Sunday Lesson: Jan 18th

Sis. Kay Bashford always does such a wonderful job teaching from our manual. This past weeks lesson was Pray Always Chapter 2 from our new Ezra Taft Benson Manual. Opening the chapter Pres. Benson says, "All through my life the counsel to depend on prayer has been prized above almost any other advice I have received. It has become an integral part of me, an anchor, a constant source of strength, and the basis for my knowledge of things divine." He was counseled by his father that he could always reach out to his Heavenly Father and receive his aid through prayer. 

Pres. Benson followed his father's advice, even to the White House. When he was appointed to serve as the United States secretary of agriculture, he "prayerfully and carefully" selected a group of men to work with him. At their meetings he asked if anyone would object if they opened the meetings with prayer. No one dissented, and from that time on for eight years they all took turns praying. One staff member later said, "We stumbled and fumbled for words, but the Boss [President Benson] never let on that he noticed. And after a few trials everybody was at ease."

President Hinckley served as President Benson's first counselor in the First Presidency. He had many opportunities to hear Pres. Benson pray. He said of the former prophet: "His prayers were always interesting. Almost without exception they consisted for the most part of expressions of thanks. He asked for very little. He expressed gratitude for very much." The Benson's also were very influential with their children regarding prayer. Their son Mark said, "When Dad knelt down to pray, he didn't rush things. There was meaning behind his words. It came through loud and clear that he was communicating with our Father and Heaven."

Our Savior taught us that we should pray always. In the Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) Jesus taught us a pattern for prayer: "After this manner therfore pray ye: 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. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." In this dispensation the Lord admonished us, "Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place." (D&C 93:49)

Sis. Bashford asked us, "What would your children say about your prayers? Do they know that their mother prays for them?" President Benson teaches, "The differences and irritations of the day melt away as famiies approach the throne of heaven together. Unity increases. The ties of love and affection are re-enforced and the peace of heaven enters."

There are five ways to improve our communication with our Heavenly Father:

1) We should pray frequently

2) We should find an appropriate place where we can meditate

3) We should prepare ourselves for prayer

4) Our prayers should be meaningful and pertinent

President Benson concludes his thoughts on prayer by saying, "It is my testimony, my brothers and sisters and friends, that God does hear and answer prayers. I have never doubted that fact. From childhood, at my mother's knee where I first learned to pray; as a young man in my teens; as a missionary in foreign lands; as a father; as a Church leader; as a government official, I know without any question that it is possible for men and women to reach out in humility and prayer and tap that Unseen Power; to have prayers answered. Man does not stand alone, or at least, he need not stand alone. Prayer will open doors; prayer will remove barriers; prayer will ease pressures; prayer will give inner peace and comfort during times of strain and difficulty. Thank God for prayers."