Necessity of Prayer

NECESSITY OF PRAYER. BY SANDFORD WELLS HEDGES, MISSIONARY TO JAPAN. [President Horace S. Ensign, in the Editor's Table in this number, recounts the labors of the elders of the Japan mission, in writing and' translating tracts and music suitable to the people of that land. The printed copy of one of these tracts has come to the notice of the editors, and its English original is here reproduced in the Era for two reasons: first, to show the simplicity of the teachings needed by the Japanese, who are practically entire strangers to the Gospel of Christ; and second, to emphasize the truth that these simple principles are just as essential and valuable to the children of the Latter-day Saints. Editors.] In order to comprehend and appreciate prayer, it is necessary, in the first place, to understand the definition of the word, without which the mind islost in doubt and uncertainty. Therefore, before we proceed any further, let us agree upon the meaning of the word. Prayer, in the sense in which it will be used here, is an earnest memorial, the act of addressing supplication, to the Lord, when none but God is near; for hypocrites love to sound a trumpet before them, that they may have glory of men. But we are told in sacred scripture to pray in secret that we may be rewarded openly. Now, when we speak of prayer, we wish it to be understood that we mean a truthful and a sincere request, expressed in simple and humble words, with a lowly spirit and a contrite heart. Man's inborn soul teaches him that it is right to pray, and while the crystal streamlet gently flows down the hillside, to add its quota to the ocean, man's desires ascend to heaven through the channels of prayer, to bring them light and love. It is natur-

€04 IMPROVEMENT ERA. al for man to pray, and we shall yet learn that within the bosom of everyone is a desire, sometime, to supplicate God for grace and blessing. It may be in the hour of distress or sickness, or, again, at the onset of some important undertaking. It may be in asking for a blessing or favor from above; it may be in appealing for mercy or forgiveness, at the throne of God. Prayer is the desire of the heart, whether expressed in words or thoughts. Prayer is not confined to the educated or wealthy alone, but is as free as the air we breathe, and is the privilege of all, and true faith and sincerity of purpose will win the boon, the blessing of God's favor. Go where you may, and you will find those who daily engage in prayer. Many, perhaps, when asked. To whom are you praying? find it impossible to answer, thus showing that such prayer is useless, for if the mind be blank as to the character of the object of our devotion, all the faith that we can muster availeth nothing. We must know something about the character of God, or we cannot offer an acceptable prayer unto him. How could we approach with any degree of certainty a professor skilled in the science of astronomy, for information, if we knew not about the professor, his ability to impart knowledge, and his willingness to satisfy our desires? The absurdity of such a proposition stamps it forever useless; and does not the same principle hold good in regard to a knowledge of God? A statement relative to God may be in place here, inasmuch as some idea of Deity is essential before we can pray to him. Based on the tsstimonies of witnesses, the following is given: He is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and he was and is so from everlasting to everlasting. He changes not, but is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a God of truth, and cannot lie. He is no respecter of persons. He is love. To fully appreciate prayer and to enjoy its influence, there are severalthings which we ourselves must do. First, among them, we must see to it that our hearts and minds are free from sin and prepared to receive the blessings from heaven. A mind tinctured with evil thoughts, and a heart which entertains evil desires, cannot be the recipient of the Lord's Spirit, for we cannot expect that God's Spirit shall enter an unclean tabernacle. Therefore, it behooves us to repent of our sins, and put away all

NECESSITY OF PRA YER. 60S wrong and injurious thoughts. We also must be earnest in our petitions, and exercise great faith, before our prayers avail. To receive joy and happiness, and feel reconciled to all things as they come in the walk of life, let us live lives worthy of imitation, and strive to do good to all men. We must avoid even the appearance of evil and a hypocritical nature, for the hypocrite loves to pray before men; but when we pray, let us enter a secluded spot, away from all outside influences, and there kneel before God. and in humility offer to him the desires of our hearts. If we do this, then joy and happiness will fill our souls, and peace bind up the broken heart. If there is anything in prayer, there is everything, and the main object of prayer is to seek for aid to become better men and women, to lay claim to the blessings v/hich are in store for all who ask with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and to render thanks for those already received. True, we cannot expect to receive all that we ask for, for upon many occasions man, by his limited understanding, asks for things which are not proper for him to receive. But the promise is, ask and you shall receive, and if man had faith, and would only study his request before asking, the Lord would be quick to hear, and his prayers would find a fulfilment upon his head, God knows the desires of the heart before they are expressed, so let us, therefore, be careful in our requests. Now, there is one thing which is most important in regard to prayer, and which, to reap the full benefit of our supplications, we must ever keep in view: Ministers who are sent from country to country to act and negotiate in behalf of the people whom they represent, must conduct all of their business in the name of the government they hailed from, or it would avail nothing. And as Jesus Christ was sent to this earth to set an example, and point out the way back to God's kingdom, he becomes the mediator between God and man. Therefore, in our supplications to the Lord, we must pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Said the Apostle Paul to the ancient Colossian saints, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Remembering this command, man must never neglect to ask all blessings in the name of Jesus Christ.

To a certain extent everyone has some ideal or high ambition they desire to attain to while living upon the earth, and the wise man is always alert, with both eyes and ears wide open, to take advantage of everything that will tend to help him along in his particular line of work. That man would indeed be unwise who would deliberately allow good opportunities to slip by him, if he could have bettered himself by embracing them. All men look up to others for knowledge, and the greater the teacher, the more advantage have his pupils. Hence, by turning to the Bible, we see what splendid advantages the apostles of old had in associating with the greatest of teachers, Jesus Christ. But, thanks to them, we, in these days, are privileged to profit by their lessons, as they faithfully recorded the lessons taught to them. One day, after Jesus had finished praying, one of the apostles said, "Lord teach us how to pray." Now these apostles all were desirous of becoming great and good men, and were continually on the watch for things which would better them, and, of course, were anxious to know how to pray. Jesus taught them by replying: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thyname,thy kingdom come, thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for tkiae is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Here is the example set by Jesus Christ, and this prayer passing under the criticism of learned men, has always been admitted by them, the grandest prayer ever uttered. Those who are desirous of making advancement in spiritual things will do well to reflect upon this prayer, and endeavor to put into practice in their everyday life the grand lessons taught by Jesus Christ to all mankind. Custom and habits are more or less regulated by universal rules. Each country retains its own individuality, and conducts these agreeable to its own way of thinking, for in every country, town or village, there are people who practice some form of this custom. Now that is quite right and natural. Indeed, it would seem strange to meet a person who was not thankful for a present he had received from someone. Children, the world over, from

NECESSITY OF PRAYER. 607 •shildhood until they are able to learn for themselves, are taught to respect all, and never to be so rude as to slight the customs of their country by neglecting to say, "Thank you," after having received some gift. Usually a child is always thankful, even more so than grown-up persons; but even among the latter class, there are many who are grateful for some good grace or gift. Allowing .your thoughts to reflect back a few years, on your own life, don't you see many places and remember many things that you ought to have been thankful for? Perhaps you were saved from some great danger, or again escaped being injured in some bad wreck. Perhaps for many years you have not had one day of sickness. Again, each year your rice and wheat crops have yielded abundantly. Now, has it ever occurred to you where these blessings come from? What power protected you when in danger, and preserved you in health, these many years? What unseen power sent the rain and gave the sunshine which caused your grain to grow? These are but a few, perhaps, of the many blessings which you have en- . joyed, and have you never thought about the great power which regulated the elements and gave you the blessings? One day a man who was respected by his neighbors went out to call on a few friends. During his absence some one of his friends went to his house and left a picture, without leaving any word who it was from. Upon his return home, he was very much surprised, and, withoat stopping for a rest or anything, again left his home in quest of the •giver of the picture so that he could thank whoever it was for it. For hours did he search, enquiring at nearly every house in the neighborhood, and at last found the giver and was very grateful and thankful to him for it. So it is with man; for upon many occasions, blessings are given to him when he does not expect them, and he is away from home, so to speak, but he is not like the man who spent hours trying to find the giver of the picture; on the contrary, he is like many people who do not put forth one effort to find the Giver of life, the Protector of health, and the Watcher of their interests. This not right, and just as the man was exis tremely anxious to find the giver of the picture, so that he could thank him, so we, one and all, ought to put forth our best efforts to find the Giver of all good gifts, even God. that we can thank him. If we neglect to return the just dues to the Lord, we are

608 IMPROVEMENT ERA.. robbing ourselves of his favor, and will some day stand reprored of him. It ofttimes happens among the children of men that lessons which have been learned in childhood are entirely forgotten in future years. To answer why, is a problem awaiting solution, but in a general way, it may be stated that men love darkness rather than light, and soon drift away into the sea of despair by entertaining the beliefs of man's frail hypotheses. A young man who had lately graduated from a large college, and who had come in contact with men of science and learning, returned to his parents, whose home was situated in a country place, far away from the noise of a city. Peace and happiness were part of this humble home, and love governed the deeds and thoughts of its occupants. The few years away from his parents had made a wonderful change in him. Prior to leaving his home to attend school, twice daily did he, with his parents, humbly bow, on bended knee, in supplication and thanksgiving unto God. It was a pleasure, then, for him to pray, and one would have thought that never would he depart from the path of prayer. But, 'tis sad to relate, that soon after leaving his home and associating with men of the world, he forgot his daily prayers. Thought he, if I don't pray this morning, but tonight, there is no harm done, as I am now already late for my class, and I dislike to attend school after the exercises have begun. He thought he justified himself by such reasoning, but it only takes a turn of the hand to start a rock rolling down the hillside, and a few thoughts, such as the above, soon throw the soul into darkness, and prayer ceases. It is so very easy to run down hill, but very hard to ascend, and we must be extremely careful, in our ascent, lest at any point we place our foot on a loose rock which will retard our progress. It was no time at all before this young man stopped praying altogether, and gradually drifted away from the teachings of his parents, and was found in the same bad element as some of his fellow students. Imagine, if you can, the sorrow his parents must have felt when they heard their son speak lightly of sacred things, "Father," said he, "I cannot see the efficacy of prayer. I have a good education, good food, good clothes, and I want for

NECESSITY OF PRAYER. 609 nothing; therefore I have no request to ask of God. Under these circumstances prayer to me is ridiculous." "My son," replied the father, "I never expected to see you stray so far away from the teachings of your childhood,and my soul grieves at your conduct, but I wish to you that, because you tell have so much of everything, it is a testimony to you and me that God has heard the prayers offered in your behalf, and you owe unto him your thankfulness for every blessing which ycu now enjoy; hence, your duty to pray to God is doubled, and even though you may have no immediate desire to, for no one knows what tomorrow may bring, and to fortify yourself against things unseen, you ought to pray. Procrastinate not the hour of prayer, but with bended knee and thankful heart, lift up your voice to heaven in praise to God. As a last request, I beseech you to reflect well upon the teachings of your parents, and with a contrite heart, ask God again to teach you how to pray, before your soul is lost." Whether the son ever adhered to the advice of his father, I am unprepared to say, but it is more than likely that he did, even though the spirit of prayer had departed from him. 0, the weakness of human nature! What a pity it is that man is so prone to neglect all duties, save only the ones which are compulsory, and take advantage of. God's mercy where no compulsion is used. From all the evidences of the existence of God, there seems to be little room on which man could rationally maintain a disbelief in God, and neglect his prayers. Yet the statistical reports of the world show that a large number of people are atheists, that class of people who deny the existence of a God, and naturally they look upon prayer as useless; for, to address a supplication to nothing is truly absurd. It has been stated that man has a natural desire to pray, and that he craves some object of worship. And even the atheist is subject unto this universal worship, though he may decry the idea of God. The existence of a thorough atheist, that is, one who really believes his convictions and denies in his heart the existence of a Supreme Ruler, is doubted by many schools. He may deny the existence of a God, yet he attributes names to, and assumes the existence of, a "governing element," a "great unknown," a "limitless power." Among the school of atheists there is perhaps no one better known than the late Robert Inger-

soil.Though dead, his works still move on, and many there are who by adhering to his writings are daily deceiving themselves and closing their eyes to the light of truth. So converted was Ingersoll to his teachings of the non-existence of God that a large portion of his life was spent in going from city to city preaching this doctrine. No time or opportunity was lost, no means spared, by Ingersoll, in getting his ideas before the people.Many there are who were attracted by his ideas, and today his followers are numerous. But what a mistake these poor followers have made, for their teacher, even Ingersoll himself, in a moment of great trial, thoughtlessly, or rather uncontrolably, gave way to his feelings, and said, as he stood over the earthly remains of his brother, as he was laid out prior to burial, "Oh God, is this the end?" This is conclusive evidence that even though man may deny the existence of God, he cannot retain his inward passions, when meeting some adverse circumstance or experiencing the trial of death. Faith based upon the doctrine of such a teacher, who acknowledged at the bedside of his brother that his true soul was alive to the existence of God, while his own feeble reasoning was wrong, is necessarily weak, and should be avoided by all. Wherever there is an effort put forth, we may look for some result, no matter how feeble it may be. The water wheel, stationed at the end of the milling house, does not move without producing some result in the stamping room, either by crushing the grain or cleansing it of its chaff. No effort is devoid of a result, whether it be a good or a bad one. What applies to things innumerable among temporal elements, also holds good in spiritual things. And to enumerate the results of prayer would justly occupy volumes. It is not intended to prolong remarks, on this most interesting subject: however, one instance of the result of prayer may be of interest, and it is with this thought in view that the following is written: Many years ago, in a small town, lived a man with his wife and family. It was no easy matter for them to live, even in a humble way. The husband, a good man as far as intentions went, but very weak in the carrying out of the same, strove daily, with the assistance of his eldest child, to earn the necessary means to support his family. Perhaps, if the money they were making had

NECESSITY OF PRAYER. 611 been put to the use of buying provisions, the distress of the family would not have been so bad; but alas, the father liked beer too well, and would drink away a week's wages in a single day. The grief and pain his wife and children must have felt upon the return of a drunken husband and father cannot be told in words. The food was nearly gone, while the wearing apparal was very limited; poverty stared them in the face, but still the terrible habit of drinking so drained the income that many suffered for the selfishness of one. The father, being of a somewhat religious disposition and entertaining many good desires, often thought he would reform from drinking. It happened, one morning, after a previous night of drinking, when he arose and found his wife and children endeavoring to keep warm, and the children crying for something to eat» that his heart was touched, and he resolved, then and there, to abstain from all kinds of liquors, in any form. Would he keep his resolution? was the thought that passed through his wife's mind. After any undertaking, whether it be physical or mental, there is always a reaction. Therefore, after man has committed sin, he feels sorry for it, and resolves not to do it again, but after nature has repaired the abused organs, the same act is committed again. This man knew he had done wrong by neglecting to supply the necessities of life for his family, and he also knew that he must be very humble before he could fully repent of his wrongs: therefore, what was he to do? He knew that if left to his own strength he would fail in his newly formed resolutions, so he adopted a very wise plan, one which can be followed with advantage by many who find themselves under the same conditions as the subject of this story. He requested his wife and children to unite with him in prayer to God in his behalf, on his way to and from work, as he had to pass a number of saloons which had a great attraction for him. With the desire to have her husband stop the use of liquor, she willingly, with her children, prayed unto God to help her husband in his resolution. A week or two went by without the man drinking one drop of beer. One morning, as he was going to work, he met a friend who had noticed that for some time past he had not entered a saloon. Of course, this friend was desirous to learn what was the cause of this sudden stop, "Mr. J.," said the friend,

"don't you find it very hard to pass this saloon, the one you used to enter each day?" "Indeed, I do," replied Mr. J. "How is it, then, that you can do it?" asked the man. "It is this way, my wife and children pray for me, while I myself offer a supplication unto God for strength to leave beer alone, as I go and return from work. The Lord hears our prayers, and I am losing my taste for liquor." Prayer, accompanied by faith, can work wonders, and ought we not to pray, if such a simple thing can change a friend or relative from a wicked person? It is not necessary to comment on this story. The point is established, and the efficacy is vindicated. In concluding, it is the prayer of the writer that the children of God, wherever they may be, may learn the worth and necessity of prayer; for, remember this fact that no earnest soul is cut off from communion with God, and with the channel of communication freely open, all can seek relief from that power on high. Prayer gives the conscience relief, and sets thoughts heavenward bound, brings joy and peace to the downcast heart, cheers and comforts the needy, and brings heavenly things to earth for the asking. Happy the man who knows the worth of prayer, and tunes his own heart strings with those of the angelswho are ever singing songs of joy and praise to the King and Maker of heaven and earth. Rejoice ye down-hearted, and look upward with joy and happiness, for the Father of your souls rejoices in seeing you pray> while the angels make the walls of heaven ring with the melodious words, "Behold, he prays!" Tokyo, Japan.