Sister J. Young gave a great lesson in Relief Society today. It was from Elder Bednar's conference talk "
Ask in Faith". The following is from the handout she prepared.
"Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer. I expect that all of us already know that prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection. But what we know is not always reflected in what we do. And even though we recognize the importance of prayer, all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers."
Elder Bednar gave 3 examples of asking in faith for what we need through meaningful prayers.
1. The first example is that of Joseph Smith and the First Vision.
Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain them, prayer as a form of work is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings. We press forward and persevere in the consecrated work of prayer, after we say "amen", by acting upon the things we have expressed to Heavenly Father.
We need to ASK in FAITH and be willing to ACT in order to receive "sweet blessings".
2. The second example of meaningful prayer is the importance of persevering through the trial of our faith.
Like it says in Esther 12:6, we need to dispute not because we see not, for we will receive no witness until after the trial of our faith. Alma and Amulek's prison did not fall till after their faith. Ammon and his brethren did not witness might miracles until after their faith.
3. The third example is the importance of recognizing and accepting the will of God in our lives.
Humble, earnest, and persistent prayer enables us to recognize and align ourselves with the will of our Heavenly Father.
The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing.
There are so many examples of sisters and brothers in the scriptures who were willing to take that "Leap of Faith" by asking and then doing.
Next week (8/31/08) is combined Relief Society and Priesthood. The following week (9/7/08) will be lesson 17 from the manual: The Great Plan of Salvation.
Edited to add:
Here it is --- Julie's Recipe for the Sunday treats - and they were a TREAT! Thanks Julie!
When I made the treat on Sunday, I made a large cookie sheet. You could 1/2 the recipe and make a 9 x 13 pan. If you have any questions, let me know. Julie
1. Make 1 batch of rice krispy treats:
1/4 c margarine
1 10 oz package marshmallows
6 cups rice krispies
Spread thinly in the botton of a greased cookie sheet.
2. Make the caramel:
1 c butter
2 c sugar1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 c karo syrup
1/4 t salt
Combine all these and cook (simmer) until 230 degrees or very soft ball. STIR CONSTANTLY.
3. Let caramel cool for about 5 minutes. Then spread over rice krispy treats.
4. Make another batch of rice krispy treats. And put carefully over caramel.
5. Let cool for at least 30 minutes.
6. Melt about 1 cup chocolate (I used dark) and spread in a thin layer on the rice krispy treats.
7. When completely cool cut into very small (bite size) pieces.
Enjoy!
