Principles of prayer from Doctrine and Covenants 109: 1. When we ask God to dedicate a place, we're actually praying for people. 2. It's okay to ask God to help you keep a commandment. 3. Pray for a variety of people, including those who are hard to love. 4. Pray for God to accomplish His work.
Doctrine and Covenants 109-110: “It Is Thy House, a Place of Thy Holiness” (September 29 – October 5)
In 1836, Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirtland Temple. A week later, he and Oliver Cowdery received priesthood keys from heavenly messengers in that building. President Russell M. Nelson said that the significance of those keys cannot be overstated. He invited us to consider how those keys bless our lives today.
Being More Careful
Lyman Sherman wanted to understand his duty better. The Lord's response was for him to "be more careful" in fulfilling the things he had already promised to do. None of us is perfect, but we can choose to be more careful and thoughtful as we participate in the activities of discipleship.
To Have the Heavens Opened
The Melchizedek Priesthood enables us to have the heavens opened to us. Numerous visions in the scriptures are described as the heavens being opened, but it can also happen in more quiet, personal ways, enabling us to receive knowledge, commune with God, and participate in His miraculous work.
Principles of Priesthood Power from Doctrine and Covenants 107
Four principles for receiving and exercising priesthood power. 1. The priesthood is the Order of Christ. 2. The priesthood helps us have stronger relationships. 3. The priesthood is exercised by united groups. 4. Priesthood holders are accountable to learn and fulfill their responsibilities.
Mahaleel and Our Times of Awakening
Doctrine and Covenants 107 reveals that Adam's posterity received the priesthood at widely different ages. We are all on different spiritual timelines. There is no prescribed time to find God. Some find Him early, some later. We can all afford to be patient and hopeful, supporting one another through every phase of our journey.
King of Righteousness, King of Peace
The first priest mentioned in the Bible is Melchizedek, whose name means "King of righteousness." He led the city of Salem, which means "peace." According to Alma, he served as a type of Christ by serving "under his father," working hard to persuade the people to repent, and consequently helping them find peace.
As a Thief in the Night
The Savior's Second Coming will be unexpected, so we need to be prepared. Like the Nephites at the time of the Savior's birth, we must "watch steadfastly," trusting that our faith will not be in vain. Although we don't know the timing of His return, if we walk in the light, we will be ready.
Doctrine and Covenants 106-108: “The Order of the Son of God” (September 22-28)
Lessons from Doctrine and Covenants 102-105: 1. We make wiser decisions in councils. 2. Christ's disciples are beacons of light. 3. Adversity is essential for growth. 4. God walks with us. 5. He will give us tremendous blessings. We should share them. 6. We need not fight life's battles alone.
The Endowment
An endowment is a special gift intended to sustain someone or something in perpetuity. In 1834, the Lord promised church members that they would be able to accomplish more after receiving an endowment of knowledge and power in His temple. This blessing is available to all of us in temples today.