Teach My Soul to Pray
Improvement Era, vol. 17, no. 8, June 1914, p. 711
H. R. Merrill
WHOM DO THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS WORSHIP? 711
sprung" upon classes or quorums for consideration. All that we
know or that can be relied upon concerning" our pre-existent state,
or the experiences of the Christ, or of Michael, or of Gabriel, or
even of the great Elohini himself is to be found in that which God
has revealed. Theories advanced beyond Divine communications
are speculative and if contrary to revealed doctrine are not to be
received as authoritative. Synopses or sermons, scraps of public
or private utterances or alleged sayings by gifted men, are often
misleading and confusing. There ought to be no chain upon the
mind or soul of man, to hinder his endeavors to penetrate the
eternal past or the everlasting future. But no one, however gifted
by inspiration or otherwise, should strive to impose his views upon
others to provoke contention or cast a cloud upon the light of
established truth. The doctrine of Deity is clearly set forth in
the revelations accepted by the Church. In our public and private
devotions let us lift our souls to Him who is the God and Father
of the spirits of all men from and including Adam to the last that
shall tabernacle in the flesh, and be willingly obedient to His be-
hests as conveyed by Christ His beloved Son, through the light
and power of the Holy Ghost and the voice and authority of the
constituted authorities of the Church of God. This will be a suf-
ficient guide in this life and will lead us into that fulness of knowl-
edge and might and glory that awaits us in His Divine, immediate
presence.
Teach my Soul to Pray
O Lord, my God, teach me to know thy will;
Help me to feel thy presence ever near;
Teach me to see my path through life; and still
Be thou my Guide, my Savior, kind and dear.
And when the storms and shadows crowd my way,
When all seems dark, and life is no more fair,
Be thou my strength, in time of doubt, my stay;
Help me, dear Lord, to seek thy aid in prayer.
O Lord, my King, when joys of life shall call.
May my light heart have strength to seek thee still;
Help me to hear when thy soft whispers fall;
Save me, I pray, from all thou countest ill.
Or, Lord, should all my dearest friends depart.
Should all I love be found but weakest clay,
Should hojie within my breast refuse to start,
Let thy pure love still teach my soul to pray!
H. R. Merrill
PRF.STON, IDAHO