Scott's Testimony of Jesus Christ: Why We Should Pray

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Why We Should Pray

Luke, among others, recorded Jesus’ commandment “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (New Testament | Luke 18:1).

Amulek taught even more specifically about prayer in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ:

Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.
Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:18 - 27).

As we keep the commandments, including this one to pray always, we are taught by Amulek’s companion Alma that “inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land” (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:30).

I have seen and felt many times in my life when keeping the commandments, especially the commandment to pray always, which brings me closer to God, which softens my heart, and makes it easier to obey God’s commandments, that my station in life has improved. At times, I have been prospered spiritually, at other times I have been prospered temporally, and at times in both ways!

I know that God keeps his promises and that he loves us. I know that God lives! I have seen and felt his presence many, many times in my life. His Holy Spirit is my constant companion, if I choose to allow it to enter my heart and mind. He does make my bosom burn inside of me the same way that Christ’s Apostles during his time ministering on the Earth did burn (Luke 24:32). I know that God lives, that Jesus Christ is his son, and that through the Holy Ghost he does testify to us of all things, if we will but pray always. This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

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My Testimony of Jesus Christ and His Gospel

I testify of these truths, for I know of them with absolute certainty. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Holy Ghost has testified to me that he truly died for my sins and those of every other being of accountability to set foot on the Earth. I know Jesus Christ is the literal Son of our Heavenly Father. I know God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate and distinct beings who are one in purpose “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

I know God the Father and Jesus Christ truly do speak to men on Earth today as they did in the days of old. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored upon this Earth through his servant Joseph Smith Jr. I know through the power and majesty of God that Joseph Smith was blessed with the gift of tongues, the same gift spoken of in The New Testament. Through that gift, I know Joseph Smith did translate The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I know we have Prophets, Seekers, and Revelators on this very Earth today! Oh what a blessing it is! My heart and soul are filled with gratitude towards our Heavenly Father for opening the heavens to us, his children on this earth, as he did in the days of old! I know Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God, placed here upon this Earth at this specific time to serve the children of the Lord!

If you, as 14 year old Joseph Smith once did “lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering” (James 1:5 - 6). If you lack wisdom, I testify to you that God will answer your prayers! He has absolutely answered mine!

The Book of Mormon is a central part of my life. The Holy Ghost testifies of its truthfulness to me. Or, as the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians in the 5th chapter, 9th verse: “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.”

I challenge everyone to read The Book of Mormon and consider its wonderful messages! If you sincerely wish to know whether it is a book of truth, consider these words from the very pages of The Book of Mormon: “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4 - 5)

I testify that I know without one speck of doubt of the truth written upon every single page of The Book of Mormon. It is God’s word. Nothing but goodness can come from its pages. I offer this testimony, humbly, from the bottom of my heart, as nothing but a simple man, in the name of Jesus Christ the Savior of the World. Amen.

Scott A. Robinson