Mormon Musings

In his flight from persecution at Thessalonica and Berea, Paul waited at Athens for Silas and Timotheus. While there, “his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.” ( Acts 17:16 .) Paul, as you remember, had, in a great experience, gained for himself a knowledge that the Lord was not an impersonal essence, but rather an individual so near that He could and did speak to Paul, and gave instruction as to what Paul should do for his own welfare. (See  Acts 9 .) it was this knowledge which caused Paul’s spirit to be stirred in him as he beheld the idolatry of the city. Not only did such knowledge stir his spirit, but it also gave him the desire and the strength and the courage to do what he could to enlighten the people of Athens. He took every occasion to teach “them Jesus, and the resurrection .” ( Acts 17:18 .) Some called him a babbler; others said, “He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods.” ( Acts 17:18 .) So much attention did he attract th...

“Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth.” ( D&C 19:38 .) During His earthly ministry, Jesus taught us a pattern for prayer: “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. “Give us this day our daily bread. “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” ( Matt. 6:9–13 .) He further instructed, “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” ( Luke 18:1 .) “Watch and pray,” He said, “that ye enter not into temptation.” ( Matt. 26:41 .) In this dispensation He admonished, “Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place.” ( D&C 93:49 .) The Savior declared to  Joseph Smith , “In nothing dot...