Manifesting God on Earth: The True Order of Prayer
Key Concepts: True order of prayer, endowment, covenants, sanctification, light and truth, keys of the kingdom, coming clean from the blood and sins of this generation, concentric circles of influence, priesthood power, temple worship, garment of the priesthood.
The True Order of Prayer and Overcoming Darkness
The true order of prayer is presented as the key to manifesting God on Earth and overcoming all things. It's described as the "heartbeat of the endowment" and the means by which individuals can "rend the veil" and gain knowledge and mysteries pertaining to salvation. The endowment is seen as symbolic actions that should translate into real-life actions, particularly in keeping the covenants made in the temple. The true order of prayer is the means to chase darkness.
D&C 123: A Small Helm in a Great Storm
The discussion begins with Doctrine and Covenants Section 123, verses 12-17, particularly focusing on the analogy of a "very large ship" benefited by a "very small helm." This is applied to the current state of the world, where problems seem overwhelming. The speakers suggest that Latter-day Saints can be that "small helm," influencing the world for good through individual and collective righteousness.
- D&C 123:12-13: Highlights that many are blinded by the "subtle craftiness of men" and kept from the truth because they "know not where to find it." Latter-day Saints should dedicate their lives to bringing to light the hidden things of darkness.
- D&C 123:16-17: Emphasizes the power of a small influence (the "small helm") to steer a large entity (the "very large ship") in the right direction, even during a storm.
Sanctification and Concentric Circles of Influence
The discussion emphasizes the importance of individual sanctification as a starting point for influencing the world. Drawing from John, "For their sakes I sanctify myself," the speakers highlight Christ's example of personal consecration. They connect this to D&C 88:67-68, which states that if one's "eye be single to [God's] glory," their "whole bodies shall be filled with light," leading to comprehension of all things and the absence of darkness.
- D&C 88:67-68: Sanctification leads to a mind single to God, resulting in being filled with light and comprehending all things.
This light then expands in concentric circles, affecting the individual, their marriage, family, ward, community, and ultimately, the world. This is linked to the concept of being the "salt of the earth," acting as a preservative influence.
The Object of Worship and Emulation
The speakers discuss the importance of focusing on God's glory (light and truth) rather than the "glory" of celebrities and influencers. The object of one's worship determines what they emulate. By focusing on Christ's image, individuals can become powerful examples of the gospel, drawing others to Him.
Covenantal Power and Coming Clean
The conversation explores the idea of "coming clean from the blood and sins of this generation." This involves identifying and overcoming personal shortcomings and aligning oneself with God's will. The speakers suggest that individuals who achieve this can have an "amplified magnifying power of Jesus Christ" that spreads outward in concentric circles.
The concept of a ward united in communion, free from unkind feelings, is presented as a powerful force for good. This unity is linked to the righteous partaking of the sacrament and the potential for a stake to achieve a similar level of unity, leading to a transformative effect on the earth.
The Endowment as a Pattern for Obtaining Light and Truth
The endowment is presented as a pattern or ritual that teaches individuals how to obtain light, truth, and knowledge, preparing them to commune with the Lord. The speakers acknowledge that the endowment has varied in length and content throughout history, depending on what is needed at the time.
They emphasize that the covenants made in the temple are not new covenants but rather reaffirmations of existing commitments. The power of the endowment lies in its ability to provide the means to engage in the true order of prayer.
The True Order of Prayer as the Heartbeat of the Endowment
The true order of prayer is identified as the "heartbeat of the endowment." It is through this order that individuals gain the knowledge and mysteries necessary to overcome all things and achieve salvation. The speakers reference Alma 12, which speaks of increasing in mysteries until one knows all things, and D&C 88:67, which emphasizes sanctification and a mind single to God.
Calling Upon the Name of the Lord
The speakers explore the meaning of "calling upon the name of the Lord," referencing Moses 5:16, which describes Adam and Eve ceasing not to call upon God. They suggest that this "calling upon the name of the Lord" is synonymous with engaging in the true order of prayer.
The Garment of the Priesthood and Nimrod
The discussion delves into apocryphal accounts surrounding the garment of the priesthood, tracing its lineage from Adam and Eve to Enoch, Noah, and ultimately, Nimrod. Nimrod, as an archetype of the Antichrist, uses the garment for evil purposes, spreading death and attempting to replicate Enoch's achievements in a corrupted form.
Conclusion
The main takeaway is that Latter-day Saints can have a significant impact on the world by focusing on individual sanctification, keeping their covenants, and engaging in the true order of prayer. This leads to an amplified power of Jesus Christ that spreads outward in concentric circles, influencing families, communities, and ultimately, the world. The endowment is a pattern for obtaining light and truth, and the true order of prayer is the key to unlocking its full potential.
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