Category: Purity

I Pray for Those Whom Thou Hast Given Me Out of the World

~ Richard Rowley

Christ prays for those whom the Father has given Him out of the world.

“I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world, because of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them.” (3 Nephi 19:29)

Questions:

-In what sense does the Father give Christ souls out of the world?

-What is the significance of Christ not praying “for the world”?

-Is being born again spiritually akin to being borne out of the ways of the world by the purifying influence of the Holy Ghost?

Look unto God with Firmness of Mind and Pray with Exceeding Faith

~ Richard Rowley

The prophet Jacob describes the power that comes to those who are pure in heart, look to God with firmness of mind, and pray with exceeding faith:

“…I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction. O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.” (Jacob 3:1)

Questions:

-What does it mean to be pure in heart? How can one obtain purity of heart?

-Do some expect remarkable blessings without looking to God with firmness of mind and without praying with exceeding faith?

-Do some keep their head bowed stubbornly in sorrow rather than receiving the pleasing word of God and rejoicing in the power of His love?