CHAPTER 20
Wisdom is not just to have knowledge; it is to recognize and accept
truth, and then to apply it to that which needs it.
1 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of
understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and
judgment, and equity; to give subtilty to the simple, to the young man
knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase
learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:
2 The sons of Mosiah were committed to learning about the things of
God. There are probably no people today who have made stronger
commitments to learning than have the Latter-day Saints. Our
commitments are sustained by the fact that the Lord has told us to
�gstudy and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with
languages, tongues, and people.�h (D&C 90:15.) For, said he, �gIt is
impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance�h (D&C 131:6)--that is,
in ignorance of the truth. �gA man is saved no faster than he gets
knowledge,�h added the Prophet Joseph Smith. (History of the Church)
3 The glory of God is intelligence; in other words, light and truth.
All intelligence comes from God, and anyone whose mind is opened to
the development of inventions for the benefit and blessing of mankind
receives that light and truth through study, through research, through
inspiration and guidance from the Spirit of the Lord, whether that
individual be a Morse, an Edison, an Alexander Graham Bell, an Orville
or Wilbur Wright, or whoever he may be.
4 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and
blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.
5 That sweet, quiet voice of inspiration comes more as a feeling than
it does as a sound. Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind. The
Holy Ghost communicates with our spirits through the mind more than
through the physical senses. This guidance comes as thoughts, as
feelings through promptings and impressions. We may feel the words of
spiritual communication more than hear them and see with spiritual
rather than with mortal eyes.
6 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in
before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so
great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and
thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine
enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and
knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I
have made thee king:
7 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than
choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that
may be desired are not to be compared to it.
8 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted
the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye
must needs know that the seed is good. And now, behold, is your
knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and
your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the
word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted
up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your
mind doth begin to expand.
9 You need never fear, my brethren and sisters, if you do not receive
any very great or marvelous manifestation, or if you do not receive
any very wonderful revelations from heaven, if you will only live so
that God can reveal Himself to you if He will. You will be all right,
you will have nothing to fear, you will have nothing lacking, so far
as you are concerned, if you are in a position to receive the will of
God whenever He is ready or desires to make it manifest to you. That
is enough. And then God will only reveal to you that which is
necessary for your development, for your growth and advancement in the
knowledge of the truth.
10 And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and
as they are to come;
11 If you love the truth, if you have received the gospel in your
hearts and love it, your intelligence will be added upon; your
understanding of truth will be expanded, larger than in any other way.
Truth is the thing, above all other things in the world, that makes
men free--free from indolence and carelessness, free from the fearful
consequences of neglect, for it will be a fearful consequence, if we
neglect our duty before the living God. If you will learn the truth
and walk in the light of truth you shall be made free from the errors
of men �c ; you will be above suspicion and above wrong-doing of every
description. God will approve of you and bless you and your
inheritances, and make you prosper and flourish like a green bay tree.
12 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it
will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more
knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and
obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the
world to come.
13 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
14 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation,
knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and
peaceable things--that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life
eternal.
15 Ignorance is expensive; in fact, it is the most expensive commodity
we know anything about. Certainly we make many mistakes through
ignorance. If it is a violation of a commandment of God which we have
never received and thus do not know, then the Lord does not hold us
guilty of the sin. �g�c to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it
not, to him it is sin.�h (James 4:17.) And in Paul�fs words, �g�c
where no law is, there is no transgression.�h (Rom. 4:15.) But even
though we may not be guilty of the sin because of our ignorance,
neither can we receive the blessing, which is predicated on obedience,
without rendering obedience to that law. Therefore, we are denied the
blessing through our ignorance. If it is a traffic law we have
violated through ignorance, the penalty assessed us is exactly the
same as if we had known. Also, if we stick a finger in an electric
light socket, we will receive the same shock, irrespective of our
knowledge of electricity. I repeat, ignorance is expensive.
Particularly is this true since the Lord has decreed, �gIt is
impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.�h (D&C 131:6.) For
surely no man is truly enlightened unless he knows the Lord.
16 It is by loving these truths with all of our heart that an affinity
develops between us and the Source of truth itself, �gfor intelligence
cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth
truth; [and] virtue loveth virtue.�h Hence, we shall discover that the
things we value and appreciate the most are those that we personally
learned from the Lord.
17 Each of us must stay in condition to respond to inspiration and the
promptings of the Holy Ghost. The Lord has a way of pouring pure
intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us,
and to warn us. Each son or daughter of God can know the things they
need to know instantly. Learn to receive and act on inspiration and
revelation.
18 I offer you my personal witness that spiritual truth will fill your
heart and bring light to your spirit. It will reveal to you pure
intelligence with wonderful joy and heavenly peace. I have experienced
this for myself by the power of the Holy Ghost.
19 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love,
and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the
acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of
Christ; in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Younger Elder Brooksby
1-Proverbs 1:2-5
2-Commitment and Dedication by Marion G. Romney, July 1983 Liahona
3-Light and Knowledge to the World by Joseph Anderson, October 1972
General Conference
4-D&C 1:28
5-Prayer and Promptings by Boyd K. Packer, October 2009 General Conference
6-2 Chronicles 1:10-11
7-Proverbs 8:10-11
8-Alma 32:33-34
9-Teachings of Presidents: Joseph F. Smith-Chapter 30: Yield to the
Promptings of the Spirit
10-D&C 93:24
11-Teachings of Presidents: Joseph F. Smith-Chapter 35: Seek to Be
Educated in the Truth
12-D&C 130:18-19
13-D&C 93:36
14-D&C 42:61
15-Ignorance Is Expensive by Hartman Rector, Jr., April 1971 General Conference
16-Being Teachable by Robert R. Steuer, April 2002 General Conference
17-These Things I Know by Boyd K. Packer, April 2013 General Conference
18-Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth by Dieter F. Uchtdorf,
October 2014 General Conference
19-Colossians 2:2-3
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Monday, December 15, 2014
The Book of Brooksby, Chapter 19
Regardless of whether or not we are in a position of leadership, we
all lead each other by example, and it would not be a bad thing for
each of us to understand these principles.
1 It is wisdom in me; therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that
ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship;
that every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is
appointed unto him. For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make
every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I
have made and prepared for my creatures.
2 For what happens in cultural decline both leaders and followers are
really accountable. Historically, of course, it is easy to criticize
bad leaders, but we should not give followers a free pass. Otherwise,
in their rationalization of their degeneration they may say they were
just following orders, while the leader was just ordering followers!
However, much more is required of followers in a democratic society
wherein individual character matters so much in both leaders and
followers.
The prophet Mormon unselfishly consented to lead a people who were in
steep decline. He prayed for them, but confided that his prayers were
without faith because of the people’s wickedness (see Morm. 3:12).
Other times a visionary leader, like Joseph in Egypt, lifts people out
of the endangered routine they’re in by preparing them for the
specific challenges of the future (see Gen. 41:46–57). A few, like
Lincoln, though in a political role, provide spiritual leadership as
well. Lincoln, by the way, warned of how individuals of ambition and
talents would continue to arise and that such an individual “thirsts
and burns for distinction, and if possible … will have it, whether at
the expense of emancipating slaves or enslaving freemen” (cited in
John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln--Man of God [1927], 74; emphasis in
original).
Of unselfish George Washington it has been written: “In all history
few men who possessed unassailable power have used that power so
gently and self-effacingly for what their best instincts told them was
the welfare of their neighbors and all mankind” (James Thomas Flexner,
Washington: The Indispensable Man [1984], xvi).
3 Clarence Sharer said, “The real qualities of leadership are found in
those who are willing to sacrifice for the sake of objectives great
enough to demand their whole-hearted allegiance. Simply holding a
position of leadership does not make a man a leader … If you would be
a real leader you must endure loneliness … If you would be a real
leader you must endure weariness. Leadership requires vision.”
4 Of course, in setting priorities we must establish objectives. Then
establishing priorities aids us in achieving our goals. You may have
heard of the pilot who announced to his passengers that he had some
good news and some bad news. The good news was, “We are traveling at
965 kilometers per hour.” The bad news, “We are lost.” I suppose his
objective was to arrive at his destination. But his priorities were
confused. Many people have the same problem.
5 The story was told of General Antigonus (382–301 B.C., general of
Alexander the Great) who was preparing to have his men attack the
enemy. The plan was devised, the strategy decided, and the hour
determined. General Antigonus’s men were outnumbered severely. The
signal to attack was given. No one attacked. In fact, they were about
ready to retreat ingloriously. General Antigonus asked what the
problem was. The captains replied that they were outnumbered so
severely that the men dared not attack. General Antigonus thought for
a moment and then asked, “For how many then wilt thou reckon me?” This
spirit spread through the ranks; they attacked and won a great battle.
How many do you think the Lord counts each of his righteous servants
for? How many do you count a President Spencer W. Kimball for? How
about a Nathan Eldon Tanner, a Marion G. Romney, or an Ezra Taft
Benson? These are not men to be conquered. When you make your
contribution in life, will men list your assets and fortune or will
they talk about your character and integrity?
6 “To become as God would wish us, we must accustom our minds to
rejoice in seeing others prospered as ourselves; rejoice in seeing the
cause of Zion exalted by whatsoever hands Providence may order; and
have our bosoms closed against the entrance of envy when a weaker
instrument than ourselves is called to greater honor; be content in
magnifying a lesser office till called to a higher; be satisfied in
doing small things and not claim the honor of doing great ones.” He
compared the Church to a great building, with individual Saints as
parts of that building, saying that we should “never feel too lofty to
be sometimes cut down, squared, scored, and hewed to be fitted into
the place we are to occupy in the spiritual building.”
7 One of the marks of great leadership always has been and ever will
be the humble spirit.
8 The effectiveness of an inspired bishop, adviser, or teacher has
very little to do with the outward trappings of power or an abundance
of this world’s goods. The leaders who have the most influence are
usually those who set hearts afire with devotion to the truth, who
make obedience to duty seem the essence of manhood, who transform some
ordinary routine occurrence so that it becomes a vista where we see
the person we aspire to be.
9 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as
fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,
and rulers of tens:
10 A good leader expects loyalty. He in turn gives his loyalty. He
backs up those to whom he has given a job. The loyalty extends to
matters beyond the call of duty. He is loyal when honors come to those
with whom he serves. He takes pride in their successes. He does not
overrule unless he first confers with him whose decision he overrules.
He does not embarrass an associate before others. He is frank and open
with him.
A love of people is essential to effective leadership. Do you love
those whom you work with? Do you realize the worth of souls is great
in the sight of God? Do you have faith in youth? Do you find yourself
praising their virtues, commending them for their accomplishments? Or
do you have a critical attitude toward them because of their mistakes?
No wise leader believes that all good ideas originate with himself. He
invites suggestions from those he leads. He lets them feel that they
are an important part of decision making. He lets them feel that they
are carrying out their policies, not just his.
11 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the
responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if
we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore,
by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our
garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we
would not be found spotless at the last day.
12 The power of your worthy example is increased as you help others
caught in the web of transgression and guide them into a harbor of
safety where there is parental strength and priesthood inspiration,
where they can repair through repentance the strained and damaged
parts of their character. Many yearn to overcome transgressions that
bind them to a path they really don’t want. While public actions
denounce any desire to change, privately they want to change but don’t
know where to begin. Be that saving influence in their lives. Help
them.
13 All need to be known, recognized, and loved. Hearts and souls reach
out for nurturing and meaningful association. Even those who claim
they just want to be left alone are in reality seeking their own
identity.
14 Within your sphere of responsibility you have as serious an
obligation as do I within my sphere of responsibility. Each of us
should be determined to build the kingdom of God on the earth and to
further the work of righteousness.
15 Many of you will remember President N. Eldon Tanner, who served as
a counselor to four Presidents of the Church. He provided an
undeviating example of righteousness throughout his career in
industry, during service in the government in Canada, and as an
Apostle of Jesus Christ. He gave us this inspired counsel: “Nothing
will bring greater joy and success than to live according to the
teachings of the gospel. Be an example; be an influence for good.” He
continued: “Every one of us has been foreordained for some work as
[God’s] chosen servant on whom he has seen fit to confer the
priesthood and power to act in his name. Always remember that people
are looking to you for leadership and you are influencing the lives of
individuals either for good or for bad, which influence will be felt
for generations to come.”
16 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even
as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to
esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace
among yourselves.
17 He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To
him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth
his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth
his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for
they know his voice.
18 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the
office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful
shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty
and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand.
Even so. Amen.
Younger Elder Brooksby
1-D&C 104:11-13
2-“Repent of [Our] Selfishness” (D&C 56:8) by Neal A. Maxwell, April
1999 General Conference
3-Self-Denial by Vaughn J. Featherstone, January 1979 Liahona
4-Choosing Eternal Priorities by Victor L. Brown, March 1980 Liahona
5-“These Are Not Men to Be Conquered” by Vaughn J. Featherstone,
January 1981 Liahona
6-Teachings of Presidents: Lorenzo Snow-Chapter 18: Church Leadership
and Selfless Service
7-Teachings of Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson-Chapter 19: Leadership
8-Examples of Righteousness by Thomas S. Monson, April 2008 General Conference
9-Exodus 18:21
10-Teachings of Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson-Chapter 19: Leadership
11-Jacob 1:19
12-Making the Right Decisions by Richard G. Scott, April 1991 General Conference
13-While They Are Waiting by Marvin J. Ashton, April 1988 General Conference
14-An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World by Gordon B.
Hinckley, October 2003 General Conference
15-Guided Safely Home by Thomas S. Monson, October 2014 General Conference
16-1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
17-John 10:2-4(edited)
18-D&C 107:99-100
all lead each other by example, and it would not be a bad thing for
each of us to understand these principles.
1 It is wisdom in me; therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that
ye shall organize yourselves and appoint every man his stewardship;
that every man may give an account unto me of the stewardship which is
appointed unto him. For it is expedient that I, the Lord, should make
every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I
have made and prepared for my creatures.
2 For what happens in cultural decline both leaders and followers are
really accountable. Historically, of course, it is easy to criticize
bad leaders, but we should not give followers a free pass. Otherwise,
in their rationalization of their degeneration they may say they were
just following orders, while the leader was just ordering followers!
However, much more is required of followers in a democratic society
wherein individual character matters so much in both leaders and
followers.
The prophet Mormon unselfishly consented to lead a people who were in
steep decline. He prayed for them, but confided that his prayers were
without faith because of the people’s wickedness (see Morm. 3:12).
Other times a visionary leader, like Joseph in Egypt, lifts people out
of the endangered routine they’re in by preparing them for the
specific challenges of the future (see Gen. 41:46–57). A few, like
Lincoln, though in a political role, provide spiritual leadership as
well. Lincoln, by the way, warned of how individuals of ambition and
talents would continue to arise and that such an individual “thirsts
and burns for distinction, and if possible … will have it, whether at
the expense of emancipating slaves or enslaving freemen” (cited in
John Wesley Hill, Abraham Lincoln--Man of God [1927], 74; emphasis in
original).
Of unselfish George Washington it has been written: “In all history
few men who possessed unassailable power have used that power so
gently and self-effacingly for what their best instincts told them was
the welfare of their neighbors and all mankind” (James Thomas Flexner,
Washington: The Indispensable Man [1984], xvi).
3 Clarence Sharer said, “The real qualities of leadership are found in
those who are willing to sacrifice for the sake of objectives great
enough to demand their whole-hearted allegiance. Simply holding a
position of leadership does not make a man a leader … If you would be
a real leader you must endure loneliness … If you would be a real
leader you must endure weariness. Leadership requires vision.”
4 Of course, in setting priorities we must establish objectives. Then
establishing priorities aids us in achieving our goals. You may have
heard of the pilot who announced to his passengers that he had some
good news and some bad news. The good news was, “We are traveling at
965 kilometers per hour.” The bad news, “We are lost.” I suppose his
objective was to arrive at his destination. But his priorities were
confused. Many people have the same problem.
5 The story was told of General Antigonus (382–301 B.C., general of
Alexander the Great) who was preparing to have his men attack the
enemy. The plan was devised, the strategy decided, and the hour
determined. General Antigonus’s men were outnumbered severely. The
signal to attack was given. No one attacked. In fact, they were about
ready to retreat ingloriously. General Antigonus asked what the
problem was. The captains replied that they were outnumbered so
severely that the men dared not attack. General Antigonus thought for
a moment and then asked, “For how many then wilt thou reckon me?” This
spirit spread through the ranks; they attacked and won a great battle.
How many do you think the Lord counts each of his righteous servants
for? How many do you count a President Spencer W. Kimball for? How
about a Nathan Eldon Tanner, a Marion G. Romney, or an Ezra Taft
Benson? These are not men to be conquered. When you make your
contribution in life, will men list your assets and fortune or will
they talk about your character and integrity?
6 “To become as God would wish us, we must accustom our minds to
rejoice in seeing others prospered as ourselves; rejoice in seeing the
cause of Zion exalted by whatsoever hands Providence may order; and
have our bosoms closed against the entrance of envy when a weaker
instrument than ourselves is called to greater honor; be content in
magnifying a lesser office till called to a higher; be satisfied in
doing small things and not claim the honor of doing great ones.” He
compared the Church to a great building, with individual Saints as
parts of that building, saying that we should “never feel too lofty to
be sometimes cut down, squared, scored, and hewed to be fitted into
the place we are to occupy in the spiritual building.”
7 One of the marks of great leadership always has been and ever will
be the humble spirit.
8 The effectiveness of an inspired bishop, adviser, or teacher has
very little to do with the outward trappings of power or an abundance
of this world’s goods. The leaders who have the most influence are
usually those who set hearts afire with devotion to the truth, who
make obedience to duty seem the essence of manhood, who transform some
ordinary routine occurrence so that it becomes a vista where we see
the person we aspire to be.
9 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as
fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them,
to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties,
and rulers of tens:
10 A good leader expects loyalty. He in turn gives his loyalty. He
backs up those to whom he has given a job. The loyalty extends to
matters beyond the call of duty. He is loyal when honors come to those
with whom he serves. He takes pride in their successes. He does not
overrule unless he first confers with him whose decision he overrules.
He does not embarrass an associate before others. He is frank and open
with him.
A love of people is essential to effective leadership. Do you love
those whom you work with? Do you realize the worth of souls is great
in the sight of God? Do you have faith in youth? Do you find yourself
praising their virtues, commending them for their accomplishments? Or
do you have a critical attitude toward them because of their mistakes?
No wise leader believes that all good ideas originate with himself. He
invites suggestions from those he leads. He lets them feel that they
are an important part of decision making. He lets them feel that they
are carrying out their policies, not just his.
11 And we did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the
responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if
we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore,
by laboring with our might their blood might not come upon our
garments; otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we
would not be found spotless at the last day.
12 The power of your worthy example is increased as you help others
caught in the web of transgression and guide them into a harbor of
safety where there is parental strength and priesthood inspiration,
where they can repair through repentance the strained and damaged
parts of their character. Many yearn to overcome transgressions that
bind them to a path they really don’t want. While public actions
denounce any desire to change, privately they want to change but don’t
know where to begin. Be that saving influence in their lives. Help
them.
13 All need to be known, recognized, and loved. Hearts and souls reach
out for nurturing and meaningful association. Even those who claim
they just want to be left alone are in reality seeking their own
identity.
14 Within your sphere of responsibility you have as serious an
obligation as do I within my sphere of responsibility. Each of us
should be determined to build the kingdom of God on the earth and to
further the work of righteousness.
15 Many of you will remember President N. Eldon Tanner, who served as
a counselor to four Presidents of the Church. He provided an
undeviating example of righteousness throughout his career in
industry, during service in the government in Canada, and as an
Apostle of Jesus Christ. He gave us this inspired counsel: “Nothing
will bring greater joy and success than to live according to the
teachings of the gospel. Be an example; be an influence for good.” He
continued: “Every one of us has been foreordained for some work as
[God’s] chosen servant on whom he has seen fit to confer the
priesthood and power to act in his name. Always remember that people
are looking to you for leadership and you are influencing the lives of
individuals either for good or for bad, which influence will be felt
for generations to come.”
16 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even
as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour
among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to
esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace
among yourselves.
17 He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To
him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth
his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth
his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for
they know his voice.
18 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the
office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful
shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty
and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand.
Even so. Amen.
Younger Elder Brooksby
1-D&C 104:11-13
2-“Repent of [Our] Selfishness” (D&C 56:8) by Neal A. Maxwell, April
1999 General Conference
3-Self-Denial by Vaughn J. Featherstone, January 1979 Liahona
4-Choosing Eternal Priorities by Victor L. Brown, March 1980 Liahona
5-“These Are Not Men to Be Conquered” by Vaughn J. Featherstone,
January 1981 Liahona
6-Teachings of Presidents: Lorenzo Snow-Chapter 18: Church Leadership
and Selfless Service
7-Teachings of Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson-Chapter 19: Leadership
8-Examples of Righteousness by Thomas S. Monson, April 2008 General Conference
9-Exodus 18:21
10-Teachings of Presidents: Ezra Taft Benson-Chapter 19: Leadership
11-Jacob 1:19
12-Making the Right Decisions by Richard G. Scott, April 1991 General Conference
13-While They Are Waiting by Marvin J. Ashton, April 1988 General Conference
14-An Ensign to the Nations, a Light to the World by Gordon B.
Hinckley, October 2003 General Conference
15-Guided Safely Home by Thomas S. Monson, October 2014 General Conference
16-1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
17-John 10:2-4(edited)
18-D&C 107:99-100
Sunday, November 16, 2014
The Book of Brooksby, Chapter 18
God knows our needs, thoughts and desires, but the purpose of prayer
is not to get God aligned with our will, but us aligned with his.
1 Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may
conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of
Satan that do uphold his work.
2 When prayer works as it should, we express the feelings of our
hearts in simple words. Heavenly Father typically answers by putting
thoughts in our minds accompanied by feelings. He always hears the
sincere prayer we offer when we pray with a commitment to obey Him,
whatever His answer and whenever it comes.
3 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?--If ye will
not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall
receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these
things shall be made known unto you.
4 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your
mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will
cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel
that it is right.
5 Sometimes, when our prayers are not answered as we desire, we may
feel the Lord has rejected us or that our prayer was in vain. We may
begin to doubt our worthiness before God, or even the reality and
power of prayer. That is when we must continue to pray with patience
and faith and to listen for that peace.
6 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I
will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye
shall search for me with all your heart.
7 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the
locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will
I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land.
8 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 and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
9 If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication,
that your souls may be joyful.
10 There are the personal prayers which are less formal. We always
have a prayer in our hearts that we may do our best, that we may
appear well, that we may remember the things we have learned. We pray
as we stand to speak, as we walk, as we drive. We remember our
friends, our enemies. We pray for wisdom and judgment. We pray for
protection in dangerous places and for strength in moments of
temptation. We utter momentary prayers in word or thought, aloud or in
the deepest silence. Can one do evil when honest prayers are in his
heart and on his lips?
11 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea,
with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my
words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your
repentance; but that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and
call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not
be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy
Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and
all long-suffering; having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye
shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your
hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his
rest.
12 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit
indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
13 What are some common problems that may be holding us back from
receiving answers? One is that we ask impatiently. We sometimes expect
the Lord to give us immediate answers. But he hasn�ft promised
that--and sometimes it�fs for our good that he waits. Sometimes when
the Lord doesn�ft answer our questions immediately--or within a day,
or a week, or a month--we assume that he isn�ft going to answer them
at all. That, of course, is a serious mistake. As long as we continue
in our prayers we have the promise of an answer. But we�fve never been
promised an answer to questions that we don�ft ask and we�fve never
been promised an immediate answer.
A second problem is that we don�ft listen. Our senses are constantly
bombarded with other information: we kneel to pray and feel the floor
under our knees or our arms folded across our chests; a truck rumbles
past the house; rain hits the window pane; the clock ticks loudly in
the corner. No wonder it�fs difficult to find enough spiritual quiet
to hear the things the Lord is trying to tell us. But we can make
things even worse by failing to make a real effort to listen. We utter
our prayers, even with feeling and sincerity, and then immediately
rise and jump into bed, rise and run to work, rise and converse with a
family member about non-related concerns.
How can the Lord get us to hear an answer under those conditions? It
takes practice and patience to learn how to receive spiritual
communications in the best of circumstances. Again, the difficulty is
not with the Lord; it is with us. I believe he will give us answers
rather freely, but if we are not listening or if we are not in tune,
we may not receive or understand the answer. The result is that we may
think the Lord is not even listening, when the real problem is that
we�fre not listening.
14 �gA person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the
spirit of revelation, for instance, when you feel pure intelligence
flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas so that by
noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; that is,
those things that were presented into your minds by the Spirit of God
will come to pass, and thus learning by the spirit of God and
understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation until
you become perfect in Christ Jesus.�h (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph
Smith, Section 3, subheading 2 from the end, p. 151.)
15 I�fm afraid I�fm making this all sound very complicated. Actually
it isn�ft once we learn. When we righteously seek help and counsel
from the Lord, remembering the principles we�fve considered here,
we�fll grow in our ability to receive and interpret the answers to our
prayers.
16 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the
ministry of the word.
17 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee
for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord,
that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the
morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these
things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
18 Pray to Him. Thank Him for all that is good in your life. Ask Him
to know what individuals He has placed in your way for you to serve.
Plead that He will help you give that service. Pray so that you can
forgive and so that you can be forgiven. Then serve them, love them,
and forgive them.
19 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and
his raiment was white and glistering.
20 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the
Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still
continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply
many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they
were filled with desire. And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them
as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them,
and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they
were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and
behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even
there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof.
21 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.
Younger Elder Brooksby
1-D&C 10:5
2-The Prayer of Faith by Henry B. Eyring, October 2014 Liahona
3-1 Nephi 15:11
4-D&C 9:8
5-Peace through Prayer by Rex D. Pinegar, April 1993 General Conference
6-Jeremiah 29:12-13
7-2 Chronicles 7:13-14
8-D&C 19:38
9-D&C 136:29
10-Prayer by Spencer W. Kimball, March 1980 Liahona
11-Alma 13:27-29
12-Matthew 26:41
13-Questions and Answers by Lindsay R. Curtis, July 1980 Liahona
14-Revelation and You by Harold B. Lee, February 1980 Liahona
15-Questions and Answers by Lindsay R. Curtis, July 1980 Liahona
16-Acts 6:4
17-Alma 37:37
18-The Priesthood Man by Henry B. Eyring, April 2014 General Conference
19-Luke 9:29
20-3 Nephi 19:24-25
21-Moroni 7:48
is not to get God aligned with our will, but us aligned with his.
1 Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may
conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of
Satan that do uphold his work.
2 When prayer works as it should, we express the feelings of our
hearts in simple words. Heavenly Father typically answers by putting
thoughts in our minds accompanied by feelings. He always hears the
sincere prayer we offer when we pray with a commitment to obey Him,
whatever His answer and whenever it comes.
3 Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?--If ye will
not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall
receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these
things shall be made known unto you.
4 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your
mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will
cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel
that it is right.
5 Sometimes, when our prayers are not answered as we desire, we may
feel the Lord has rejected us or that our prayer was in vain. We may
begin to doubt our worthiness before God, or even the reality and
power of prayer. That is when we must continue to pray with patience
and faith and to listen for that peace.
6 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I
will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye
shall search for me with all your heart.
7 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the
locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;
if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will
I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their
land.
8 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 and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
9 If thou art sorrowful, call on the Lord thy God with supplication,
that your souls may be joyful.
10 There are the personal prayers which are less formal. We always
have a prayer in our hearts that we may do our best, that we may
appear well, that we may remember the things we have learned. We pray
as we stand to speak, as we walk, as we drive. We remember our
friends, our enemies. We pray for wisdom and judgment. We pray for
protection in dangerous places and for strength in moments of
temptation. We utter momentary prayers in word or thought, aloud or in
the deepest silence. Can one do evil when honest prayers are in his
heart and on his lips?
11 And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea,
with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken unto my
words, and cast off your sins, and not procrastinate the day of your
repentance; but that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and
call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not
be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy
Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and
all long-suffering; having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye
shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your
hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his
rest.
12 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit
indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
13 What are some common problems that may be holding us back from
receiving answers? One is that we ask impatiently. We sometimes expect
the Lord to give us immediate answers. But he hasn�ft promised
that--and sometimes it�fs for our good that he waits. Sometimes when
the Lord doesn�ft answer our questions immediately--or within a day,
or a week, or a month--we assume that he isn�ft going to answer them
at all. That, of course, is a serious mistake. As long as we continue
in our prayers we have the promise of an answer. But we�fve never been
promised an answer to questions that we don�ft ask and we�fve never
been promised an immediate answer.
A second problem is that we don�ft listen. Our senses are constantly
bombarded with other information: we kneel to pray and feel the floor
under our knees or our arms folded across our chests; a truck rumbles
past the house; rain hits the window pane; the clock ticks loudly in
the corner. No wonder it�fs difficult to find enough spiritual quiet
to hear the things the Lord is trying to tell us. But we can make
things even worse by failing to make a real effort to listen. We utter
our prayers, even with feeling and sincerity, and then immediately
rise and jump into bed, rise and run to work, rise and converse with a
family member about non-related concerns.
How can the Lord get us to hear an answer under those conditions? It
takes practice and patience to learn how to receive spiritual
communications in the best of circumstances. Again, the difficulty is
not with the Lord; it is with us. I believe he will give us answers
rather freely, but if we are not listening or if we are not in tune,
we may not receive or understand the answer. The result is that we may
think the Lord is not even listening, when the real problem is that
we�fre not listening.
14 �gA person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the
spirit of revelation, for instance, when you feel pure intelligence
flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas so that by
noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; that is,
those things that were presented into your minds by the Spirit of God
will come to pass, and thus learning by the spirit of God and
understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation until
you become perfect in Christ Jesus.�h (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph
Smith, Section 3, subheading 2 from the end, p. 151.)
15 I�fm afraid I�fm making this all sound very complicated. Actually
it isn�ft once we learn. When we righteously seek help and counsel
from the Lord, remembering the principles we�fve considered here,
we�fll grow in our ability to receive and interpret the answers to our
prayers.
16 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the
ministry of the word.
17 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee
for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord,
that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the
morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these
things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
18 Pray to Him. Thank Him for all that is good in your life. Ask Him
to know what individuals He has placed in your way for you to serve.
Plead that He will help you give that service. Pray so that you can
forgive and so that you can be forgiven. Then serve them, love them,
and forgive them.
19 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and
his raiment was white and glistering.
20 And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the
Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still
continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply
many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they
were filled with desire. And it came to pass that Jesus blessed them
as they did pray unto him; and his countenance did smile upon them,
and the light of his countenance did shine upon them, and behold they
were as white as the countenance and also the garments of Jesus; and
behold the whiteness thereof did exceed all the whiteness, yea, even
there could be nothing upon earth so white as the whiteness thereof.
21 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.
Younger Elder Brooksby
1-D&C 10:5
2-The Prayer of Faith by Henry B. Eyring, October 2014 Liahona
3-1 Nephi 15:11
4-D&C 9:8
5-Peace through Prayer by Rex D. Pinegar, April 1993 General Conference
6-Jeremiah 29:12-13
7-2 Chronicles 7:13-14
8-D&C 19:38
9-D&C 136:29
10-Prayer by Spencer W. Kimball, March 1980 Liahona
11-Alma 13:27-29
12-Matthew 26:41
13-Questions and Answers by Lindsay R. Curtis, July 1980 Liahona
14-Revelation and You by Harold B. Lee, February 1980 Liahona
15-Questions and Answers by Lindsay R. Curtis, July 1980 Liahona
16-Acts 6:4
17-Alma 37:37
18-The Priesthood Man by Henry B. Eyring, April 2014 General Conference
19-Luke 9:29
20-3 Nephi 19:24-25
21-Moroni 7:48
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