Mormon Life - Prayer tag

Teachings of George Albert Smith 9: Open Your Soul to the Lord in Prayer

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:04:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul." -Richard G. Scott

Note: As the Church has said, the manual has been prepared as the primary source of lesson material. This supplement, from a general conference address, is only meant as a complement to your study on this lesson’s topic.

Excerpt from "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer" by Elder Richard G. Scott, April 2007 General Conference:

Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance, He commands, “Thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.” 1

It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer.

How Should You Pray?

We pray to our Heavenly Father in the sacred name of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Prayer is most effective when we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace.

Don’t worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.

To read the full talk, click here.

Pray for our leaders

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:33:00 -0600

source: ldschurchnews.com

Few things are as important as our families, be they traditional, single parent, combined or an individual; be they nearby, distant, large or small. In nothing do our prayers attain so much sincerity as for our families.

Bound together by the Fatherhood of God, we in the Church consider ourselves family and call one another brother or sister. In our caring, we've learned not to judge another family by its makeup; love and pain go around.

LDS World: Seeing a situation so the glass is half full

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:42:00 -0700

source: deseretnews.com

The plan was to have a sleepy, relaxing day after church ended and a simple meal at the end of the day. Then there was the decision to put the pan of oil on the stove and go into the den to answer my cellphone. Thirty seconds later came the smell of smoke and of something burning. Walking back into the kitchen I saw the stove top, the cabinets above, cabinets to the left and the right, and the ceiling engulfed in flames.

My reaction was to yell for my husband and son who were both asleep. Matt bounded up the stairs with my husband, Reid, not far behind. I grabbed the phone and dialed 911.

Podcast: Mormons and Prayer

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:36:00 -0700

source: mormonmatters.org

Mormons pray . . . a lot! Latter-day Saints are encouraged to have daily (twice or more) personal prayer, family prayer including children (in addition to parents praying together), prayers before meals, prayers for safety, and even other injunctions to “pray without ceasing.” Mormon meetings and classes all open and close with prayer, and Mormons offer scripted prayers when blessing the emblems of the sacrament, when baptizing, and performing certain temple ordinances, and they offer blessings and other types of prayers in language that isn’t scripted but that must include certain elements. LDS rhetoric also often prescribes certain language forms or prayer while in particular physical postures as most appropriate for prayer. Clearly, Mormons are a prayerful people. But how much do Mormons really practice prayer? Are they encouraged to see prayer as a deep spiritual praxis? Certainly the scriptures and occasional messages from Church leaders point in this direction, but how many Latter-day Saints truly move much beyond a type of prayer practice that typified what they learned in their childhood and teenage years and into much more mature relationship with God that might even include protest, lament, confessions of disbelief, as well as the joyousness of deeper exposure and vulnerability, and coming into friendship with God and truly seeing themselves the way God sees them?

In this episode, Mormon Matters host Dan Wotherspoon and panelists Joanna Brooks, Tresa Edmunds, and Jacob Baker examine Mormon prayer as it functions in LDS communal life and typical praxis, as well as discuss perspectives and practices they have incorporated or have been made aware of in their own journeys or wider reading and experiences. At several points in the podcast, they also pay particular attention to prayer as a possible praxis even for those undergoing faith crisis or transition, and who may have lost confidence in previous views of what God is like–or even if there is a God.

Atheist lawsuit fails to outlaw 'moment of silence' in schools

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 12:56:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Students in Illinois have won the right to begin their school day with a "moment of silence," after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case at the request of opponents who argued such behavior promoted prayer in school.

The debate began in 2007 when Illinois state legislators adjusted the wording of a law that made "a brief period of silence" for silent prayer or silent reflection mandatory in schools.

Soon after, Buffalo Grove High School student Dawn Sherman, daughter of well-known Illinois atheist activist Rob Sherman, sued, claiming the moment of silence took time away from her learning.

October 2011 Sharing Time: Communicating with the Lord

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:06:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: This sharing time will involve the children as they learn more about prayer. Preparation:
Gather a number of communication visual aids (some may need to be photographs) such as a letter or postcard, a walkie-talkie, an old telephone with a cord, a radio, a computer, a cell phone, a picture of telegraph, etc. Place them on a table and board at the front of the room. Write the scripture references below on six strips of paper. Have blank papers and crayons or markers available.

Presentation:
Show the children the display of items/pictures at the front of the room. Tell them that all of these things can be used for the same thing. Have the children guess what that is. Let them guess until they figure out that all of them can be used to get messages from one person to another.

Explain to the children that there is someone you can communicate with, without using any of these items. That person is Heavenly Father. You can talk to him whenever you need to, just by saying a prayer.

Tell the children they are going to help each other learn more about prayer. Divide the children into six groups. Make sure a teacher or other leader is in each group. Give each group one of the scripture references. Let them take a few minutes to read the scripture and create a simple drawing that shows what that scripture teaches us about prayer (who, when, or where).

Let each group present their picture and explain their scripture.

3 Nephi 18:21. Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.

Matthew 6:6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

1 Nephi 16:32. Now when they beheld that I had obtained food, how great was their joy! And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord, and did give thanks unto him.

Psalms 55:16-17. As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

Matthew 21:13. And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer.

Alma 34:19-20. Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him. Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.

After all the groups have presented their scripture and drawing, reinforce the messages taught and bear your testimony of prayer.

Prayer ban at 9/11 event raises ire

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:31:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Mormon Life says: Their rationale for not including prayer seems a little weak. Christian conservatives are condemning Mayor Michael Bloomberg's decision to bar clergy-led prayer at the 10th anniversary commemoration of the terrorist attacks, calling the program an insult. Others wonder whether the mayor is trying to dodge the potentially thorny issue of including a Muslim representative.

The mayor's office says the annual event focuses on relatives of Sept. 11 victims and has never included clergy invocations. Bloomberg has said it would be impossible to include everyone who would like to participate.

Evelyn Erskine, a Bloomberg spokeswoman, said the program was designed in coordination with 9/11 families and included readings that were "spiritual and personal in nature." Six moments of silence were planned for personal reflection and prayer. Police and fire chaplains who work with the 9/11 families will attend.

Federal appeals court: Saying “Jesus” during public prayer is unconstitutional

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:39:00 -0600

source: examiner.com

As in most counties in America, the Board of Commissioners of Forsyth County, North Carolina, begins its public meetings with an invocation. These prayers are given by local religious leaders on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Given that 95 percent of local religious houses identify as Christian, it’s not surprising that many of the invocations include specifically Christian language, often closing the prayer in the name of “Jesus Christ” or “Jesus.”

Two non-Christians from the community with a population of approximately 350,000 sued, arguing that an invocation mentioning Jesus Christ during a public prayer violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.

Prayer important to U.S. presidents

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:09:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

Sunday in a CBS News interview, Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann discussed the role of prayer in her decision to run for political office.

"When I pray, I pray believing that God will speak to me and give me an answer to that prayer," Bachmann said.

The CBS interview wasn't her first foray into openly discussing prayer. Last month the New York Daily News reported that Bachmann believed she had received an answer about whether to run for president.

A trip to the temple and a broken locker teach powerful lesson about prayer

Wed, 25 May 2011 10:24:00 -0600

source: MormonTimes.com

I was 12 the first time I entered the Washington, D.C., Temple. I wonder how many times I’ve returned? Not enough, no doubt.

Most trips to the temple have merged together in my mind, like soft high clouds that are lovely on their own but are even more magnificent when they drift and blend together. I cherish each as they appear singularly, but it is their cumulative effect that blesses me most.

Still, there are a few that stand out as being extraordinary experiences. Twice I’ve been in an automobile accident while on the way to the D.C. Temple. I was late on both occasions, but I made it eventually and was blessed with unique, uplifting experiences.

Czech Republic Youth: The First Step

Thu, 12 May 2011 11:59:00 -0600

source: lds.org

Young Men Lesson 19: Fasting

Fri, 06 May 2011 00:06:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Our prayers follow patterns and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. He taught us how to pray. Discussion Questions:

How have you or someone you know been blessed through fasting?
What are some things you can do to make fasting a more meaningful experience?

Excerpt from "Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers" by Elder Russell M. Nelson:

The Lord has taught ways by which our prayers can be enhanced. For example, He said that “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.” 31

Prayer can also be enhanced by fasting. 32 The Lord said, “I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth.” 33 A plea for wisdom in fasting was offered by President Joseph F. Smith, who cautioned that “there is such a thing as overdoing. A man may fast and pray till he kills himself; and there isn’t any necessity for it; nor wisdom in it. … The Lord can hear a simple prayer, offered in faith, in half a dozen words, and he will recognize fasting that may not continue more than twenty-four hours, just as readily and as effectually as He will answer a prayer of a thousand words and fasting for a month. … The Lord will accept that which is enough, with a good deal more pleasure and satisfaction than that which is too much and unnecessary.” 34

The concept of “too much and unnecessary” could also apply to the length of our prayers. A closing prayer in a Church meeting need not include a summary of each message and should not become an unscheduled sermon. Private prayers can be as long as we want, but public prayers ought to be short supplications for the Spirit of the Lord to be with us or brief declarations of gratitude for what has transpired.

*To read the full talk, click here.

Young Men Lesson 18: Prayer

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:01:00 -0600

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Discussion Questions:

How has prayer helped you draw nearer to Heavenly Father?
Why do you think answers to prayers do not always come when we want or in the way we want?
What are some things you can do to make your prayers more meaningful?

Excerpt from "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer" by Richard G. Scott:

We pray to our Heavenly Father in the sacred name of His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Prayer is most effective when we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace.

Don’t worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.

A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it.

Should you ever feel distanced from our Father, it could be for many reasons. Whatever the cause, as you continue to plead for help, He will guide you to do that which will restore your confidence that He is near. Pray even when you have no desire to pray. Sometimes, like a child, you may misbehave and feel you cannot approach your Father with a problem. That is when you most need to pray. Never feel you are too unworthy to pray.

I wonder if we can ever really fathom the immense power of prayer until we encounter an overpowering, urgent problem and realize that we are powerless to resolve it. Then we will turn to our Father in humble recognition of our total dependence on Him. It helps to find a secluded place where our feelings can be vocally expressed as long and as intensely as necessary.

I have done that. Once I had an experience that caused me immense anxiety. It had nothing to do with disobedience or transgression but with a vitally important human relationship. For some time I poured my heart out in urgent prayer. Yet try as I might, I could find no solution, no settling of the powerful stirring within me. I pled for help from that Eternal Father I have come to know and trust completely. I could see no path that would provide the calm that is my blessing generally to enjoy. Sleep overcame me. When I awoke, I was totally at peace. Again I knelt in solemn prayer and asked, “Lord, how is it done?” In my heart, I knew the answer was His love and His concern for me. Such is the power of sincere prayer to a compassionate Father.

*To read the full talk, click here.

LDS family shares story of being stranded in Tokyo after earthquake

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:08:00 -0600

by Angela Lankford
source: ldsliving.com

As their children said prayers, Melissa and John Petrini carried Benjamin (7) and Isabella (5) through the crowded streets of Tokyo only moments after the 8.9 earthquake experienced on March 11. As a dentist for the United States Navy, John and his family had been deployed to Okinawa, Japan. Each year, the Petrinis and four other LDS families on deployment visit Tokyo for a week-long temple trip and site seeing tour.

On the day of the quake, the Petrini’s opted out of visiting Disney Tokyo with the rest of the group in order to tour a local park. As Melissa and her children entered a paddle boat, the quake hit.

“Our boat rocked back and forth crashing into the boating dock, and my husband, who was still on the dock, fell to his knees because he could no longer stand,” Melissa said. “We watched in amazement as the large trees lining the pond were shaking violently back and forth to the point where they seemed to bend almost sideways. . . . The violent shaking continued about a couple minutes or so. The boat attendant quickly gestured us off the boat and away from the pier and gave us our money back. As we walked away, we could still feel the earth shaking.”

Initially, the Petrinis did not realize how serious the quake was because most of the shock was absorbed by the water while they were in the boat. “The Japanese were calm and quiet as we walked through the streets. They were laughing and joking, so we assumed that it was a normal event,” Melissa said. However, when the Petrinis failed to get a cab to go back to their hotel, and saw the amount of traffic and pedestrians that lined the streets, they began to feel overwhelmed.

At that point, John pulled out his cell phone and discovered the magnitude of the quake. The Petrinis sat their children down and explained to them that they would have to walk 10 miles through the unfamiliar Tokyo streets. The walk would take them several hours to complete in the 35-degree weather with two small children in tow; not to mention, the cell phone that showed them the directions was low on battery.

“We told the kids to say a prayer. I have junior arthritis and I can’t walk very far, so I was saying a prayer in my heart that we would find a cab and that the battery would work.” Earlier that day, the Petrinis visited the temple grounds and that peace accompanied them on their journey.

They tried to keep a laidback approach in light of the situation. As they walked, they laughed and talked calmly. Melissa said that “This was like a huge bonding experience to pull together. . . We even made jokes that the best way to see Tokyo is to go on a 10-mile walking tour.”

When they got about two miles from their hotel and recognized their surroundings, the cell phone’s battery died. Melissa turned to her husband and said, “That was a blessing that was just answered.” Thankfully, the other half of the Petrinis temple group was all accounted for by the next morning, although these families met their own set of hardships as well on their journey back to the hotel.

The families had flights back to Okinawa for the next day that had been canceled. But, as soon as they made it back to the base, many of the families were deployed to Tokyo for three months to help with the cleanup efforts. At the U.S. naval base in Okinawa, several drop-off points for blankets and toiletries have been created and the Petrinis hope to help with these efforts.

Melissa is grateful that her family and friends made it safely back to the base, but she believes that their safe return was facilitated through the Spirit. When Melissa reflected on the experience, she said, “It was a spiritual experience where prayers were answered in small ways.”

Prayer at work protects police officer

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:53:00 -0700

source: MormonTimes.com

Many people have a quick prayer for help at work. However, unlike the pleas for calmed nerves during an important presentation or help with an angry co-worker, very few people ask the Lord for help facing down the barrel of a loaded gun.

Bob Pippen, a Portland police officer, did just that when a high-speed chase resulted in a car crash and both officer and suspect drew their weapons.

For Pippen, facing less than ideal work conditions is all part of doing what he loves. "Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a cop," he said. "It's stereotypical, but it is just something I have always wanted to do."

When Pippen, who is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, finally got his dream job, he realized the importance of relying upon his beliefs, his faith and even the LDS hymn book to help him cope with his job.

Video: Pathways of Prayer--The LDS Church

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 10:32:00 -0700

source: kspr.com

Mormon Life says: A Missouri news station featured an LDS family and the power of prayer. Watch the video. The state of Missouri has played a major role in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, not all of it has been good. But now there are flourishing communities of the LDS Church throughout the Ozarks.

Worldwide there are an estimated 13 million members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The church and its members are sometimes referred to as Mormons or members of the LDS Church. It began in 1830 with a man named Joseph Smith as a part of the restoration Christian movement. Today it is the foundation of faith for thousands of families in the Ozarks.

Like many other families in Springfield, the Browns spend time with their children at the end of the day. Then they all come together on their knees in the family room for evening prayer.

FHE: Personal Revelation

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:05:00 -0700

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life. *For a printable PDF file, click here.

Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “‘And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit’,” by Julie B. Beck, Ensign, May 2010, 10–12.

Thought:
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.
(Julie B. Beck, “‘And upon the Handmaids in Those Days Will I Pour Out My Spirit’,” Ensign, May 2010, 10–12.)

Song:
“Tell Me Dear Lord,” Children’s Songbook, p. 176.

Scripture:
Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (Doctrine and Covenants 112:10)

Lesson:
After reading 1 Nephi 17:45 with your family, tell them that listening to the voice of the Lord is a little like listening to the radio. Turn on a radio and tune it to a spot where all you can hear is static. Ask how this radio signal is like what Laman and Lemuel received from the Lord. Now tune the radio to a crystal-clear station. Ask how this signal is like what Nephi heard.

Share the following statement from Elder Boyd K. Packer: “The scriptures generally use the word voice, which does not exactly fit. These delicate, refined communications are not seen with our eyes, nor heard with our ears. And even though it is described as a voice, it is a voice that one feels, more than one hears.” (“Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, January 1983, p. 52.)

Ask your family why someone with a hard heart would have difficulty hearing the voice of the Spirit. Bear your testimony of how wonderful it is when you are able to feel communication from the Spirit.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2003], p. 39.)

Story:
Several years ago I learned a great lesson while laboring as the managing director of the Church's Welfare Services Department. We were at a critical stage in the history of Church welfare, and it was time to go through an agonizing reappraisal of the program in light of current world conditions.

After praying for a solution to the problems we faced, I had a terrific thought: Glenn, you have access to the Quorum of the Twelve and to a member of the First Presidency. What a resource! I called for appointments and met individually with these great men. I poured out my concerns and added my feeling that we were at a stage where further revelation on the subject was necessary. Then I sat back with my pen and yellow notepad and waited for pearls of wisdom. I was devastated when their collective counsel amounted to this: "Brother Pace, we commend you for your concern and conscientiousness in finding solutions to these weighty matters. We, too, have some deep concerns and anxieties, and you are absolutely right—we do need revelation. Now, go get it!"

Who, me? I was an employee of the Church, not a General Authority. However, I had been taught that I had the responsibility to take to the Brethren well-thought-out recommendations that could be confirmed, modified, or rejected in the appropriate forums. It was my obligation and right to receive inspiration. And I knew that inspiration would come only after intense, agonizing study, research, and meditation. In other words, I learned that revelation is 95 percent hard work.

(Glenn L. Pace, Spiritual Plateaus, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1991].)

Activity:
Give everyone a pencil and a piece of paper with the word REVELATION written at the top. At the signal to start, the players make as many words as they can in five minutes, using only the letters in the word revelation. The winner is the person with the most words after the time is up.

(George and Jeane Chipman, Games! Games! Games!, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 1983], p. 131.)

Refreshment:
Almond Chocolate Pie

1 graham cracker crust or baked 9-inch pie shell
1/2 cup almond slivers, toasted
1 (7-ounce) chocolate bar
1/2 cup half-and-half
18 large marshmallows
1 cup heavy whipping cream

Place almonds on a cookie sheet and bake for 5 to 7 minutes at 350 degrees F. Almonds should be light golden brown. Remove from oven. Be careful not to overcook; almonds will continue to brown after being removed from the oven.

Place the chocolate bar, half-and-half, and marshmallows in the top of a double boiler and heat until chocolate bar and marshmallows are melted. In a large bowl, whip the cream until stiff; fold cream and almonds into chocolate mixture. Pour into crust and refrigerate to cool. When cool, pace in freezer. Remove from freezer 1 hour before serving. Makes 1 pie.

(Lion House Pies, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 16.)

Young Women Lesson 22: Counseling with the Lord

Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by David A. Bednar
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others. My message in the last general conference focused upon the gospel principle of asking in faith in prayer. Today I want to discuss three additional principles that can help our prayers become more meaningful, and I pray for the assistance of the Holy Ghost for me and for you.

Principle #1. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings (see Alma 37:37). Simply stated, prayer is communication to Heavenly Father from His sons and daughters on earth. "As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part" (Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," 752). We are commanded to pray always to the Father in the name of the Son (see 3 Nephi 18:19-20). We are promised that if we pray sincerely for that which is right and good and in accordance with God's will, we can be blessed, protected, and directed (see 3 Nephi 18:20; D&C 19:38).

Revelation is communication from Heavenly Father to His children on earth. As we ask in faith, we can receive revelation upon revelation and knowledge upon knowledge and come to know the mysteries and peaceable things that bring joy and eternal life (see D&C 42:61). The mysteries are those matters that can only be known and understood by the power of the Holy Ghost (see Harold B. Lee, Ye Are the Light of the World [1974], 211).

The revelations of the Father and the Son are conveyed through the third member of the Godhead, even the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the witness of and messenger for the Father and the Son.

The patterns used by God in creating the earth are instructive in helping us understand how to make prayer meaningful. In the third chapter of the book of Moses we learn that all things were created spiritually before they were naturally upon the earth.

"And now, behold, I say unto you, that these are the generations of the heaven and of the earth, when they were created, in the day that I, the Lord God, made the heaven and the earth,

"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth" (Moses 3:4-5).

We learn from these verses that the spiritual creation preceded the temporal creation. In a similar way, meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day - and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day. Just as the temporal creation was linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation, so meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other.

Consider this example. There may be things in our character, in our behavior, or concerning our spiritual growth about which we need to counsel with Heavenly Father in morning prayer. After expressing appropriate thanks for blessings received, we plead for understanding, direction, and help to do the things we cannot do in our own strength alone. For example, as we pray, we might:

Reflect on those occasions when we have spoken harshly or inappropriately to those we love the most.
Recognize that we know better than this, but we do not always act in accordance with what we know.
Express remorse for our weaknesses and for not putting off the natural man more earnestly.
Determine to pattern our life after the Savior more completely.
Plead for greater strength to do and to become better.

Such a prayer is a key part of the spiritual preparation for our day.

During the course of the day, we keep a prayer in our heart for continued assistance and guidance - even as Alma suggested: "Let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord" (Alma 37:36).

We notice during this particular day that there are occasions where normally we would have a tendency to speak harshly, and we do not; or we might be inclined to anger, but we are not. We discern heavenly help and strength and humbly recognize answers to our prayer. Even in that moment of recognition, we offer a silent prayer of gratitude.

At the end of our day, we kneel again and report back to our Father. We review the events of the day and express heartfelt thanks for the blessings and the help we received. We repent and, with the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, identify ways we can do and become better tomorrow. Thus our evening prayer builds upon and is a continuation of our morning prayer. And our evening prayer also is a preparation for meaningful morning prayer.

Morning and evening prayers - and all of the prayers in between - are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonition to "pray always" (Luke 21:36; 3 Nephi 18:15, 18; D&C 31:12). Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining the highest blessings God holds in store for His faithful children.

Prayer becomes meaningful as we remember our relationship to Deity and heed the admonition to:

"Cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

"Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day" (Alma 37:36-37; emphasis added).

Principle #2. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude. During our service at Brigham Young University–Idaho, Sister Bednar and I frequently hosted General Authorities in our home. Our family learned an important lesson about meaningful prayer as we knelt to pray one evening with a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Earlier in the day Sister Bednar and I had been informed about the unexpected death of a dear friend, and our immediate desire was to pray for the surviving spouse and children. As I invited my wife to offer the prayer, the member of the Twelve, unaware of the tragedy, graciously suggested that in the prayer Sister Bednar express only appreciation for blessings received and ask for nothing. His counsel was similar to Alma's instruction to the members of the ancient Church "to pray without ceasing, and to give thanks in all things" (Mosiah 26:39). Given the unexpected tragedy, requesting blessings for our friends initially seemed to us more urgent than expressing thanks.

Sister Bednar responded in faith to the direction she received. She thanked Heavenly Father for meaningful and memorable experiences with this dear friend. She communicated sincere gratitude for the Holy Ghost as the Comforter and for the gifts of the Spirit that enable us to face adversity and to serve others. Most importantly, she expressed appreciation for the plan of salvation, for the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, for His Resurrection, and for the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel which make it possible for families to be together forever.

Our family learned from that experience a great lesson about the power of thankfulness in meaningful prayer. Because of and through that prayer, our family was blessed with inspiration about a number of issues that were pressing upon our minds and stirring in our hearts. We learned that our gratefulness for the plan of happiness and for the Savior's mission of salvation provided needed reassurance and strengthened our confidence that all would be well with our dear friends. We also received insights concerning the things about which we should pray and appropriately ask in faith.

The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. As I am blessed now to pray with apostles and prophets, I find among these modern-day leaders of the Savior's Church the same characteristic that describes Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon: these are men whose hearts swell with thanksgiving to God for the many privileges and blessings which He bestows upon His people (see Alma 48:12). Also, they do not multiply many words, for it is given unto them what they should pray, and they are filled with desire (see 3 Nephi 19:24). The prayers of prophets are childlike in their simplicity and powerful because of their sincerity.

As we strive to make our prayers more meaningful, we should remember that "in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments" (D&C 59:21). Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts.

Principle #3. Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart. Petitioning Heavenly Father for the blessings we desire in our personal lives is good and proper. However, praying earnestly for others, both those whom we love and those who despitefully use us, is also an important element of meaningful prayer. Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord.

We learn a vital lesson from the example of Lehi in the Book of Mormon. Lehi responded in faith to prophetic instruction and warnings concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. He then prayed unto the Lord "with all his heart, in behalf of his people" (1 Nephi 1:5; emphasis added). In answer to this fervent prayer, Lehi was blessed with a glorious vision of God and His Son and of the impending destruction of Jerusalem (see 1 Nephi 1:6-9, 13, 18). Consequently, Lehi rejoiced, and his whole heart was filled because of the things which the Lord had shown him (see 1 Nephi 1:15). Please note that the vision came in response to a prayer for others and not as a result of a request for personal edification or guidance.

The Savior is the perfect example of praying for others with real intent. In His great Intercessory Prayer uttered on the night before His Crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His Apostles and all of the Saints.

"I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. . . .

"Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; . . .

" . . . that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them" (John 17:9, 20, 26).

During the Savior's ministry on the American continent, He directed the people to ponder His teachings and to pray for understanding. He healed the sick, and He prayed for the people using language that could not be written (see 3 Nephi 17:1-16). The impact of His prayer was profound: "No one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him pray for us unto the Father" (3 Nephi 17:17). Imagine what it might have been like to hear the Savior of the world praying for us.

Do our spouses, children, and other family members likewise feel the power of our prayers offered unto the Father for their specific needs and desires? Do those we serve hear us pray for them with faith and sincerity? If those we love and serve have not heard and felt the influence of our earnest prayers in their behalf, then the time to repent is now. As we emulate the example of the Savior, our prayers truly will become more meaningful.

We are commanded to "pray always" (2 Nephi 32:9; D&C 10:5; 90:24) - "vocally as well as in [our] heart[s]; . . . before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private" (D&C 19:28). I testify that prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart.

I witness Heavenly Father lives and that He hears and answers every earnest prayer. Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Mediator. Revelation is real. The fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth in this dispensation. I so testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

Young Men Lesson 12: Prayer

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by David A. Bednar
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. I invite the Holy Ghost to assist us as we consider a principle that can help our prayers become more meaningful--the gospel principle of asking in faith.

I want to review three examples of asking in faith in meaningful prayer and discuss the lessons we can learn from each one of them. As we speak of prayer, I emphasize the word meaningful. Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer. I expect that all of us already know that prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection. But what we know is not always reflected in what we do. And even though we recognize the importance of prayer, all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers.

Ask in Faith and Act The classic example of asking in faith is Joseph Smith and the First Vision. As young Joseph was seeking to know the truth about religion, he read the following verses in the first chapter of James:

"If any of you 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).

Please notice the requirement to ask in faith, which I understand to mean the necessity to not only express but to do, the dual obligation to both plead and to perform, the requirement to communicate and to act.

Pondering this biblical text led Joseph to retire to a grove of trees near his home to pray and to seek spiritual knowledge. Note the questions that guided Joseph's thinking and supplicating.

"In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? . . .

"My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join" (Joseph Smith-History 1:10, 18).

Joseph's questions focused not just on what he needed to know but also on what was to be done! His prayer was not simply, "Which church is right?" His question was, "Which church should I join?" Joseph went to the grove to ask in faith, and he was determined to act.

True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that "faith [is] the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness" and that it is also "the principle of action in all intelligent beings" (Lectures on Faith [1985], 1). Action alone is not faith in the Savior, but acting in accordance with correct principles is a central component of faith. Thus, "faith without works is dead" (James 2:20).

The Prophet Joseph further explained that "faith is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven or on earth" (Lectures on Faith, 3). Thus, faith in Christ leads to righteous action, which increases our spiritual capacity and power. Understanding that faith is a principle of action and of power inspires us to exercise our moral agency in compliance with gospel truth, invites the redeeming and strengthening powers of the Savior's Atonement into our lives, and enlarges the power within us whereby we are agents unto ourselves (see D&C 58:28).

I long have been impressed with the truth that meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, and prayer, as "a form of work, . . . is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings" (Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," 753). We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say "amen," by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father.

Asking in faith requires honesty, effort, commitment, and persistence. Let me provide an illustration of what I mean and extend to you an invitation.

We properly pray for the safety and success of the full-time missionaries throughout the world. And a common element in many of our prayers is a request that the missionaries will be led to individuals and families who are prepared to receive the message of the Restoration. But ultimately it is my responsibility and your responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. Missionaries are full-time teachers; you and I are full-time finders. And you and I as lifelong missionaries should not be praying for the full-time missionaries to do our work!

If you and I would truly pray and ask in faith, as did Joseph Smith--if we would pray with the expectation to act and not just to express--then the work of proclaiming the gospel would move forward in a remarkable way. Such a prayer of faith might include some of the following elements:

Thanking Heavenly Father for the doctrines and ordinances of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, which bring hope and happiness into our lives.
Asking for courage and boldness to open our mouths and share the gospel with our family and friends.
Entreating Heavenly Father to help us identify individuals and families who will be receptive to our invitation to be taught by the missionaries in our homes.
Pledging to do our part this day and this week and petitioning for help to overcome anxiety, fear, and hesitation.
Seeking for the gift of discernment— for eyes to see and ears to hear missionary opportunities as they occur.
Praying fervently for the strength to act as we know we should.

Gratitude would be expressed, and other blessings might be requested in such a prayer, which would be closed in the name of the Savior. And then the consecrated work of that prayer would continue and increase.

This same pattern of holy communication and consecrated work can be applied in our prayers for the poor and the needy, for the sick and the afflicted, for family members and friends who are struggling, and for those who are not attending Church meetings.

I testify that prayer becomes meaningful as we ask in faith and act. I invite all of us to pray in faith about our divinely given mandate to proclaim the gospel. As we do so, I promise doors will open and we will be blessed to recognize and act upon the opportunities that will be provided.

After the Trial of Our Faith My second example emphasizes the importance of persevering through the trial of our faith. A few years ago a family traveled to Europe from the United States. Shortly after arriving at their destination, a 13-year-old son became quite ill. The mother and father initially thought his upset stomach was caused by fatigue from the long flight, and the family routinely continued on its journey.

As the day continued, the son's condition became worse. Dehydration was increasing. The father gave his son a priesthood blessing, but no improvement was immediately evident.

Several hours passed by, and the mother knelt by her son's side, pleading in prayer to Heavenly Father for the boy's well-being. They were far from home in an unfamiliar country and did not know how to obtain medical assistance.

The mother asked her son if he would like to pray with her. She knew that merely waiting for the anticipated blessing would not be enough; they needed to continue to act. Explaining that the blessing he had received was still in effect, she suggested again petitioning in prayer, as did the ancient Apostles, "Lord, Increase our faith" (Luke 17:5). The prayer included a profession of trust in priesthood power and a commitment to persevere in doing whatever might be required for the blessing to be honored--if that blessing at that time was in accordance with God's will. Shortly after they offered this simple prayer, the son's condition improved.

The faithful action of the mother and her son helped to invite the promised priesthood power and in part satisfied the requirement that we "dispute not because [we] see not, for [we] receive no witness until after the trial of [our] faith" (Ether 12:6). Just as the prison holding Alma and Amulek did not tumble to the earth "until after their faith," and just as Ammon and his missionary brethren did not witness mighty miracles in their ministries "until after their faith" (see Ether 12:12-15), so the healing of this 13-year-old boy did not occur until after their faith and was accomplished "according to their faith in their prayers" (D&C 10:47).

Not My Will, but Thine, Be Done My third example highlights the importance of recognizing and accepting the will of God in our lives. Several years ago there was a young father who had been active in the Church as a boy but had chosen a different path during his teenage years. After serving in the military, he married a lovely girl, and soon children blessed their home.

One day without warning their little four-year-old daughter became critically ill and was hospitalized. In desperation and for the first time in many years, the father was found on his knees in prayer, asking that the life of his daughter be spared. Yet her condition worsened. Gradually, this father sensed that his little girl would not live, and slowly his prayers changed; he no longer prayed for healing but rather for understanding. "Let Thy will be done" was now the manner of his pleadings.

Soon his daughter was in a coma, and the father knew her hours on earth were few. Fortified with understanding, trust, and power beyond their own, the young parents prayed again, asking for the opportunity to hold her close once more while she was awake. The daughter's eyes opened, and her frail arms reached out to her parents for one final embrace. And then she was gone. This father knew their prayers had been answered--a kind, compassionate Father in Heaven had comforted their hearts. God's will had been done, and they had gained understanding. (Adapted from H. Burke Peterson, "Adversity and Prayer," Ensign, Jan. 1974, 18.)

Discerning and accepting the will of God in our lives are fundamental elements of asking in faith in meaningful prayer. However, simply saying the words "Thy will be done" is not enough. Each of us needs God's help in surrendering our will to Him.

"Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other" (Bible Dictionary, "Prayer," 752-53). Humble, earnest, and persistent prayer enables us to recognize and align ourselves with the will of our Heavenly Father. And in this the Savior provided the perfect example as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. . . . And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly" (Luke 22:42, 44).

The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing. Every sincere prayer is heard and answered by our Heavenly Father, but the answers we receive may not be what we expect or come to us when we want or in the way we anticipate. This truth is evident in the three examples I have presented today.

Prayer is a privilege and the soul's sincere desire. We can move beyond routine and "checklist" prayers and engage in meaningful prayer as we appropriately ask in faith and act, as we patiently persevere through the trial of our faith, and as we humbly acknowledge and accept "not my will, but Thine, be done."

I witness the reality and divinity of our Eternal Father, of His Only Begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Ghost. I testify that our Father hears and answers our prayers. May each of us strive with greater resolve to ask in faith and thereby make our prayers truly meaningful. I so pray in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

FHE: Prayer

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0700

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: No matter who you are or what you may have done, you can always pray. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. Conference Talk: For more information on this topic read "Prayer and Promptings," by Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov 2009, 43-46.

Thoughts: One of the adversary's sharpest tools is to convince us that we are no longer worthy to pray. No matter who you are or what you may have done, you can always pray. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.

(Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings," Ensign, Nov 2009, 43-46.)

Song: "I Pray in Faith," Children's Songbook, p. 14.

Scripture: Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)

Lesson: Begin by asking the following questions:

Think of a time when you had a challenge or trial that seemed overwhelming. How did you endure it?
Where did you turn for help?
How can the Lord help us at those times?
What is the best way to get help from the Lord?

Explain to your family that they will be reading about the time when Judah was surrounded by their enemies, and King Jehoshaphat feared he had no way of winning the battle on his own. Have them read 2 Chronicles 20:3-9 to see what happened. Ask:

What did the people do to obtain help? (Prayed, fasted, and went to the temple.)
When have you found these righteous practices helpful in your trials?

Explain that when the different nations came out to battle with Judah, they fought among themselves and eventually destroyed one another so that Judah did not have to fight them. The Lord not only delivered Judah from a battle, but also provided so many spoils from the war that it took the people three days to collect all the goods. Share your testimony that the Lord will comfort, strengthen, and bless us in our trials if we are faithful to Him. Allow time for any of your family to share an experience where they felt the Lord strengthened them during a trial.

(Dennis H. Leavitt and Richard O. Christensen, Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Old Testament, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2010], p. 142.)

Story: In 1963, Mary Ellen Edmunds and Carol Smithen became the first missionaries to work in Quezon City in the Philippines. Later the city would become the headquarters of an entire mission, but at the time it was part of the Philippines Zone of the Southern Far East Mission. Eventually Sister Smithen received a new companion, and Mary Jane Davidson was assigned to work with Sister Edmunds.

Early the next year, Sister Edmunds and Sister Davidson were going door to door "tracting," and they were not doing very well. They really weren't in the mood to work that morning, and they knew what that meant: they didn't have the Spirit. So they stopped on the street, each said a silent prayer, and then they approached the next house. When they rang the doorbell, an eye soon appeared in a little peephole. The sisters told the man on the other side of the peephole that they were missionaries and would like to visit with him for a few minutes.

"I am Cat-o-leek," the man said. At that time, the missionaries did not learn the Filipino languages as they do now. Most people did speak at least some English, but the sisters could tell that this man did not speak a great deal. They both felt strongly prompted, however, to keep trying, and finally he agreed to let them come in.

The man told the sisters that his name was Felixberto S. Ocampo. He was a somewhat older man with an impressive appearance and dark, graying hair. That hair, along with his kindly manner, reminded the sisters of President David O. McKay. [They began teaching him.]

During one visit, the sisters asked Mr. Ocampo whether he prayed. "Oh, yes, sisters," he said (pronouncing the word "seesters"). "I pray every day." So they taught him the principles of prayer and, from that time on, asked him to pray at the beginning or end of their meetings. He asked each time if it would be all right if he prayed in Tagalog, his own language. They said that was fine. They didn't understand much of what he said in these prayers, but they felt his good spirit.

Mr. Ocampo received all the missionary lessons with the same spirit, and he accepted baptism. One Sunday soon after he was baptized, the branch president asked him to pray in Church, but Brother Ocampo said he couldn't. The sisters were surprised. When they visited him the next time, he explained. "I want to pray the way you pray," he said, and it was only then that they discovered he had been saying memorized prayers, not speaking to the Lord in his own words.

The sisters repeated for him the elements of a prayer, and this time he understood. The idea that he could actually talk with his Heavenly Father was wonderful to him. "I'll be the one to pray this time," he told the sisters. "I'll use English. If I say something wrong, you can tell me."

They knelt together, and then he paused for a very long time as he considered what he wanted to say. This was no ordinary event, the sisters realized; this man of faith was about to converse with the Lord for the first time. He wanted to choose the right words. Both sisters were weeping before Brother Ocampo even began to pray.

He worked hard for the right English words as he began, but the sisters felt no need to correct anything he said. Now and again he would stop and say, "Sisters, this is very beautiful, no?"

They would nod, tears streaming down their faces. This was clearly the most beautiful prayer either had ever heard.

"If I am slow, will He wait for me?" he asked at one point.

"Yes," the sisters told him. "Take all the time you want."

And finally he asked, "Sisters, does Heavenly Father know Tagalog?"

They assured him that the Lord knew every language, and in response Brother Ocampo asked whether he could finish in his own language. They said he could, and then they heard him pour out his feelings fluently, in his native tongue, and they understood the spirit of what he said.

Brother Ocampo was a steadfast member of the Church until he died. His faith was a power to all who knew him. And Sister Edmunds and Sister Davidson were better people for having met him. They had . . . heard a man speak with God with such pleasure and intimacy that their own prayers would be changed forever.

(Tom Hughes, Dean Hughes, We'll Bring the World His Truth: Missionary Adventures from Around the World, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1995].)

Activity: Create two sets of game squares by writing words on small sheets of paper or index cards.

Set A Fold Kneel Close Bless Heavenly Morning and Thanks for Ask for Prayers are

Set B Arms Down Eyes Food Father Night Blessings Needs Answered

Shuffle the A cards and lay them face down in a row on the floor or table. Then shuffle the B cards and place them face down in a second row on the floor or table.

Every card in group A matches a card in group B. The object of the game is to make as many matches as possible.

Divide the family into two teams and have team one choose a card from group A and one from group B. If the words match, team one receives a point and team two takes their turn. If the words do not match, turn the cards back over and team two takes a guess. (Notice that even if a match is made, only one guess can be taken each turn.)

Play alternates until all nine of the matches have been made. The team with the most matches wins. The matching words are listed below.

Fold Arms Kneel Down Close Eyes Bless Food Heavenly Father Morning and Night Thanks for Blessing Ask for Needs Prayers are Answered

(Max H. Molgard and Allan K. Burgess, Fun for Family Night: Book of Mormon Edition, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1990], p. 63.)

Refreshment Traditional Corn Bread

1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 eggs

Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Grease round pan, 9 x 1 1/2 inches or square pan 8 x 8 x 2 inches. Mix all ingredients; beat vigorously 30 seconds.

Pour batter into pan. Bake until golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm with butter and jam, honey butter, or drizzled with maple syrup.

(Betty Crocker's Sunday Dinner Cookbook, [Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing and Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2007], p. 12.)

Click here to download the PDF version of this lesson.