President Spencer W. Kimball on prayer and works

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"We pray for enlightenment, then go to with all our might and our books and our thoughts and righteousness to get the inspiration. We ask for judgment, then use all our powers to act wisely and develop wisdom. We pray for success in our work and then study hard and strive with all our might to help answer our prayers. When we pray for health we must live the laws of health and do all in our power to keep our bodies well and vigorous. We pray for protection and then take reasonable precaution to avoid danger. There must be works with faith. How foolish it would be to ask the Lord to give us knowledge, but how wise to ask the Lord's help to acquire knowledge, to study constructively, to think clearly, and to retain tings that we have learned. How stupid to ask the Lord to protect us if we unnecessarily drive at excessive speeds, or if we eat or drink destructive elements or try foolhardy stunts."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "Faith Precedes the Miracle," p. 205

President Kimball often gave very practical advice. I always loved his down-to-earth counsel. This is a good example. He reminds us that praying isn't enough; we must DO something about it! God expects us to do our part, and then His blessings supplement, compensate, and enrich our efforts.

So the principle applies to learning, so wise judgement, to temporal success, to physical health—and to many other aspects of life! Prayer must be accompanied by action. That will bring the blessings of God upon us.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
October 25, 2015

President Heber C. Kimball on prayers and works

President Heber C. Kimball (June 14, 1801-1868) was a member of the first Quorum of Twelve Apostles ordained in this dispensation in 1835. He served as first counselor to Brigham Young from 1847 until his death in 1868 at age 67. He was the grandfather of Spencer W. Kimball, who became an apostle in 1943 and served as president of the Church from 1973-1985. His great-great-grandson, Quentin L. Cook, currently serves as an apostle.

"What good do your prayers do, when your works do not correspond? Men may talk about praying, and exhort the people to pray; and if you do not live in a manner to fulfill your prayers, what do they avail you? Faith is dead without works, just as much as my body is dead without my spirit. When my spirit leaves my body, my body is dead; but put them together, and they make a soul—a spirit in a tabernacle. What is the use of our professing to be Saints, unless we live our religion? By our faithfulness and by our good works we shall obtain knowledge."

- Heber C. Kimball, remarks delivered at the Bowery, Great Salt Lake City, July 12, 1857; see Journal of Discourses 5:28
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Thought-provoking question: "What good do your prayers do, when your works do not correspond?" One purpose of prayer is to change our hearts, which will result in changed actions and behavior. If that does not happen, the prayers are as empty words.

We must not only pray, but "live in a manner to fulfill [our] prayers." Our actions are critical along with our feelings and sentiments. Our lives must reflect our spiritual commitments and longings!

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