Continue to Pray

In President Nelson’s conference addresses last weekend he referenced prayer multiple times, telling us both what he prays for and inviting us to seek the Lord ourselves through prayer. In his opening remarks he said, “I pray for you every day. I have also prayed that this conference will be a time of spiritual rejuvenation for each one of you.” In his Sunday morning talk he emphasized again how he prays for us: “I pray daily that you will be protected from the fierce attacks of the adversary and have the strength to push forward through whatever challenges you face.” He also referred to his prayers for those in the midst of the war in Europe right now: “I have been to Ukraine and Russia many times. I love those lands, the people, and their languages. I weep and pray for all who are affected by this conflict.” In his final address he again mentioned a prayer for us: “My prayer is that the Spirit has spoken to you directly about things the Lord would have you do.” He also spoke of the continued work throughout the world constructing temples and said, “I pray for the skilled people who work on those projects across the world.” And he finished his message with these words, “May we be a people worthy of the Lord, who said, ‘Ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.’ For this I pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ.” President Nelson prays for us: for our protection from the adversary, for our spiritual rejuvenation, for the Spirit to speak to us, and for our worthiness to be the people of God. He prays for those in the midst of conflict and for those who labor to help build temples. Clearly he prays fervently every day and we should follow his example!

                In these talks President Nelson also invited us to pray for some specific things. Regarding the conflicts in the world he said, “We call upon people everywhere to pray for those in need.” He asked us to pray specifically for those affected by the war between Ukraine and Russia: “We invite everyone to continue to fast and pray for all the people being hurt by this calamity.” As he invited us to seek an end to conflict in our lives he reminded us of this invitation to prayer from the Lord: “The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us.” He also quoted another scripture with an invitation from the Savior to pray for protection from the adversary: “One of our greatest challenges today is distinguishing between the truths of God and the counterfeits of Satan. That is why the Lord warned us to ‘pray always, … that [we] may conquer Satan, and … escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.’” As he spoke of missionary service he invited young sisters to search to know if they should serve a mission: “Pray to know if the Lord would have you serve a mission, and the Holy Ghost will respond to your heart and mind.” And as he spoke about miracles that we can see in our lives he said this, “Do the spiritual work to seek miracles. Prayerfully ask God to help you exercise that kind of faith.” So we should pray for those in need, for those affected by the war in Europe, for our enemies, for protection from the adversary, for personal revelation, and for miracles in our lives. Perhaps the words of Paul summarizes well President Nelson’s invitations for us: “Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:17-18). We need the power of prayer more than ever to strengthen ourselves and “all saints” across the world who struggle with the great difficulties of this mortal life.