Moroni 7:9 & 48

9 And likewise also is it 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.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

I know that through sincere prayer we become like Christ, because we come to know Christ.

When I was in Seminary, I saw a video that really touched me that I’ve never forgotten. There were some boys in Scotland, who were on an outing and decided to explore some old castle ruins towards evening. One boy climbed up some ruins, and before he knew it, it was dark. As he tried to climb down, he got stuck on a ledge that he couldn’t get off. The other boys went for help. Soon, one of the other boys’ fathers came and stood below the frightened boy. He told him to jump, and he would catch him, but the boy couldn’t see the man in the blackness below, and was too afraid to take that step out into the darkness. He was coaxed by the man to no avail. Then, he heard the voice of his own father, who had come to help his son. The boy stared into the darkness below him, trying to make out his father’s form, but couldn’t see anything but blackness. His father promised him that if he jumped off the ledge into the darkness, that he would catch him and that the boy would be safe. I’m afraid of heights, so I can imagine the fear that that boy must have felt. But, he knew his father. He believed his father, and he jumped into the darkness below him into the safety of his father’s arms.

How do we get to know and trust our Father in Heaven as this boy trusted his earthly father? How do we become like our Savior Jesus Christ? How do we become "purified even as he is pure?" How do we become sons (and daughters) of God? We do these things by turning to our Father in prayer, by spending time with Him in conversation and in scripture. I know that as we try to do His will, as we ask for His guidance in our daily prayers, as we read the scriptures looking for His council for us that we will become like Him. Our will will become His will. Our hearts will be turned to Him. We will be filled with His love and with His Spirit. We will become the followers of Christ that we know we were meant to be.

I know that our Father in Heaven loves you. He knows you. He wants nothing but the best for you. Turn to Him in prayer. Read in the scriptures His words for you. He will make so much more of your life than you could possibly make of yourself. Trust in Him.

Love,
Sister Jones