Saturday, July 10, 2021

Thomas Ward on "Prayer" (June 1846)

  

PRAYER

 

Perhaps there is no subject less understood than that which we have placed at the head of these remarks, and yet it is as it were the life and existence, or rather the source of it, in the true saint of God. How exalted indeed must be the condition of that man, who, whatsoever office he may fill, is prepared continually to go before his heavenly Father, unbosom his feelings, and lay all things before him with the simplicity of a child, and ask for his guidance and blessing upon that in which he is about to engage. How many errors, indeed, would be avoided, if we continually sought for wisdom and light from God through the medium of prayer. And we would here remark, that there is no one exempt from the duty of prayer, let their position be ever so exalted they stand in need of the light and intelligence of the Spirit of God continually, and if they wish for success in their various enterprises, it will be found to be associated only with a continual application to the throne of grace, and blessings consequent upon so doing.

 

We are aware that no one enters into the kingdom of God without commencing a career of trial and difficulty. Well, what would be our best and sincerest counsel to such a one? Most assuredly to live near unto God, to be in constant communion with him by prayers and supplications, that we might not err in our ways, but we do al things in accordance with the mind and will of God. The grand secret of salvation is endurance unto the end, but this can only be effected by the application of the great principle upon which we are now treating. There is no power in man to save himself, he can only come into a state of security by becoming the recipient of another spirit, even the Spirit of God; therefore, how necessary is it that he should ever be in such a state as to approach acceptably into the presence of God, and obtain that aid which is so essentially necessary to his salvation.

 

In making these few remarks, we mean them fully to apply to ourselves as well as to our readers, and let no one mistake about this subject, for whatever is their position, be it arduous and difficult, or otherwise, the grand secret of success will be found to be a constant communication with our heavenly Father, in which we can lay all things before him, and ask in the name of Jesus Christ for wisdom and power to do all things in accordance with his own will.

 

Let the Saints reflect upon this subject deeply, it is applicable to all; how much trial and difficulty and evil feeling would be removed, if the parties were in company to go before the Lord, there explain all things and seek for wisdom and intelligence to rectify and put in order all things that may be wrong.

 

Presidents of the conferences, of branches, and all officers, we address these lines to you, give heed to these injunctions and you will be blest, your labours will not be in vain, neither shall you have to look around and find your brethren in hostility to yourself, but you shall find that having sought for the spirit of the Lord, that you have become of one mind and heart, and that you can act together in concert, and the Evil One shall not have power over you.

 

We consider this subject as extremely simple and easy to be understood. The great plan of redemption is to impart unto man a spirit and power foreign to himself, but by which he shall be enabled to overcome and triumph. The spirit is the spirit of God, and it is only by a constant career of faithfulness and diligence in seeking for the same that we can overcome any present difficulties, and be prepared for entering into that rest which is prepared for the people of God. Let then the Saints of God be individually an example to all men of their diligence in this respect, we do not mean that they should make a display of their piety, but that they should constantly feel the necessity of trusting in the power and blessing that they should constantly feel the necessity of trusting in the power and blessing of God, and never fail to ask for light and intelligence to be our attendant in our progress onward to eternal life.

 

Let such a course of conduct in this respect be ours, and our success is certain, and our everlasting reward is sure, while our pilgrimage shall be cheered by the bright coruscations of the principles of truth, which will, while we are childlike and honest, continue to illumine the path to immortality and eternal life. (Thomas Ward, “Prayer,” in The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, 7, no. 12 [15 June, 1846]:202-3)