Friday, September 14, 2018

President Thomas S. Monson on the blessing of prayer

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.
"From the very beginning to the present time, a fundamental question remains to be answered by each who runs the race of life. Shall I falter or shall I finish? On the answer await the blessings of joy and happiness here in mortality and eternal life in the world to come....
"Long years ago the psalmist wrote: 'It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man: It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.' (Ps. 118:8-9.) Recognize that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other....
"When the burdens of life become heavy, when trials test one's faith, when pain, sorrow, and despair cause the light of hope to flicker and burn low, communication with our Heavenly Father provides peace.
"These, the marks of a true finisher, will be as a lamp to our feet in the journey through life. Ever beckoning us onward and lifting us upward is he who pleaded, '...come, follow me.' (Luke 18:22.)"
- Thomas S. Monson, "Finishers Wanted," General Conference April 1972
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

What does it mean to trust in the Lord? How is our faith in Him demonstrated in practical life? If we live in confidence of His help and assistance, we'll learn to seek and obtain the inspiration and the spiritual support that will bless our lives. The great key to this process appears to be our willingness to turn to Him in prayer:


We sometimes forget, and sometimes underestimate, the profound blessing that prayer is to us. Peace is truly available as we turn to our Father in those times when we face trials, pain, sorrow, and despair.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

No comments:

Post a Comment

// Customization to close archive widget on first view - DK 3/15