Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the power and blessings from prayer

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915 - April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"It is pleasing to that God whose we are when we fast and pray and seek his blessings; when we plead with all the energy of our souls for those things we so much desire; when, as Paul says, we 'come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.' (Heb. 4:16.)

"Prayer is the way and means, given us by our Creator, whereby we can counsel and communicate with him. It is one of the chief cornerstones of pure and perfect worship.

"In prayer we speak to the Lord, and he speaks to us. It is our privilege to have our voices heard in the courts above and to hear the answering voice of the Lord conveyed by the power of his Spirit.

"Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same.

"Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls. Through it the sick are healed, the dead are raised, and the Holy Spirit is poured out without measure upon the faithful.

"In prayer we bind ourselves by solemn covenants to love and serve the Lord all our days. In it we pay our devotions and offer our sacraments to the Most High."

- Bruce R. McConkie, "Patterns of Prayer," Ensign, May 1984, pp. 32-34
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In my youth, I loved listening to Elder McConkie. His words were always so sure, his voice so bold and clear in expounding doctrine and testifying of truth.

This explanation of the power of prayer and the role it can play in our lives is insightful and inspiring. Once we begin to grasp the blessings available through this heavenly gift, we truly will be willing to "come boldly unto the throne of grace."

Two more thoughts from Elder McConkie's quote impressed me. First, prayer provides the means through which "the Holy Spirit is poured out without measure upon the faithful." That is a gift to be sought after and prized as we deal with the challenges of mortality. The price to pay for the gift is small in comparison to that which is returned.

And then, "In prayer we bind ourselves by solemn covenants to love and serve the Lord all our days." What a beautiful expression of the sacred relationship we develop with our Father through sincere and regular communication. How deeply fortunate is the man or woman who establishes this habit and begins to receive the blessings that follow!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
March 26, 2017

Elder David A. Bednar on the enabling power of grace

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"I have pondered the instruction of Jacob as contained in the Book of Mormon:

"'Wherefore, we search the prophets, and we have many revelations and the spirit of prophecy; and having all these witnesses we obtain a hope, and our faith becometh unshaken, insomuch that we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.

"'Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things' (Jacob 4:6–7).

"Brothers and sisters, please pay particular attention to the word grace as it is used in the verse I just read. In the Bible Dictionary we learn that the word grace frequently is used in the scriptures to connote a strengthening or enabling power:

"'The main idea of the word is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

"'… It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts' (p. 697).

"Thus, the enabling and strengthening aspect of the Atonement helps us to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish with our limited mortal capacity. I testify and witness that the enabling power of the Savior’s Atonement is real."

- David A. Bednar, "In the Strength of the Lord," General Conference October 2004
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The concept of grace is one of the most important and fascinating gospel themes to ponder and study. I have long been fascinated by the Bible Dictionary's powerful phrase "enabling power." Jacob's insightful description of how the Savior's grace gives us "power to do these things" is foundational to this concept.

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the grace it offers us, we have the ability "to see and to do and to become good in ways that we could never recognize or accomplish" on our own. How important it is for us to come to understand this wonderful power and learn to claim its benefits in our lives!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)

Elder Richard G. Scott on strength and fortification through faithful service

Elder Richard G. Scott (1928-2015) served as a Seventy from 1977-1988, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He passed away in September 2015 at the age of 86.

"Father in Heaven has provided us tools that help to build the fortifications between our vulnerabilities and our faithfulness. Consider the following suggestions:

"Make covenants and receive ordinances for yourself. Then steadily and consistently work to provide ordinances in the temple for your own ancestors.

"Share the gospel with nonmember or less-active family members or friends. Sharing these truths can bring a renewed enthusiasm into your life.

"Serve faithfully in all Church callings, especially home teaching and visiting teaching assignments. Don’t be just a 15-minutes-a-month home or visiting teacher. Rather, reach out to each individual member of the family. Get to know them personally. Be a real friend. Through acts of kindness, show them how very much you care for each of them.

"Most important, serve the members of your own family. Make the spiritual development of your spouse and children a very high priority. Be attentive to the things you can do to help each one. Give freely of your time and attention.

"In each of these suggestions, there is a common theme: fill your life with service to others. As you lose your life in the service of Father in Heaven’s children, Satan’s temptations lose power in your life.

"Because your Father in Heaven loves you profoundly, the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes that strength possible. Isn’t it wonderful? Many of you have felt the burden of poor choices, and each of you can feel the elevating power of the Lord’s forgiveness, mercy, and strength."

- Richard G. Scott, "Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ," General Conference October 2013
Click here to read or listen to the full article

It's an interesting concept, the idea of "fortifications between our vulnerabilities and our faithfulness." In areas where we feel strong and faithful, there may still be attacks—there almost certainly will be attacks! And so we build fortifications to safeguard ourselves. Elder Scott suggests the kind of fortifications that will make a difference: covenants and ordinances, sharing the gospel, serving in callings, serving family members. As we give to ourselves and to others in these ways, we are continually strengthened.

The true fortification, the greatest strength comes as a gift from God as we continue to serve and grow. The forgiveness and power offered to us through His Atonement will be the crucial blessing needed to survive in this world, and receive the fulness of the blessings He has promised to us.

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

Elder Robert D. Hales on the Lord as the ultimate caregiver

Elder Robert D. Hales (born August 24, 1932) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.

"When we are experiencing pain, the caregiver is a very important part of the recovery process. Attentive doctors, nurses, therapists, a loving spouse, parents, children, and friends comfort us when we are ill and speed our recovery process. There are times when, no matter how independent we may be, we must entrust others with our care. We must surrender ourselves to them. Our caregivers are those who assist in the healing process.

"The Lord is the ultimate caregiver. We must surrender ourselves to the Lord. In doing so, we give up whatever is causing our pain and turn everything over to Him. 'Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee' (Ps. 55:22). 'And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son' (Alma 33:23). Through faith and trust in the Lord and obedience to His counsel, we make ourselves eligible to be partakers of the Atonement of Jesus Christ so that one day we may return to live with Him.

"As we put our faith and trust in the Lord, we must battle our pain day by day and sometimes hour by hour, even moment by moment; but in the end, we understand that marvelous counsel given to the Prophet Joseph Smith as he struggled with his pain of feeling forgotten and isolated in Liberty Jail:

"'My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

"'And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes' (D&C 121:7-8).

"My dear brothers and sisters, when pain, tests, and trials come in life, draw near to the Savior. 'Wait upon the Lord, ... look for him' (Isa. 8:17; 2 Ne. 18:17). 'They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint' (Isa. 40:31). Healing comes in the Lord's time and the Lord's way; be patient.

"Our Savior waits for us to come to Him through our scripture study, pondering, and prayer to our Heavenly Father. Great blessings and lessons come from overcoming adversity. As we are strengthened and healed, we can then lift and strengthen others with our faith. May we be instruments in the Lord's hands in blessing the lives of those in pain."

- Robert D. Hales, "Healing Soul and Body," General Conference, October 1998; see Ensign, Nov. 1998, 14
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The role of caregiver is an important and almost sacred one. When someone faces serious struggles with physical health or handicaps, they often require assistance in basic needs that we normally take for granted in life. Sometimes the need for help is temporary and short-lived; sometimes it is chronic and extended. A caregiver can be a trained medical professional, or it can be a loving family member or friend who lends assistance in the time of need. They truly "assist in the healing process" when possible, or just help to bear the burdens that can't be relieved.

Acknowledging that we each have needs in our spiritual and emotional lives, we recognize that the Lord can function as that kind of caregiver who provides succor and sustaining when we have no where else to turn. Learning to accept and access His assistance is critical in our times of pain and sorrow.

The critical task for us is to learn to draw near to Him in times of need. Elder Hales explains that through our acts of worship and devotion, we gain strength and assistance from the Savior. As we survive and overcome those times, we are then prepared to become the caregiver that can bless others in the future. It's a beautiful process of receiving and giving.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Ezra Taft Benson on how to live happily

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Do we realize that happiness here and now consists in freely, lovingly, joyfully acknowledging God’s will for us—and doing it in all ways and all affairs big and small? To live perfectly is to live happily. To live happily is to grow in spiritual strength toward perfection. Every action performed in accord with God’s will is part of that growth.

"Let us not partition our lives. Let us unify our lives, being contemptuous of fictitious honors and glories that do not come with God’s approval. Let us remember that the real source of our strength and happiness is beyond the reach of men and circumstances."

- Ezra Taft Benson, So Shall Ye Reap [Deseret 1960], p. 318

What is God's will for me—personally, individually? That becomes a key question in the quest for peace and happiness. If I can recognize it and then do it "in all ways and all affairs big and small," President Benson suggests that I will be happy as I experience growth in my spiritual strength.

President Benson then warns us of the temptation to "partition" our lives. If we are seeking for strength and happiness in the "fictitious honors and glories" of men, we will not truly find happiness. It is in God's approval that we will truly find peace.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on seeking daily help and sustenance from God

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"Included in the Lord's Prayer is the petition 'Give us this day our daily bread' (Matthew 6:11) or 'Give us day by day our daily bread' (Luke 11:3). I believe that we would all readily acknowledge that we have needs each day that we want our Heavenly Father's help in dealing with. For some, on some days, it is quite literally bread—that is, the food needed to sustain life that day. It could also be spiritual and physical strength to deal with one more day of chronic illness or a painfully slow rehabilitation. In other cases it may be less tangible needs, such as things related to one's obligations or activities in that day—teaching a lesson or taking a test, for example.

"Jesus is teaching us, His disciples, that we should look to God each day for the bread—the help and sustenance—we require in that particular day....

"The Lord's invitation to seek our daily bread at our Heavenly Father's hand speaks of a loving God, aware of even the small, daily needs of His children and anxious to assist them, one by one. He is saying that we can ask in faith of that Being 'that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given' (James 1:5). That is, of course, tremendously reassuring, but there is something at work here that is more significant than just help in getting by day to day. As we seek and receive divine bread daily, our faith and trust in God and His Son grow."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread," BYU Fireside, January 9, 2011; see also Ensign, January 2012, p. 21
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I've always appreciated the subtle difference between the Lord's prayer as shared by Matthew and Luke. While Matthew recorded "Give us this day our daily bread" (the more familiar rendition), the Luke account seems to expand and emphasize the ongoing blessing implied in the petition by saying, "Give us day by day our daily bread." Not only are we asking for God's help each day, one at a time, but also with the awareness that His help is available to us each and every day as we continue to petition in faith.

Elder Christofferson points out the help we ask for sometimes is "quite literally bread" as we may struggle to survive physically in the world. But at other times, it is "physical and spiritual strength" as we confront the challenges of life, or other more immediate and personal needs. But the key is that we can, we must, ask today for the needs of today.

I am grateful for this reminder. The blessing and power of asking for "daily bread" is not just in getting the bread to help survive each day. It's also in developing and strengthening personal trust and faith in Jesus Christ and in the Father. As we learn to turn to Them in confidence, we will be blessed with ever-growing faith and hope.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin on planting seeds of strength and faith

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1986, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles from 1986 until his passing in 2008 at age 91.

"Our challenges today are different from those of our ancestors. Many of them lived lives of poverty and hardship; some among us, however, are affluent and complacent. Wealth, abundance, and easy living do not help us develop the ability to flourish when faced with the rigors and reversals of life. Rather than seeking ease, we must plant, cultivate, and nourish within ourselves the seeds that will enable us to withstand the winds and heat of temptation, sin, and evil and that will help us live successful, happy, and pure lives. Let us consider a few such seeds.

"First, we should plant and nurture the seed of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer....

"Next, let us nurture the seed of faith which gives us the courage to follow the prophets....

"Next, we should sow within our hearts the seed of charity, the pure love of Christ....

"Next, I believe we must constantly nourish the seeds of love, harmony, and unity in our homes and families....

"Parents should plant deeply the seed of the work ethic into the hearts and habits of their children....

"I bear my testimony that we can plant in our hearts and minds the seeds I have mentioned, and others. If we will plant them and nurture them, we can be true, faithful, and happy regardless of adversity and the buffetings of Satan."

- Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Seeds of Renewal," Ensign, May 1989, pp. 7-10
Click here to read or listen to the full article

So many of us live in conditions of relative affluence; many don't even realize how much higher their standard of living is than the vast majority of the world. While providing many blessings and opportunities, that prosperity also brings a set of challenges that are also sometimes not recognized, including not learning skills and abilities that help us confront more difficult times:

Elder Wirthlin's main message was to "plant seeds of faith" in our lives through our actions and decisions that will enable our faith to grow strong as it is nurtured and watched over. Some of those items, explained in further detail in the full talk, are:

• Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
• Courage to follow the prophets
• Charity
• Love and harmony in the home and family
• Work ethic

When these seeds are planted and nourished into a vibrant, living faith, Elder Wirthlin promises "we can be true, faithful, and happy regardless of adversity and the buffetings of Satan."

Elder Bruce R. McConkie on the power and blessings from prayer

Elder Bruce R. McConkie (July 29, 1915 - April 19, 1985) served as a Seventy from 1946-1972 when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve.  He served in that assignment until his death from cancer at age 69.

"It is pleasing to that God whose we are when we fast and pray and seek his blessings; when we plead with all the energy of our souls for those things we so much desire; when, as Paul says, we 'come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.' (Heb. 4:16.)

"Prayer is the way and means, given us by our Creator, whereby we can counsel and communicate with him. It is one of the chief cornerstones of pure and perfect worship.

"In prayer we speak to the Lord, and he speaks to us. It is our privilege to have our voices heard in the courts above and to hear the answering voice of the Lord conveyed by the power of his Spirit.

"Prayer changes our lives. Through it we draw near to the Lord, and he reaches out his finger and touches us, so we never again are the same.

"Prayer is a great tower of strength, a pillar of unending righteousness, a mighty force that moves mountains and saves souls. Through it the sick are healed, the dead are raised, and the Holy Spirit is poured out without measure upon the faithful.

"In prayer we bind ourselves by solemn covenants to love and serve the Lord all our days. In it we pay our devotions and offer our sacraments to the Most High."

- Bruce R. McConkie, "Patterns of Prayer," Ensign, May 1984, pp. 32-34
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

In my youth, I loved listening to Elder McConkie. His words were always so sure, his voice so bold and clear in expounding doctrine and testifying of truth.

This explanation of the power of prayer and the role it can play in our lives is insightful and inspiring. Once we begin to grasp the blessings available through this heavenly gift, we truly will be willing to "come boldly unto the throne of grace."

Two more thoughts from Elder McConkie's quote impressed me. First, prayer provides the means through which "the Holy Spirit is poured out without measure upon the faithful." That is a gift to be sought after and prized as we deal with the challenges of mortality. The price to pay for the gift is small in comparison to that which is returned.

And then, "In prayer we bind ourselves by solemn covenants to love and serve the Lord all our days." What a beautiful expression of the sacred relationship we develop with our Father through sincere and regular communication. How deeply fortunate is the man or woman who establishes this habit and begins to receive the blessings that follow!

President James E. Faust on resisting the adversary's influence

President James E. Faust (1920-2007) was called as a Seventy in 1976, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve in 1978. He served as a counselor to President Hinckley from 1995 until his death in 2007 at age 87.

"The Prophet Joseph Smith related from his own experience, 'The nearer a person approaches the Lord, a greater power will be manifested by the adversary to prevent the accomplishment of His purposes' (in Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1967, p. 132).

"However, we need not become paralyzed with fear of Satan's power. He can have no power over us unless we permit it. He is really a coward, and if we stand firm, he will retreat. The Apostle James counseled: 'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you' (James 4:7). He cannot know our thoughts unless we speak them. And Nephi states that 'he hath no power over the hearts' of people who are righteous (see 1 Ne. 22:26).

"We have heard comedians and others justify or explain their misdeeds by saying, 'The devil made me do it.' I do not really think the devil can make us do anything. Certainly he can tempt and he can deceive, but he has no authority over us which we do not give him."

- James E. Faust, "The Great Imitator," Ensign, Nov 1987, pp. 33-36
Click here to read the full article

Joseph Smith's statement is thought-provoking. As a person gets closer to God, "the adversary" focuses more efforts and attention on him. One would expect as much; those are the people who are the greatest threat to his plans, or the greatest evidence of his failure. It's reminiscent of Brigham Young's observation, "We never began to build a temple without the bells of hell beginning to ring" (JD 8:355). It's clear that Satan knows how and where to focus his efforts. But that should not be a cause of undue fear for us:

So while there may be adversity, and efforts to counteract or disrupt or righteous desires, we need not fear. God's power is always greater, and as we turn to Him, we will be strengthened against any conflict. President Faust reassures us that Satan will retreat as we stand firm. This final phrase is a wonderful summary: "Certainly he can tempt and he can deceive, but he has no authority over us which we do not give him."

Ezra Taft Benson on enduring in life through faith in Jesus Christ

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"The fundamental principle of our religion is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Why is it expedient that we center our confidence, our hope, and our trust in one solitary figure? Why is faith in Him so necessary to peace of mind in this life and hope in the world to come?

"Our answers to these questions determine whether we face the future with courage, hope, and optimism or with apprehension, anxiety, and pessimism.

"My message and testimony is this: Only Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to provide that hope, that confidence, and that strength we need to overcome the world and rise above our human failings. To do so, we must place our faith in Him and live by His laws and teachings."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ: Our Savior and Redeemer," Ensign, June 1990, 2
Click here to read the full message

President Benson asks a vital question: why is faith in Jesus Christ so important to us in this life, and in the life to come? The answer to that question, he says, influences how we view and approach our life and the challenges that arise. It's the difference between "courage, hope, and optimism" and "apprehension, anxiety, and pessimism." Quite a contrast!

So that's the answer to the question: Jesus alone can provide us with the hope and strength that life demands. We must learn to draw on His strength through faith in Him.