During the Lord's Prayer, which the Savior gave as an example of how we should pray, He makes the following request: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13, Luke 11:4, 3 Nephi 13:12). The words are the same all three times this prayer appears in the scriptures: twice in... Continue Reading →
What Are the Purposes of Fasting?
Yesterday, I wrote about how the Savior's sacrifice sanctifies us—makes us holy. I also wrote that we receive the blessings of that sacrifice by offering our own sacrifices to him in a spirit of humility and contrition. Today, I've studied a specific kind of sacrifice which both predated the Savior's atonement and continues today: fasting.... Continue Reading →
How Can I Be More Forgiving?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Nephi's brothers treat him very badly. As they travel with the family of Ishmael to their camp in the wilderness, the brothers become angry with Nephi, tie him up, and threaten to leave him to die in the wilderness. Nephi prays for help, and God gives him... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Seek the Kingdom of God?
King Benjamin taught his people an important principle which he learned from an angel: the only way to overcome the unrighteous tendencies of our mortal bodies is to be willing to submit to our Heavenly Father in all things. (See Mosiah 3:19). When Jesus Christ visited the American continent after His death and resurrection, He... Continue Reading →
What Can We Learn from the Lord’s Prayer?
During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave His disciples an example of a good prayer. "After this manner therefore pray ye," He said: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.... Continue Reading →
What Are “Vain Repetitions,” and Why Should We Avoid Them?
In the Sermon on the Mount, the Savior gave the following counsel about prayer: But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of,... Continue Reading →
What Is the Meaning of the Phrase “Sufficient Is the Day Unto the Evil Thereof?”
In the middle of the Sermon on the Mount, as recorded by Matthew, the Savior cautions his disciples against excessive anxiety about the future. You can't serve both God and mammon, He says. Therefore, if you really trust God, you will focus on the present, with confidence that He will bless you in the future... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Forgiving Others?
Near the beginning of the Book of Mormon, Laman and Lemuel feel remorse for something they have done to their brother Nephi. They plead with him to forgive them. Nephi tells us that he "did frankly forgive them all that they had done." He encourages them to pray to God for forgiveness, which they do... Continue Reading →
What Does It Mean to Pray in Your Closet?
Which room in your home would you be least likely to invite an acquaintance to visit? Perhaps a closet or a storage room, a place that may not be as well organized as the rest of the house, and which, in any event, is not intended for entertaining. The prophet Alma quoted the words of... Continue Reading →
