Sunday, March 25, 2012
Power of Prayer
I have been thinking a lot about this topic because of the powerful and personal impact it has on my life.
Matt 21:22
"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."
Matt 26:41
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
I love this scripture because so many times I feel my Spirit willing me to do something, but I feel held back or unsure. I don't feel I have the strength to overcome my weaknesses and accomplish the goals to which I aspire.
1 Thes. 5:17
"Pray without ceasing"
Always have a prayer in your heart to keep your mind centered on Jesus Christ
James 1:6
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Moroni 7:49
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
It is an opportunity for us to become one with the Father, to allow our wills to be swallowed up in His will. That we may become submissive and humble to our Father in Heaven.
There are so many songs about prayer and I love te words and the beauty and faith they convey.
Sweet Hour of Prayer
1. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
2. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
Believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Did You Think to Pray?
1. Ere you left your room this morning,
Did you think to pray?
In the name of Christ, our Savior,
Did you sue for loving favor
As a shield today?
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.
2. When your heart was filled with anger,
Did you think to pray?
Did you plead for grace, my brother,
That you might forgive another
Who had crossed your way?
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don’t forget to pray.
3. When sore trials came upon you,
Did you think to pray?
When your soul was full of sorrow,
Balm of Gilead did you borrow
At the gates of day?
Oh, how praying rests the weary!
Prayer will change the night to day.
So, when life gets dark and dreary,
Don't forget to pray
A Child’s Prayer
1. Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray.
Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
“Suffer the children to come to me.”
Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee.
2. Pray, he is there;
Speak, he is list’ning.
You are his child;
His love now surrounds you.
He hears your prayer;
He loves the children.
Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav’n.
I love prayer. It is a form of meditation. It is a chance to shut out the noise of the world and communicate to my Father in Heaven. I feel like I can be completely honest an open with my feelings. I have prayers that are pure gratitude where I just pour out thanks to my Father in Heaven. Some prayers are short desperate pleas for assistance. Most of my prayers are a combination of thanksgiving and humble requests. All of my prayers include a fervent repentance and a plea for forgiveness oft sins. There have been a few prayers of anger when I'm frustrated with how life is going but I'm usually humbled very quickly and realize that God is not at fault. I am so grateful to have this form of communication with my Father in Heaven. It is through prayer that I feel the love of my Heavenly Father and feel the cleansing power of the Atonement. Prayer is sacred and prayer is universal. Prayer can be meaningful in a variety of situations or circumstances as long as it is heartfelt and sincere. Even a small child can pray and Heavenly Father will hear and answer their prayer. We should always have a prayer in our hearts. If we do we will fill an increase of love for our Father in Heaven, His Son, Jesus Christ, and all of His children around us here on Earth.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Light
I have been thinking a lot recently about light and knowledge. I have received some new insights and understandings and I am so grateful for this increase of intelligence I have been pondering its source. I think that all light, physical and intellectual, comes from one source. That source is Jesus Christ and His light is in all things.
D&C 88:13
"The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."
The light that connects us all to each other and to all of God's creations.
D&C 88:11
"And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;"
Our knowledge and intelligence is gained through Jesus Christ. As we do the work to learn and grow through experience, Christ will give us the light of new understanding and we will learn line upon line, precept on precept, little by little.
Walk before you run. We are all in a state of imperfection so we should have a goal to be constantly improving ourselves. This can be done through our Lord an Savior Jesus Christ.
D&C 34:2
"The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;"
We have to be open and receptive to receive the understandings of the Lord. His light gives life. Our life is not possible without his light.
D&C 50:24
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
All good comes from God because he is light and any light that is received is given by God. He wants is to gain understanding and any man or woman open to receiving His light can receive it. Anything that is good originates from God.
D&C 12:9
"Behold, I am the light and the life of the world, that speak these words, therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen."
He is our guiding light in this life. If we choose to follow Him, He will guide us to return to our Father in Heaven.
D&C 115:5
"Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;"
We each have our own light which can be a reflection of His light and which can be used as an example to others. We have the ability to not only follow Jesus Christ but lead others to Him.
THE LIGHT AND LIFE OF THE WORLD
D&C 88:13
"The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."
The light that connects us all to each other and to all of God's creations.
D&C 88:11
"And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;"
Our knowledge and intelligence is gained through Jesus Christ. As we do the work to learn and grow through experience, Christ will give us the light of new understanding and we will learn line upon line, precept on precept, little by little.
Walk before you run. We are all in a state of imperfection so we should have a goal to be constantly improving ourselves. This can be done through our Lord an Savior Jesus Christ.
D&C 34:2
"The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;"
We have to be open and receptive to receive the understandings of the Lord. His light gives life. Our life is not possible without his light.
D&C 50:24
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."
All good comes from God because he is light and any light that is received is given by God. He wants is to gain understanding and any man or woman open to receiving His light can receive it. Anything that is good originates from God.
D&C 12:9
"Behold, I am the light and the life of the world, that speak these words, therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen."
He is our guiding light in this life. If we choose to follow Him, He will guide us to return to our Father in Heaven.
D&C 115:5
"Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;"
We each have our own light which can be a reflection of His light and which can be used as an example to others. We have the ability to not only follow Jesus Christ but lead others to Him.
THE LIGHT AND LIFE OF THE WORLD
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Charity
I have been wanting to increase the charity I have within my heart towards my fellow man. Of course I want to be more loving to my family, but I want to love all of God's children. I think I do love them in a very small way, but I have discovered that what I need is charity and I need it in greater abundance than I do now. I have been doing some searching on the topic and I have some new ideas.
Charity is the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:47) which means that Jesus Christ has love for all of us. Heavenly Father loves all of us and we in turn love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The first great commandment is to love God and then to love your neighbor (matt 22:37-39). So real, true, pure love (or charity) is the energy that binds us all together. It connects all of God's children together.
This connection is given to us but we can lose it. So it is something we have to work to keep. We need to practice charity. We do this through serving others (Mosiah 4:16). When we serve others we develop a stronger sense of charity. This is necessary for our eternal development and salvation (Moroni 10:21).
"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
- Moroni 7:45 (1 Cor 13:4)
ALL THINGS
That stood out to be not only because it is said multiple times, but also because it is so absolute. It's the scripture version of "love conquers all". I believe it is true. If you have enough love you are willing to forgive any fault, you are willing to sacrifice any amount of time, any worldly possession for that person. Heavenly Father loves you and asks you to love Him and His children in return. I think of a dear friend that I have in my life who has a child of their own. I love this friend very much and I love her child very much. How much more love I should have for my Father in Heaven? How can I deny him this request?
I do not think that I can love all others over night. It may take me some time to feel real genuine love for every person. I struggle with drivers who cut me off in traffic and referees who make horrible calls at games, but I am learning to let go of my anger and focus on increasing my understanding and compassion for others. Love unifies all of God's children together in the great eternal family.
Charity is the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:47) which means that Jesus Christ has love for all of us. Heavenly Father loves all of us and we in turn love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The first great commandment is to love God and then to love your neighbor (matt 22:37-39). So real, true, pure love (or charity) is the energy that binds us all together. It connects all of God's children together.
This connection is given to us but we can lose it. So it is something we have to work to keep. We need to practice charity. We do this through serving others (Mosiah 4:16). When we serve others we develop a stronger sense of charity. This is necessary for our eternal development and salvation (Moroni 10:21).
"And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
- Moroni 7:45 (1 Cor 13:4)
ALL THINGS
That stood out to be not only because it is said multiple times, but also because it is so absolute. It's the scripture version of "love conquers all". I believe it is true. If you have enough love you are willing to forgive any fault, you are willing to sacrifice any amount of time, any worldly possession for that person. Heavenly Father loves you and asks you to love Him and His children in return. I think of a dear friend that I have in my life who has a child of their own. I love this friend very much and I love her child very much. How much more love I should have for my Father in Heaven? How can I deny him this request?
I do not think that I can love all others over night. It may take me some time to feel real genuine love for every person. I struggle with drivers who cut me off in traffic and referees who make horrible calls at games, but I am learning to let go of my anger and focus on increasing my understanding and compassion for others. Love unifies all of God's children together in the great eternal family.
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| Brotherly Love |
Sunday, November 13, 2011
The Lord is in My Life
I have a firm belief that The Lord is personally involved in each of our lives. I know that the Jesus Christ knows each of us personally and individually and He loves and cares for us. I know this because I have seen His hand guiding me and blessing me. I know that in a world with 7,000,000,0000 people it may be hard to believe that 1 person matters, but YOU do. Jesus Christ loves each and every person.
He loves every girl.
"...for the worth of souls is great in the sight of God..." D&C 18:10
The only way that I know that what I do every day is worth doing, is because I know that my Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ know me and love me.
He loves every boy.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Freedom
True, lasting freedom comes from true inner peace. The peace that can only be found through Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
However, if we are free from sin then our hearts and spirits are free through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Yes, repentance is painful, the greater the sin, the greater the pain. After repentance, the purity is liberating. No longer are we weighed down or burdened by guilt and sorrow. Our load is lightened when we put our faith and trust in the Savior.
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27This peace can be found when we repent of our sins, confess them and forsake them, and follow Jesus Christ. Some may think that by following commandments we are not free, but contained by rules. This is false. It is through sin that we are contained, chained, captive, damned, imprisoned, and held hostage. If we give into our carnal desires than we are under their power and it is their will that we follow.
However, if we are free from sin then our hearts and spirits are free through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Yes, repentance is painful, the greater the sin, the greater the pain. After repentance, the purity is liberating. No longer are we weighed down or burdened by guilt and sorrow. Our load is lightened when we put our faith and trust in the Savior.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30Jesus Christ takes upon himself our burden and in return gives us his yoke which is light because he has done no sin. He lived a perfect life free from sin so He had no sorrow or guilt of His own to weigh him down. In Gethsemane He took upon Him all the suffering of the world that he may redeem us. He suffered all that we might live. He saved us from death through resurrection and from spiritual death if we repent and follow Him. Jesus Christ is our SAVIOR, REDEEMER, LIBERATOR.
"O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe." 2 Nephi 1:13Overcoming our weaknesses and temptations and all the CHAINS with which Satan ensnares us, through Jesus Christ, we are set FREE. If you desire freedom in your life, turn to the One who sets us all free from death and hell, the SAVIOR, Jesus Christ.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Forget-Me-Not
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a very powerful and moving address last night to the sisters of the Relief Society. The Relief Society is the women's organization in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It has the motto of "charity never faileth". It's major purpose is to help those in need and to succor the weak, whether they belong to the Church or not. President Uchtdorf's talk was directed at every women on earth, all of the daughters of God and I truly hope that his message is able to penetrate every female heart. I also hope that any man who hears his talk is able to have the truth of his message resonate within him.
President Uchtdorf used the metaphor of the little blue forget-me-not flower. Sometime we may feel small and overshadowed, but sometimes the smallest flower can have the purest beauty. He used the five petals to discuss 5 important truths that we should never forget.
1. Don't forget to be patient with yourself. Don't punish yourself for not being perfect. You can have high expectations for yourself, but don't have impossible expectations. Be compassionate with yourself. This is a hard one for me because I expect a lot of myself and I fall short and I get upset and discouraged. It is so important not to let that discouragement rule my life. I need to celebrate the small and simple victories of every day life. I can keep high expectations, but not beat myself up when I fall short. I can learn from them without despairing.
2. Remember the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. It is wise to sacrifice something that is good for something better, but it is foolish to sacrifice something good for something less important. One of the examples he gave was it is a good sacrifice to miss a night of sleep to care for a sick child, but foolish to miss a night of sleep making trinkets for every member of your Sunday School class.
3. Be happy now. We should not be wasting time waiting for a "golden ticket" or a magical moment in life when all will be right and we will be happy. We need to learn to be happy now. (The golden ticket referenced Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Everyone was so focused on getting a golden ticket that they forgot to enjoy the simple pleasure of a chocolate candy bar. Enjoy the chocolate ;) At least that's what I go from that)
4. Remember the "why" of the Gospel. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the "what" and "how" of the Gospel, but the "why" is important. The Gospel is not an obligation, it is a pathway. Keeping the commandments of the Lord and living the standards of the Church is not a burden, but a light. It is the guidance from our Father in Heaven to find true joy.
5. The Lord LOVES you. You are not forgotten. This is the sincerest and most penetrating truth. The Lord knows who you are, He knows your name, He knows your strengths and weaknesses. He loves you and you are not forgotten.
"Never stop striving for the best that is within you." - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
President Uchtdorf used the metaphor of the little blue forget-me-not flower. Sometime we may feel small and overshadowed, but sometimes the smallest flower can have the purest beauty. He used the five petals to discuss 5 important truths that we should never forget.
1. Don't forget to be patient with yourself. Don't punish yourself for not being perfect. You can have high expectations for yourself, but don't have impossible expectations. Be compassionate with yourself. This is a hard one for me because I expect a lot of myself and I fall short and I get upset and discouraged. It is so important not to let that discouragement rule my life. I need to celebrate the small and simple victories of every day life. I can keep high expectations, but not beat myself up when I fall short. I can learn from them without despairing.
2. Remember the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. It is wise to sacrifice something that is good for something better, but it is foolish to sacrifice something good for something less important. One of the examples he gave was it is a good sacrifice to miss a night of sleep to care for a sick child, but foolish to miss a night of sleep making trinkets for every member of your Sunday School class.
3. Be happy now. We should not be wasting time waiting for a "golden ticket" or a magical moment in life when all will be right and we will be happy. We need to learn to be happy now. (The golden ticket referenced Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Everyone was so focused on getting a golden ticket that they forgot to enjoy the simple pleasure of a chocolate candy bar. Enjoy the chocolate ;) At least that's what I go from that)
4. Remember the "why" of the Gospel. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the "what" and "how" of the Gospel, but the "why" is important. The Gospel is not an obligation, it is a pathway. Keeping the commandments of the Lord and living the standards of the Church is not a burden, but a light. It is the guidance from our Father in Heaven to find true joy.
5. The Lord LOVES you. You are not forgotten. This is the sincerest and most penetrating truth. The Lord knows who you are, He knows your name, He knows your strengths and weaknesses. He loves you and you are not forgotten.
"Never stop striving for the best that is within you." - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Music of the Heart
I believe that music is one of the purest ways that the Spirit can communicate with our souls. I think next to that would be poetry. When these two combine to become hymns than something truly spiritual can happen. I say can because my heat and mind to be open to receiving the Spirit in order to feel the message. When a hymn is shared it can be the most powerful way for one human to communicate what they are feeling, with feeling, to another human. I think musicals are so successful because music is a powerful vehicle of communication that can be used in many different ways for good or for evil. I have seen how music being played in a room can affect the mood of everyone in that room and how changing the music can change the mood. This power is best used when music is meant to carry a spiritual message. I mean any message that can not be fully or honestly expressed in any other way. Joy, pain, sorrow, happiness, gratitude, love, etc. all of these feelings are best expressed in song.
D&C 25:12 "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." The Lord hears our songs and they can be as powerful as prayer unto him when sung in righteousness. I'm glad he doesn't take all our songs as prayers...but there are times when I can only express what I feel to my Father in Heaven and my Savior through song. I have included some links to some songs that I find powerful and moving. Some are hymns from Church hymnbooks and others are just from individual people hoping to express their true spiritual feelings. Sometimes even watching the video can be distracting, try closing your eyes and just listening with your heart.
"How Can I Be"
D&C 25:12 "For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." The Lord hears our songs and they can be as powerful as prayer unto him when sung in righteousness. I'm glad he doesn't take all our songs as prayers...but there are times when I can only express what I feel to my Father in Heaven and my Savior through song. I have included some links to some songs that I find powerful and moving. Some are hymns from Church hymnbooks and others are just from individual people hoping to express their true spiritual feelings. Sometimes even watching the video can be distracting, try closing your eyes and just listening with your heart.
"His Hands"
For more uplifting music you can visit http://lds.org/churchmusic or
view the Mormon messages page on YouTube
"I Know That My Redeemer Lives"
"I Am a Child of God"
Keep singing and keep listening for the song of God to enter your heart.
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