Ensign, ‘Why the Lord Ordained Prayer,’ January 1976 “We are to solve our own problems and then to counsel with the Lord in prayer and receive a spiritual confirmation that our decisions are correct.” — Bruce R. McConkie
Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [emp. added]
The word ‘seek’ and its derivatives is in the Bible 285 times. The majority of those refer to seeking God first. This is the method true believers take – they go to the Lord for direction, and seek His advice. It must be a pretty important subject to the Lord if it’s in the Bible that many times!
‘A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.’ Proverbs 16:9
One could argue that Proverbs 16:9 might apply to what Mr. McConkie said, but this is a reminder the God of the Bible is in charge of those who believe in Him. Mormons have categorically rejected the God of the Bible, so that can’t apply to them.
If you’re not worshiping the God of the Bible, the answer you receive when praying for confirmation won’t be coming from Him. One could just as easily find answers from an Ouija Board, or through other nefarious means.
It’s heartbreaking to see how someone with this much clout like that of Mr. McConkie would give such poor advice. Pray for members of the Church to reject teachings like this, and to ask Jesus what He would want them to do!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle
Wouldn’t you want God’s guidance before you go astray? Seems like it would save time and pain. But I guess the old proverb (not from proverbs), “easier to ask forgiveness than permission “ would fit here.
“Evening, and morning and at noon will I pray and He shall hear my voice>” (Psalm 55:17)
“Do not be anxious about anything, But In Every Situation, Pray with Petition and Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“”I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abide in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: For Without Me , You Are Nothing.” (John 15:5)
“You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat, for the breath of the ruthless is like a storm against a wall. (Isiah 25:4)
“Call On Me, and come Pray To Me and I Will Listen to You. You Will Seek Me and Find Me When You Search for me With All Heart, i will Be Found By You, declares The Lord.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
When we try doing things on our own and without God, we are, in essence, saying that we really don’t need God. As David said in psalm 55:17, first thing in the morning , he prayed to God. Why, because he knew that without God’s help in everything, he was nothing. Like Jesus said in John 15:6, “Without me, You are Nothing.”