Pray and Labor

As a result of our physical separation from God, there will always be a level of unknown about our journeys here on Earth. We just don't know what's going to happen to us in a week, or tomorrow, or even an hour from now. Certainly we have been given tools. The scriptures provide general guidelines and commandments that can help us at least go into the unknown with a higher level of confidence. Patriarchal blessings provide personal insights into the blessings we may receive through faithfulness over the course of our lives. But these do not fill in the gaps of our knowledge of what is to come. And sometimes we have great desires to know what may be to come. We'd like to know who we can share the gospel with. We'd like to know how we can find our eternal companion, or how we can nurture the relationship we may already have with them. Often we may know how to accomplish some of these things, but would just like that help in actually doing it.

Enos was one who desired to change, and to know what the Lord would have him do. We all know that he prayed for forgiveness. But that was not all that he did. What he did serves as yet another blueprint that can allow us to go forth into the unknown with greater confidence. He records, "And it came to pass that after I had prayed and labored with all diligence, the Lord said unto me: I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith" (Enos 1:12). 

Another scriptural example adds to this pattern. In the book of Alma, we read of Alma's travels and preaching, which led him to the wicked city of Ammoniah. Success didn't come as it had in Zarahemla or Gideon. But he was not deterred. Mormon records, "Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city" (Alma 8:10). 

Enos wanted to know. Alma wanted to do. What they did to accomplish what they wanted was the same. They prayed, and then they labored. Prayer is the time when we make the determination, together with our Father, to do what is necessary to accomplish what we'd like to, or to learn what we need to know. But it is when we stand and go forth that we qualify ourselves for the fullness of that accomplishment or knowledge. That is faith in its intended form: prayer and labor.

Through Nephi, the Lord gave us insight into the importance of involving the Lord in our pursuits prior to action. "I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing into the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate they performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul" (2 Nephi 32:9). Prayer allows for perspective. Prayer allows for the opportunity to align our will to His. Prayer allows for last minute enlightenment before we begin to act. We lose out on the fullness of the Lord's aid if we seek to act without first going to Him in prayer. 

But the opposite is also true. Just the fact that we have prayed does not ensure that our problems will be magically fixed. We will not just immediately receive the knowledge that we desire, or be able to figure out how to accomplish that hard task we need help with. In truth, prayer really only goes as far as we are willing to act. Just as "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17), so is our prayer lacking in full worth if we don't take that step to accomplish that which we desire. The Lord has asked us to "be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of [our] own free will" (D&C 58:27). And so we must seek to act.

So just as Enos and Alma, we must use prayer as the preparation, and then take the leap of faith. His promise for us is that if we will labor with our might, even without knowing fully what is it that we are to do, He will bless us accordingly. "And he said unto the first: Go ye and labor in the field,and in the first hour I will come unto you, and ye shall behold the joy of my countenance" (D&C 88:52). We know that Nephi, having received the command to obtain the brass plates, prayed, received visitation from angels, and had tremendous trust that the Lord would help him. Even still, he had to take the step of faith to head back into the city "not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do" (1 Nephi 4:6). It was his willingness to act that allowed the blessing to come--Laban was delivered into his hands, and he was able to accomplish that which he and the Lord desired. The same is true of the knowledge that we desire. The Lord told Hyrum Smith, "If you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men" (D&C 11:21). But only if we act, "[putting our] trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good" (D&C 11:12).

This pattern of praying and laboring is one which has a tremendous effect on us. It will help us build our faith. As we act on the promptings we receive and the desires we have, consecrated through humble prayer, we will surely receive that which we seek. And if it so happens that what we desire is not what the Lord would have us receive at that given time, He will give us the comfort that we are at least acting in faith. He will give us that assurance--that peace. "Peace I give unto," he said, "Not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid" (John 14:26).

In closing, I'd like to share this poignant quote by Brigham Young. He said, "When you have labored faithfully for years, you will learn this simple fact--that if your hearts are aright, and you still continue to be obedient, continue to serve God, continue to pray, the Spirit of revelation will be in you like a well of water springing up to eternal life. Let no person give up prayer because he has not the spirit of prayer, neither let any earthly circumstance hurry you while in the performance of this important duty. By bowing down before the Lord to ask him to bless you, you will simply find this result--God will multiply blessings on you temporally and spiritually."

Fatherhood

I am not a father. Yet, I have seen throughout the course of my life examples of extraordinary fathers who have been an incredible influence on not only their own children, but everyone around them. The role of father is one that has been set up by the Lord, and is a key part of the plan of salvation. The Family: A Proclamation to the World says this of that role:

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection to their families." 

On this day that we take time to honor fathers, and their role and importance in the family, I would like to share some suggestions that the Prophet Ezra Taft Benson shared that fathers all over the world may increase the effect they have on their children in the area that it seems to be lacking most in our world today: the spiritual. As I do so, I wish to also honor my own father, who has be an incredible example to me of each of the suggestions given.

President Benson said, “With love in my heart for the fathers in Israel, may I suggest 10 specific ways that fathers can give spiritual leadership to their children."

1. "Give Father’s blessings to your children. Baptize and confirm your children. Ordain your sons to the priesthood. These will become the spiritual highlights in the lives of your children."

      Having a worthy priesthood holder is indescribably important for a family wishing to continue to progress spiritually, and take advantage of the abundance of opportunities that the gospel provides. My dad was always there. He baptized me. He ordained me to every office in the priesthood. His hands were on my head along with the Stake President as I was set apart as a full-time missionary. Every step along the path of my priesthood progression, my dad was there. Indeed, they represent some of the spiritual highlights of my life.

2.  "Personally direct family prayers, daily scripture reading, and weekly family home evenings. Your personal involvement will show your children how important these activities really are."

As we look for more examples of extraordinary fathers, we can find them rather easily in the Brethren of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The testimonies of their children give us insight into how fathers can guide their children in the little tasks of keeping up spiritually. Of his father, Elder David Bednar's son said, "He has always gone to the real sources: the words of the prophets and the scriptures...[He] taught me to set goals and exercise faith. I want people to know that he is an ordinary man who can do extraordinary things because of the strength of the Lord. He is a living witness of the enabling power of the Atonement." Indeed, those daily moments of scripture study and prayer, along with weekly family home evenings, can be powerful moments of instruction, wherein a father can set a foundation for his children: a foundation of Christ. As was directed to the ancient Israelites: "These words...shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

      3. "Whenever possible, attend Church meetings together as a family. Family worship under your leadership is vital to your children’s spiritual welfare."
   
      That same scripture from the Old Testament directs that we as parents, including fathers, should teach the words of eternal life in the home, as well as "when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." There is certain power that comes when a priesthood holder can attend church faithfully with his family, and lead the way in doing so. The mothers of this Church are so very faithful and proactive in getting their little ones ready for meetings. What foundation can we lay in the minds and hearts of our children if we as men can exercise our priesthood, teaching our children "by the way" as we are proactive in assisting our wives in the task of prepping for church attendance? As I have looked back on my childhood and adolescence, I have realized how much I took for granted the blessing that it was to attend church with my entire family, with my mother and father leading the way. We shouldn't let that be withheld from our children because of laziness or pursuits in far less important endeavors on the Sabbath. 

   
      4.    "Go on daddy-daughter dates and father-and-sons’ outings with your children."

   
   5.   " Build traditions of family vacations and trips and outings. These memories will never be forgotten by your children."

   
      I consider myself to be as blessed as Nephi, in the sense that I was also born of goodly parents, who instructed me, and helped build my faith. Likewise, just as Lehi, my own father often "dwelt in a tent." Camping was (and still is when possible) our great family tradition. We took our trailer to the mountains, to the beach, and seemingly everywhere in between. It was there that we were able to build our unity as a family as we played sports, played board games, and especially as we were forced to be around each other in a very small pop-up trailer. Indeed, experiences like these will never be forgotten. As we strive for such experiences, we can experience the joy that the great King Benjamin describes: "For behold, [these families] are blessed in all things; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God [and together] in a state of never-ending happiness" (Mosiah 2:41).

      6.     " Have regular one-on-one visits with your children. Let them talk about what they would like to. Teach them gospel principles. Teach them true values. Tell them you love them. Personal time with your children tells them where Dad puts his priorities."

      Elder Neil Andersen's children have spoken of the great strength they received by personal time with their father. His daughter said, "Daddy always made time for the children. For example, he took each one individually to breakfast with him once a month. He let us pick the place for breakfast and the topics we would talk about. We looked so forward to having his undivided attention." Many of the problems that our children have, especially as they get into their years of teen angst and rebellion--that time when we seem to feel that nobody understands us--can be solved as a humble and genuine father takes time out of his probably very busy schedule to give their undivided and full attention to the concerns that their children have. A small conversation, ending with a hug and one of the most powerful combinations of three word phrases known to man--"I love you"--can make all the difference in the lives of our growing children. 

   
      7.    "Teach your children to work, and show them the value of working toward a worthy goal."

      I remember a day when I was about fifteen when my dad came to me, and told me that one of the great regrets that he had in his life was failing to earn his Eagle Scout. He invited me in love to not make the same mistake, but instead to make it a goal to get mine. It took me to the last day, as I finished up my last merit badges a day before my 18th birthday, but I did do it. As I would look at the hard work necessary to keep going forward, and wonder if it was worth it, that invitation that he gave me would come up in my mind. He was there to help me during my Eagle Scout project, which turned into a lot more work than expected because of several setbacks. He was always there to keep me going, because he knew what the reward would be if I would just keep going. He was a rock, and the epitome of a principle Paul taught: "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for you feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Hebrews 12:12-13). Such should be the constant attitude of fathers to their children.

   
      8.     "Encourage good music and art and literature in your homes. Homes that have a spirit of refinement and beauty will bless the lives of your children forever."

   
      The Lord told Joseph Smith, "Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith" (D&C 88:118). He also told Emma Smith, "For my soul delighted in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads" (D&C 25:12). These blessings are real, and I saw them in my home. We were encouraged to read, and to listen to music. My dad would play the piano and the guitar, and music has become something that he and I share, and it has been a blessing in my life.

      9.      "As distances allow, regularly attend the temple with your wife. Your children will then better understand the importance of temple marriage and temple vows and the eternal family unit."

      There are few things that we can teach our children that are more important than the eternal importance of the temple. It is there that families are bound for time and for all eternity. It is there that the more important blessings are promised and opportunities are provided. Eternal priorities may be set in the hearts and minds of our children as we attend with our wives. They will know that the goal for them is temple marriage. They will know that there is nothing more important in terms of our worship than to live worthily of a temple recommend. It is a lesson my parents have taught me, and one my dad continues to teach, as he serves weekly and faithfully as a temple worker.

      10.   "Have your children see your joy and satisfaction in service to the Church. This can become contagious to them, so they, too, will want to serve in the Church and will love the kingdom."

      

      Just as Lehi gained a great desire that his family should partake of the fruit he partook of, that fruit representing the gospel, and most specifically the Atonement, we as father's must do all that we can to provide our children with the opportunity to be successful in the gospel. At the end of the day that is what is most important. As we provide them with powerful examples of what faithful service is, they will have a blueprint. As we strive to live the gospel, we will be able to testify as Lehi: "As I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knee that it was desirable above all other fruit" (1 Nephi 8:12). And the Lord will help us accomplish it.

      I express a Happy Father's Day to all you fathers, and especially my own, and pray that you will continue to guide your families toward that goal of eternal life.

Pondering

When the Savior made His visit to the people of the ancient America's, He taught them, He healed them, He sat with them. When the first day of His visit was near its end He surveyed the state of the congregation before Him, and said, "I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words...Therefore, go ye unto your home's, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand" (3 Nephi 17:2-3). We live in a time that busy and loud. It is often hard to get away from the bustle and the noise of everyday life, and to find peace in their midst. Sometimes we even impose these distractions on ourselves as we opt to plug into the distractions of social media, television, video games, etc. In a time of so much confusion and misunderstanding, these distractions can prove very harmful if they distract us from the promptings of the Spirit. Indeed, as the Savior said, we are weak, and often cannot understand the mysteries of God, and therefore must ponder.

Elder Hans Ringger said the following back in a 1994 General Conference: "This is the question we ask in uncertain times or when confronted with new challenges. We may answer with unreflective action, hoping to find solutions merely through results. Fortunately the Lord understands us better than we understand ourselves. The gospel teaches us first to ponder and develop faith. Only after we have honestly decided in favor of good, based on the gospel, can we bring forth righteous deeds. Active faith leads to good works. We will receive the strength from above to strive toward what is right."

In this era of confusion and distraction, the remedy is pondering. I will share 3 scriptural accounts that show just 3 of the specific benefits of taking time to step back and ponder.


"Ponder the path of thy feet, and let thy ways be established" (Proverbs 4:26).

Our nature as mortal beings with mortal bodies and incomplete knowledge ensures one important constant: we will mess up, we will sin, we will fall short. As such, humble recognition is required for us to begin to take the steps necessary to get back on the path and head for our main goal of eternal life. The oft-quoted first step of addiction recovery applies also in our entire sojourn in mortality: "The first step is [realizing] you have a problem." Often, it is only when we take a step back and ponder do we come to a complete enough recognition of our shortcomings to spark a desire to change. A deep reflection on the question "what lack I yet?" may be necessary, as Elder Larry Lawrence described:

"We came [to Earth] to learn and improve until we gradually become sanctified or perfected in Christ. The journey of discipleship is not an easy one. It has been called a 'course of steady improvement.'As we travel along that strait and narrow path, the Spirit continually challenges us to be better and to climb higher. The Holy Ghost makes an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will take us by the hand and lead us home."

The Spirit will teach us as we take time to ponder our current course in mortality with a desire to see where we can improve. Thus, as Proverbs says, our ways can be established. Pondering is great for re-evaluating ourselves.


"For it came to pass after I had desired to know the things that my father had seen, and believing that the Lord was able to make them known unto me, as I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord, yea into an exceedingly high mountain, which I never had before seen, and upon which I never had before set my foot" (1 Nephi 11:1).

It was in this high mountain (it is helpful to remember that Hebrew symbology often uses mountains to represent the temple) that Nephi received not only an explanation if his father's dream, but also a vision of the immediate, near, and not so near future of his people, as well as the coming of the Savior. Truly his pondering allowed him to be open to not just the revelation he was seeking at the moment, but also that which would inspire him to teach and lead for the remainder of his mortal life. As he would later record, "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach if Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins" (2 Nephi 25:26).

Indeed, if we would take the time to ponder on the things we've learned, and as we seek for greater understanding of those things, the Lord will teach us. He will show us what it is we should know, and what we should to do, in order to have the spiritual confidence to move forward. Pondering is great for receiving revelation and direction.


"And it came to pass that Nephi went his way towards his own house, pondering the things upon which the Lord had shown unto him. And it came to pass as he was thus pondering--being much cast down...behold, a voice came unto him saying: Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done" (Helaman 10:2-4).

This Nephi, a descendant of the first, received in his moment of ponderance something that many of us find ourselves lacking in our day to day lives. As he thought about his calling as a minister, he became overwhelmed. His efforts had been constant, his diligence exemplary, and yet the people chose to reject him. Surely we have all had moments when we have tried our very best and given all that we have, and yet the results have been less than satisfying. Sometimes this lack of success leads us to wonder if it's worth it to keep trying at all. Our loving Heavenly Father understands how hard our lives can seem at times, and is ever willing to give us what He gave Nephi:

Encouragement.

Just as Nephi pondered the promises given him, and the unshakeable testimony that he possessed, if we can learn to turn our thoughts to God in moments of apparent failure, He will let us know that it is worth it. That we shouldn't give up. That He's proud of us. In His way He'll tell us, "Blessed art thou, for those things which thou hast done." Truly, pondering is great for encouragement.


It is important that we ponder. Pondering allows us to put things into perspective. Our lives are often chaotic and confusing and fast-paced and downright hard. It's important to take time on a daily basis--take a timeout! Take a step back from all the chaos to deeply meditate what's happening around us and why. If we can do that, things will be a lot less stressful--it'll be a lot harder for us to question God's intentions with us. Why? Because when we ponder life, love, and the gospel, we are humbly inviting the Spirit to help us understand.

The late Elder Richard G. Scott wrote, "Find a retreat of peace and quiet where periodically you can ponder and let the Lord establish the direction of your life. It may seem difficult to find time to meditate with the daily pressures of life. Yet a moment of thought will confirm that no matter how fast you move forward, if you are on the wrong path, it will avail to nothing.”

If we can take that time, we will recognize our faults and make plans to correct them, we will find direction in spite of the chaos, and we will find the encouragement to press forward when it seems that things aren't going right.