Pray About It . . . What Does it Mean to Pray ? ? ?

Prayer is one of the ways in which we as Humans receive Revelation.

The Bible Dictionary states the following 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.

        Christians are taught to pray in Christ’s name (John 14:13–14; 15:7, 16; 16:23–24). We pray in Christ’s name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ—when his words abide in us (John 15:7). We then ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ’s name at all; they in no way represent his mind, but spring out of the selfishness of man’s heart."

Prayer is something we should do out of love.  When we love the savior we will pray to the Father for forgiveness when we have done something wrong.  When we love our neighbors we will pray for them even when they are not in need of help.

The pattern of Prayer that Christ taught His diciples was to pray to the Father, in the Name of Christ.  Much like a letter to a dear friend.  We speak freely and sometimes emotionally in personal prayer.  We can say whatever we want our Father to hear.  We give Thanks for our blessings, and we ask for those things we still need help with.

I hope that we might each find a new desire to pray, and to speak with our Heavenly Father more often.

This is my prayer for everyone, in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Baptism - A Contract

What is a Contract?

A Contract is a Legal and Binding agreement with a set of terms and conditions.

Contracts are often used to regulate money, such as when you buy a house or a car.

The Contract to buy a House usually states how much Money will be paid each month, and the number of months it will take until all payment is completed.

This means that as long as you are paying off the house, you are in Debt to whoever you signed that Contract with.

The Lender is willing to pay for the House as long as you do whatever is part of the Contract.

You agree to their terms by Signing the Contract, and in return receive the House.

With Baptism it works much the same way.  We agree to take Christ's name upon us, to represent Him at all times, and keep His commandments. 
 He agrees to give us blessings, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

If we simply skip several payments, we would lose the house.  If we are not being obedient and keeping the commandments, we will lose those blessings and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

Contracts are written out by someone who has the authority to do so.  Baptism must also be performed by someone holding the Priesthood and be Authorized to do so.

Until we are done paying for the house we are technically under bondage to our Contract.

Christ has already paid the price for out sins, and we will not be able to truly repay Him.  But He is willing to forgive all of our debts if we are obedient, and He will make our burdens light and deliver us from bondage.