The prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation on August 30, 1831, which states: "ye receive the Spirit through prayer....taught through prayer by the Spirit." (D & C 63: 64-65)

Three of the sad consequences of pornography are: "if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they
1.) shall not have the Spirit, but
2.) shall deny the faith and
3.) shall fear." (D & C 63: 16)

I have always loved this statement about prayer:

"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 (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings." (Bible Dictionary, Prayer)

‘Real intent’ is important in our prayers as well as when we repent and seek forgiveness. The scriptures record that it is: “..counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.” (Moroni 7:9) also:

“ But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.”(Moroni 6:8)

The phrase mighty prayer is used 8 times in the scriptures. For example:

Nephi said: “..I waxed bold in mighty prayer..” (2 Ne. 4:24) Enos said: “..I cried unto him inmighty prayer and supplication for mine own soul..” (Enos 1:4) Alma the younger encourages the church at Zarahemla to: “join in fasting and mighty prayer in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.” (Alma 6:6) When Alma went to Ammonihah and there: “Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city;...’ (Alma 8:10) “..the disciples of Jesus..were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting. And Jesus again showed himself unto them..”  (3 Ne. 27:1-2) As Jesus gave the Nephite apostles power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost he instructed them: “saying: Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer..” (Moroni 2:2) Martin Harris was told to: “..humble himself in mighty prayer..” (D & C 5:24)The Docrine and Covenants records: “Jesus Christ ..will gather his people..even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer.” (D & C 29:1-2)

 In addition to having real intent, and mighty prayers there will still be times when like Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane: “being in an agony he prayed more earnestly” (Luke 22:44). Perhaps, the simple procedure would be to insure that we are righteous as there appears to be a distinction made for the prayers of the righteous and the faithful.

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers..” (1 Pet. 3:12)  

“..if it were not for the prayers of the righteous..ye would even now be visited with utter destruction..But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are now spared..” (Alma 10:22-23)

“..nevertheless for the righteous sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared.” (Alma 62:40)

“..the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous..” (Mormon 5:21)

“..shall not be suffered to perish, because of the prayers of the faithful;” (2 Ne. 6:11)

“..the prayers of the faithful shall be heard,..” (2 Ne. 26:15)

“Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord–therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them..” (Mosiah 10:13) (1 Ne. 1:1; 17:35)

“And except they repent..and cry mightily to the Lord their God, I will not hear their prayers..” (Mosiah 11:25) see also (Mosiah 9:17; 21:10 &14; 24:10; Alma 9:25, 14:11; Mormon 9:6)

Pray, Stay & Obey !!

This is a photograph taken on February 1, 2014, when we had a meeting with the Priesthood leaders in Beira. The men sitting down, are 7 of the 8 Branch Presidents.

One of the highlights of our mission is getting to know and love some of the faithful Saints in Mozambique.

Here is Farnando Dominges Cambarame. He is easy to love. He is 23 years old, and wants badly to serve a mission. Farnando joined the Church in 2009, after his older brother introduced him to the Church, but the brother (who was only 28) died in 2008, prior to Farnando's baptism. Farnando never really met his father, as he died when he was a baby. His mother also died in 2011, while she was investigating the Church. This sad story is not that uncommon here.

A requirement to serve a mission is for the member to pay for their own passport. Although the cost is only $84, this amount requires a substantial sacrifice which restricts many from serving. Farnando, obtained his first passport in 2012, but it was stolen, so he was required to pay for a second passport, which he did in June 2013, but by then, his medical exams were outdated, so today (Friday, February 14th) we scanned and emailed a new set of medical exams.

 Hopefully, this will complete his mission application and he can begin the three (3) month wait to receive his missionary call.....Doesn't this make you want to contribute to the General Missionary Fund ?

Here are some photos of a giant snail!

I love you!