and stars. He divided the waters from the dry land to make seas, rivers, and lakes. He made the earth beautiful and productive. He made grass, trees, flowers, and other plants of all kinds. These plants contained seeds from which new plants could grow. Then He created the animals—fish, cattle, insects, and birds of all kinds. These animals had the ability to reproduce their own kind.

Now the earth was ready for the greatest creation of all—mankind. Our spirits would be given bodies of flesh and blood so they could live on earth. “And I, God, said unto mine Only Begotten, which was with me from the beginning: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and it was so” (Moses 2:26). And so the first man, Adam, and the first woman, Eve, were formed and given bodies that resembled those of our heavenly parents. “In the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Genesis 1:27). When the Lord finished His creations, He was pleased and knew that His work was good, and He rested for a time.

God’s Creations Show His Love

How do God’s creations show that He loves us?

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.

Plant life and animal life were also made to give us joy. The Lord said, “Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart; yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul” (D&C 59:18–19). Even though God’s creations are many, He knows and loves them all. He said, “All things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them” (Moses 1:35).

What are some things you appreciate about God’s creations?

Additional Scriptures

Genesis 1; 2:1–7; Abraham 3:22–23; 4–5; Moses 1:27–42; 2–3 (accounts of the Creation)

Hebrews 1:1–3; Colossians 1:12–17; D&C 38:1–3 (Jesus the Creator)

D&C 59:18–20; Moses 2:26–31; D&C 104:13–17; Matthew 6:25–26 (Creation shows God’s love)

Chapter 5: The Creation

Gospel Principles

Books and Lessons

click here to be linked to a page to request a visit from Missionaries!

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

4. Freedom of Choice

Agency Is an Eternal Principle

Below the video is the entire class with links to the website for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I am always happy to respond and help. I encourage you to go online to the church’s site and request to have the missionaries visit you. Anywhere in the world!

The missionaries’ are simply awesome. They are young and full of the Holy Ghost. You will feel the love of our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ as you invite them into your home. You can have Peace and Joy in this life no matter what is happening in the world around you. Jesus promises, and these young missionaries are your path to receiving all that Jesus has promised!

If someone asked you why it is important to have agency, what would you say?

“Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee” (Moses 3:17).

God has told us through His prophets that we are free to choose between good and evil. We may choose liberty and eternal life by following Jesus Christ. We are also free to choose captivity and death by following Satan. (See 2 Nephi 2:27.) The right to choose between good and evil and to act for ourselves is called agency.

In our premortal life we had moral agency. One purpose of earth life is to show what choices we will make (see 2 Nephi 2:15–16). If we were forced to choose the right, we would not be able to show what we would choose for ourselves. Also, we are happier doing things when we have made our own choices.

Agency was one of the principal issues to arise in the premortal Council in Heaven. It was one of the main causes of the conflict between the followers of Christ and the followers of Satan. Satan said, “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). In saying this, he “rebelled against [God] and sought to destroy the agency of man” (Moses 4:3). His offer was rejected, and he was cast out of heaven with his followers (see D&C 29:36–37).

Agency Is a Necessary Part of the Plan of Salvation

Agency makes our life on earth a period of testing. When planning the mortal creation of His children, God said, “We will prove [test] them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:25). Without the gift of agency, we would have been unable to show our Heavenly Father whether we would do all that He commanded us. Because we are able to choose, we are responsible for our actions (see Helaman 14:30–31).

When we choose to live according to God’s plan for us, our agency is strengthened. Right choices increase our power to make more right choices.

As we obey each of our Father’s commandments, we grow in wisdom and strength of character. Our faith increases. We find it easier to make right choices.

We began to make choices as spirit children in our Heavenly Father’s presence. Our choices there made us worthy to come to earth. Our Heavenly Father wants us to grow in faith, power, knowledge, wisdom, and all other good things. If we keep His commandments and make right choices, we will learn and understand. We will become like Him. (See D&C 93:28.)

How does making right choices help us make more right choices?

Agency Requires That There Be a Choice

Why is opposition necessary?

We cannot choose righteousness unless the opposites of good and evil are placed before us. Lehi, a great Book of Mormon prophet, told his son Jacob that in order to bring about the eternal purposes of God, there must be “an opposition in all things. If not so, … righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad” (2 Nephi 2:11).

God allows Satan to oppose the good. God said of Satan:

“I caused that he should be cast down;

“And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice” (Moses 4:3–4).

Satan does all he can to destroy God’s work. He seeks “the misery of all mankind. … He seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:18, 27). He does not love us. He does not want any good thing for us (see Moroni 7:17). He does not want us to be happy. He wants to make us his slaves. He uses many disguises to enslave us.

When we follow the temptations of Satan, we limit our choices. The following example suggests how this works. Imagine seeing a sign on the seashore that reads: “Danger—whirlpool. No swimming allowed here.” We might think that is a restriction. But is it? We still have many choices. We are free to swim somewhere else. We are free to walk along the beach and pick up seashells. We are free to watch the sunset. We are free to go home. We are also free to ignore the sign and swim in the dangerous place. But once the whirlpool has us in its grasp and we are pulled under, we have very few choices. We can try to escape, or we can call for help, but we may drown.

For teachers: A simple picture can help learners focus their attention. If you discuss the analogy of a warning sign as it is presented in this chapter, you may want to draw a picture of such a sign on the board or on a large piece of paper.

Even though we are free to choose our course of action, we are not free to choose the consequences of our actions. The consequences, whether good or bad, follow as a natural result of any choice we make (see Galatians 6:7; Revelation 22:12).

Heavenly Father has told us how to escape the captivity of Satan. We must watch and pray always, asking God to help us withstand the temptations of Satan (see 3 Nephi 18:15). Our Heavenly Father will not allow us to be tempted beyond our power to resist (see 1 Corinthians 10:13; Alma 13:28).

God’s commandments direct us away from danger and toward eternal life. By choosing wisely, we will gain exaltation, progress eternally, and enjoy perfect happiness (see 2 Nephi 2:27–28).

What are some examples of actions that limit our choices? What are some examples of actions that give us more freedom?

Additional Scriptures

Moses 7:32 (freedom of choice)

Abraham 3:24–25 (earth life a test)

Alma 41:3; Moroni 7:5–6 (works judged)

2 Nephi 2:11–16 (opposition is necessary)

Moroni 7:12–17 (choosing good and evil)

2 Peter 2:19; John 8:34 (sin is bondage)

2 Nephi 2:28–29; Alma 40:12–13 (reward according to works)

Chapter 4: Freedom to Choose

Gospel Principles

Books and Lessons

Thank You!

2. Our Heavenly Family,

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…

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

1840 German Bible Wonderful Artwork!

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.

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

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

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