Pray Always

Spencer W. Kimball said,  "Prayer is not an optional activity; it is basic to our religion."  Prayer is a commandment, just like Sabbath observance, tithing and living the Word of Wisdom. 

In numerous places the scriptures tell us to pray always.  "But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul." (2 Ne. 32: 9)

The scriptures also tell us why it is important that we pray always. "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man."  (Luke 21: 36)

Nine times in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord commands us to pray always as a means of avoiding temptation.  To Newel K. Whitney and to all of us, he said, "What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you...." (D&C 93: 49-50)

The Lord has blessed us with all that we have.  We should willing accept his command and show our gratitude through prayer.

Pray for our leaders

President Spencer W. Kimball taught that we should pray for our leaders.

Paul wrote: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority." (1 Tim. 2:1–2.)

Pres. Kimball said, "We will develop loyalty to country and to the laws that govern us if we so pray. And we will develop love and faith in our Church leadership, and our children will come to respect them."  It is hard to be critical of Church leaders if we sincerely pray for them. We become more positive and happier as we pray for our leaders, rather than being always critical of them. 

As a Church leader and the prophet, Pres. Kimball knew how important prayers were for him. "And in recent years, I have felt a great power coming to me because of similar prayers of the Saints, raised to heaven in my behalf." 

We may not agree nor even be of the same philosophy as our country's leaders, but if we will pray for them and show them due respect, our attitudes will change.  In addition, a kind Heavenly Father, hearing our prayers, may help our leaders to make good and righteous decisions.