A Rational Theology, as Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints — John Shaqi
A Rational Theology, as Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day SaintsWidtsoe, John Andreas
Religion
A Rational Theology, as Taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Widtsoe, John Andreas
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- Doctrines; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines; Theology
**Spirit Blindness.** There are many who, walking among vast
spiritual forces, yet feel themselves wholly alone. They do not have
the assurance that there is something or someone near them which may
not be known by the ordinary judgment of the senses, yet which may be
known by man. These persons are so untuned as to be unable to
understand the messages of the holy spirit. Many will not be brought
into an understanding harmony with the holy spirit; others merely find
it so hard to be brought into tune with the infinite that they would
rather be without the messages than to do the necessary labor of
acquiring harmonious relations with the holy spirt. Those who can not
feel and in part commune with the holy spirit, are blind to the larger
part of the universe, which lies outside of the circumscribed world,
swept by our immediate senses. In terms of the unseen forces will the
earth at last be cleared of all its mystery. In yesterday and tomorrow
shall today be glorified. The eternal concern of man will be, as it
has been, to secure an understanding knowledge of all the forces of
space. They, therefore, who cannot on this earth possess a direct
assurance of the existence and assistance of the great unseen world,
are indeed spiritually blind, and much to be pitied.
**Prayer.** As already stated, all communication between man and a
higher intelligent Being must be initiated by a request from the man.
Thus, the place of prayer in the life of man is at once established.
Prayer is a request for further light, protection, or whatever else is
desired. Prayer is the first and greatest means of reading God's
messages, for by intense prayer man gradually places himself in tune
with the infinite so far as his request is concerned. Those who do not
ask, naturally do not establish an understanding relationship with the
unseen world, and no message appears. The Being of higher
intelligence, to whom the request is directed, may or may not grant
the prayer, but some answer will be given. Prayer has been said to be
"the soul's sincere desire." Only when it is such will the highest
answer be obtained, and it is doubtful if such a prayer is ever
refused. No prayer is unheard. The place and time of prayer are of
less importance. Morning, noon and night, prayer is always fitting.
However, it is well to be orderly, and to beget habits of prayer, and
certain hours of the day should therefore be set aside for prayer,
both in private and in the family. Frequent and regular prayer helps
to remind man of his dependence on a Being of higher intelligence in
accomplishing the great work of his heart. A man should pray always;
his heart should be full of prayer; he should walk in prayer. Answers
will then be heard as God pleases. Seldom is a man greater than his
private prayers.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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