Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 11:9-10

Today's Favorite Verse: Luke 11:9-10
"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened."

I pondered on how asking doesn't always mean you get an answer right away, sometimes we must wait for it. Understanding comes in the Lord's time, which is perfect. Even if the answer is no. That said, I reflected on the times when I was immediately given answers to my prayers. As I contemplated this I would have to say all my prayers have been answered, and mostly in a timely way. What I probably don't do often enough is thank Heavenly Father after they are answered. I am trying to do better with that.

Day 4108

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 138:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 138:2
"I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."

For a moment I thought about trying to pray facing towards the temple. Then I remembered its not referring to that. My actions and desires, the prayers of my heart should be leading me there, not away from it. I could pray all day long in front of the temple and it would do my soul no good, if that is not where my heart is.

Day 3948

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 39:5

Today's Favorite Verse: Genesis 39:5
"And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field."

Not sure how to express this. This made me reflect on my prayers I have had for others, that know not God, but I will help them. I will often prayer that they do not suffer, so I do not suffer trying to help them. I do feel that our prayers and obedience to God helps others around us.

"Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent."
(Alma 10:22-23)

"And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous’ sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared."
(Alma 62:40)

Day 3758

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 103:31

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 103:31
"Behold this is my will; ask and ye shall receive; but men do not always do my will."

This reminded me of our discussion in Relief Society today. That sometimes we don't receive answers to our prayers because we are not willing to do what the Lord requires of us. Why should He answer if we are not willing to listen and do?

"In the spring of 1820, a young boy named Joseph Smith went into the woods near his home to pray. He had questions regarding the salvation of his soul, and he yearned “to know which of all the [churches] was right, that [he] might know which to join.” Joseph trusted that God would answer his prayer and direct him.
Please note that Joseph did not pray merely to know what was right. Rather, he prayed to know what was right so he could do what was right. Joseph asked in faith and was determined to act in accordance with the answers he received."
(David A. Bednar, "The Times of Restitution of All Things", Apr 2025 General Conference)

Day 3692

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 4:7

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 4:7
"Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen."

I was just having a conversation with my son about what we pray for each mornin. He prays for safety on his way to work, that he will be able to get along with others. He prays for guidance in the day. It was the guidance part that we lingered over. Having the spirit with us to guide us is the most important thing we can ask for. We do not want to be deceived by anyone or anything. There is so much deception in the world right now. I pray for eyes that see and ears that hear, and know and understand. Our prayers have been answered every single day. Truly you can ask and receive and have things opened for you.

Day 3593

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 1:43

Today's Favorite Verse: Ether 1:43
"And there will I bless thee and thy seed, and raise up unto me of thy seed, and of the seed of thy brother, and they who shall go with thee, a great nation. And there shall be none greater than the nation which I will raise up unto me of thy seed, upon all the face of the earth. And thus I will do unto thee because this long time ye have cried unto me."

I love this verse, for it shows the power of prayers, and receiving answers even if what we pray for is over a very long time. I looked at how his prayers fit the needs at the time. Jared asked his brother to cry unto the Lord that their language would not be confounded. Then it was that their friends language was not confounded. Next it was to inquire if they were to be driven out of the land, and if so maybe to a choice land as their inheritance. Then he is given where they were to go and in what manner. The conversation the brother of Jared had with the Lord was an intimately one. He listened and obeyed. This made me think about my prayers and how much better I could be in talking to the Lord.

"The Lord explained to the brother of Jared that blessings had come to his people as a result of prayers offered over a long time. Enduring obedience coupled with frequent and persistent prayers is powerful. In an 1839 discourse in Commerce, Illinois, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “God is not a respecter of persons, we all have the same privilege. Come to God weary him until he blesses you &c we are entitled to the same blessings” ([recorded in Willard Richards Pocket Companion, 78–79] cited in The Words of Joseph Smith: The Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses of the Prophet Joseph, comp. Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook [1980], 15).
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) similarly taught that we must put great effort into our prayers and that we must pray frequently:
“Do you get answers to your prayers? If not, perhaps you did not pay the price. Do you offer a few trite words and worn-out phrases, or do you talk intimately to the Lord? Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly? Do you offer pennies to pay heavy debts when you should give dollars to erase that obligation?
“When you pray, do you just speak, or do you also listen? Your Savior said, ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.’ (Rev. 3:20.)
“… Should we ever fail to get an answer to our prayers, we must look into our lives for a reason” (“Prayer,” New Era, Mar. 1978, 17).
(Book of Mormon Student Manuel, Chapter 50: Ether 1-5, "This Long Time Ye Have Cried unto Me")

Day 3564

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 62:40

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 62:40
"And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous’ sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared."

As it has finally reached election night and we await the result to come in, I reflect on how regardless the outcome it will not change me. My prayers will continue and I will strive every day to be a true follower of Christ.

"Note the effect that the prayers of the righteous had upon a nation. The prayers of the righteous also kept the Nephites from being destroyed later during the days of Captain Moroni and Samuel the Lamanite.
President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) said the following about prayers offered in our day: “There are many many upright and faithful who live all the commandments and whose lives and prayers keep the world from destruction”
Once the righteous were destroyed or removed from Ammonihah, the prayers of the righteous ceased to protect the city and “every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed”.
(Spencer W. Kimball, "Voices of the Past, of the Present, or the Future", Apr 1971 General Conference)
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 25: Alma 8-12", "Prayers of the Righteous")

Day 3506

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 10:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Alma 10:22-23
"Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent."

The prayers of the righteous are the cause of great protection upon the land. It made me think of the role of temples dotting the earth, and how the prayers of the righteous go continually upon from it. They are a great blessing to the people of those lands.

"President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) said the following about prayers offered in our day: “There are many many upright and faithful who live all the commandments and whose lives and prayers keep the world from destruction” ("Voices of the Past, of the Present, or the Future", April 1971 General Conference). Once the righteous were destroyed or removed from Ammonihah, the prayers of the righteous ceased to protect the city and “every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed”
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Chapter 25: Alma 8-12, Alma 10:22-23 "Prayers of the Righteous")

Day 3454

Today's Favorite Verse: Enos 1:22-23

Today's Favorite Verse: Enos 1:22-23
"And there were exceedingly many prophets among us. And the people were a stiffnecked people, hard to understand.
And there was nothing save it was exceeding harshness, preaching and prophesying of wars, and contentions, and destructions, and continually reminding them of death, and the duration of eternity, and the judgments and the power of God, and all these things—stirring them up continually to keep them in the fear of the Lord. I say there was nothing short of these things, and exceedingly great plainness of speech, would keep them from going down speedily to destruction. And after this manner do I write concerning them."

I have always loved the book of Enos. In one chapter it tells the quest of his whole life. After he gained a remission of his sin, his prayers were for his brethren, the Nephites. He has also been given charge of the sacred records by his father, and prays for their preservation. That the records would not be destroyed by the Lamanites. God covenants with him that he will bring them forth to the Lamanites in his own due time. Having been given his charge Enos labors with all diligence to call his brethren to repentance and remember the Lord.

"Church leaders must speak out at times with directness and sharpness in warning members of the Church of anything that may jeopardize their salvation. President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) referred to this obligation as he spoke to young adults: “I am sure that Peter and James and Paul found it unpleasant business to constantly be calling people to repentance and warning them of dangers, but they continued unflinchingly. So we, your leaders, must be everlastingly at it; if young people do not understand, then the fault may be partly ours. But, if we make the true way clear to you, then we are blameless” (Love versus Lust, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Jan. 5, 1965], 6).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, "Chapter 17: Enos-Words of Mormon")

Day 3412

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 8:2-4

Today's Favorite Verse: Revelation 8:2-4
"And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand."

It took a while to find where I would be in this chapter of Revelations. I poured over the seven angels and the destruction that followed and could not see where the righteous would be among them. Would everyone suffer the wrath of God alone? Then I went back to the beginning and noticed this separate angel that was not part of the seven. This angel was over the prayers of the saints. This made me think of the prayers being offered upon the temple altars. This is what my role would be. I will stand in holy places and worship my God.

Day 3334

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 21:22

Today's Favorite Verse: Matthew 21:22

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive."

There are some important noted additions to this verse.

"And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you."

(3 Nephi 18:20)

This verse gave me two thoughts. First, I thought of President Nelson's recent general conference talk, and the quote about prayers sounding like a shopping list. I was so excited to go find it, since the transcripts of the talks are now online.

"As you think celestial, your heart will gradually change. You will want to pray more often and more sincerely. Please don’t let your prayers sound like a shopping list. The Lord’s perspective transcends your mortal wisdom. His response to your prayers may surprise you and will help you to think celestial."

(Russell M. Nelson, "Think Celestial!", General Conference, Oct 2023)

My next thought was how our prayers will be answered if we don't ask amiss. It is through the spirit that we ask according to God's will. I love this scripture when Nephi is given the sealing power, because he will not ask contrary to God's will.

"And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."

(Helaman 10:5)

It is through experience that we come to understand how to pray, believing it is right. I remember when I learned my father had cancer. As much as I would have loved to see him healed, I was constrained from asking for it. It was right to ask that strength be given to him, and that he have comfort, and peace. That prayer was answered, because it was according to God's will that he come home. Prayers are always answered when believing we are asking according to God's will.

"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;"

(Doctrine and Covenants 88:64)

Day 3109

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 14:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Hosea 14:2

"Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips."

I wondered what it meant to "render the calves of our lips"? The footnote scriptures didn't really clarify it.

"Thou shalt offer a sacrifice unto the Lord thy God in righteousness, even that of a broken heart and a contrite spirit."

(Doctrine and Covenants 59:8)

"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise."

(Psalms 51:17)

I still didn't understand how calves lips applied. Then I read this.

"This verse deals with one’s resolves to do better. To present the sincere prayers of one’s lips as an offering to the Lord was as precious as the best offerings in the Mosaic law, which were young oxen or bullocks; hence, “the calves of our lips.”

(Old Testament Student Manual Kings-Malachi, "The Ministry of Hosea: A Call of Faithfulness (Hosea)", (10-38) Hosea 14:2 "The Calves of Our Lips")

Day 3035

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 141:2

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 141:2

"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."

This made me ponder on how we don't burn incense in the temple, but we do offer up prayers.

Day 2778

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 71:17

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 71:17

"O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works."

This made me think about my dear parents. Both are gone now. They taught me from my youth to love God. One of my favorite times as a child was having family home evening. Not only was there family fun that drew us closer together, we sang hymns and had a gospel lesson. Every morning we had family prayer before my father left for work. Many times that was before the sun was even up. It was hard but it was good at the same time. It made me feel safe. There is something about knowing people are praying for you. I reflected on my own family and how much a part of daily family scriptures and prayers are for us. There was a time we had to have scriptures around midnight. Sometimes we would go to bed and then wake up when my husband came home from work to have them. You make time for what you love, and who you love.

Day 2708

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 30:37-38

Today's Favorite Verse: Exodus 30:37-38

"And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the Lord.

Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people."

Interesting, I hadn't noticed this before that the Lord told Moses to make certain spices into a perfume. But, this perfume would be holy for the Lord. Anyone that copies this and made themselves to smell of this should be cut off from his people. We don't have incense and perfume in the temple or at church now so I had to ponder on this.

In Revelation I learn that vials full of odours and incense are the prayers of the saints.

"And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of the saints."

(Revelation 5:8)

"And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

And the smoke of the incense, which came with prayers of the saints, ascending up before God out of the angel's hand."

(Revelation 8:3-4)

I sat here pondering on word associations. I was never good at them in school. But I think there is an association here. Incense is connected to the prayers of the saints. The smell is part of that vehicle. I don't know why, because I can't figure out the word association, but I think the smell as a vehicle would be the priesthood. If someone tried to act like they had authority when they did not, then they would be cut off. I guess if I didn't hold the priesthood by the proper authority I wouldn't go around burning incense as a vehicle for other's prayers. Other than an impression I can't prove that. All I know with the law of Moses fulfilled we don't use incense, but we do offer prayers which was the whole purpose behind the incense to begin with. I guess I will just roll this around in my brain a while and see if I can stumble on how these words associate. If the spirit teaches me something its usually not an originally thought, and I will find another witness that confirms it.

Day 2239

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 103:36

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 103:36

"All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith."

This verse reminded me of a discussion we had during family scripture reading today. It was the reminder that all the good that we do, all the strokes of genius or ideas that we have, we give credit to God for them. As I ponder on this verse, that even if success is obtained because I was faithful, diligent and prayerful, it still doesn't mean that I did it. The whole reason for any victory is because of the inspiration that came through the spirit, and the will of God. I needed to live worthy to receive it. We have to be mindful of where we give credit.

Day 2106

Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

 Today's Favorite Verse: Doctrine & Covenants 25:12

"For my soul delighteth 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."

I love the hymns. I especially love it when I wake up in the morning hearing a hymn playing inside my head. As I have been listening to the General Conference talks they seem so different when the hymns are not played before or after them. Hymns are sermons unto themselves. I feel like I'm bearing my testimony when I sing a hymn. Maybe that's why they are like prayers to God.

Day 2028

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Today's Favorite Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."

This made me ponder on religious freedom. How a person of faith only wants to lead a quiet and peaceable life, and somehow it looks like intolerance to those that don't understand. I pondered on the prayers we are saying for our nation, leaders, individuals and families in this country. How I pray religious freedom will be allowed to continue in this land. It isn't hard to imagine our days are being numbered. 

"Yea, and I say unto you that if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and by pestilence, and the sword.
But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you; then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand except ye repent."
(Alma 10:22-23)

Day 1694