“Watch and Pray Always” – 3 Nephi 18:18-24

Jesus taught the Nephites and the Lamanites the importance of prayer. “Ye must watch and pray always,” He said, “lest ye be tempted by the devil…. Ye must always pray unto the Father in my name” (3 Nephi 18:18-19). He promised that prayer would help them overcome temptation and that Heavenly Father would answer their prayers of faith. He also encouraged them to pray in their families (v. 21), and to pray for members of their congregations (v. 22-23), particularly for those who were struggling (v. 28-30).

He pointed out that He had set an example for them: “Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed” (3 Nephi 18:24).

President M. Russell Ballard recently testified that prayers of faith can have a significant impact on the challenges we face:

Prayer will lift us and draw us together as individuals and families, as a church, and as a world. Prayer will influence scientists and help them towards discoveries of vaccines and medications that will end this pandemic. Prayer will comfort those that have lost a loved one. It will guide us in knowing what to do for our own personal protection.

Sunday Morning Session, General Conference, October 2020

In light of these blessings, President Ballard encouraged us to redouble our efforts in prayer:

I invite all church members, as well as our neighbors and friends of other faith groups worldwide, to do as the Savior counseled His disciples: “Watch ye therefore, and pray always” [Luke 21:36], for peace, for comfort, for safety, and for the opportunities to serve one another. How great is the power of prayer, and how needed are our prayers of faith in God and His Beloved Son in the world today!

Sunday Morning Session, General Conference, October 2020

Today, I will redouble my efforts in prayer. I will pray for unity and peace. I will pray for the people who are laboring to bring the pandemic to an end. I will pray for opportunities to serve others. I will follow the counsel of the Savior to “watch and pray always.”