The Power of Prayer and Scripture Study

When I was 14 years old I read the Book of Mormon. I didn't read it because anyone told me to, but because I really wanted to know for myself if it was true.

I have many important memories of this time period in my life but today I would just like to talk about one as it applies to the importance of prayer and scripture study.

I was not a reader by any means. I could read, but I just didn't like it. It was difficult to keep my attention on the words of a page. I could read them and understand them, but it just seemed like such a slow process to gain information. So I didn't read very often, and because of this, my reading skills were lack luster at best.

However, I knew that the only way to find out if the Book of Mormon was true, was to read it and then pray and ask God about it's truthfulness. Physical evidence, archeology, or any other kind of "proof" would not do, because each of these methods could be twisted and interpreted in different ways by different people. Just like the Bible is interpreted so differently by so many different religions and sects. In order to find the truth, one must go to it's source. That source is God.

I decided to take it slowly and just read one chapter at a time. At the same time, my older brother Jared had just moved back into our house. He had been going through some major trials in his life and decided this would be the best thing for him at the time.

From a very young age, my Dad recognized a special spirit in Jared and called him "The Bear". This name has importance in our family as it was given to my Great Great Great Grandfather Seth Benjamin Tanner by the Navajo Indians because if his great strength. They called him "Haustiin Shush" (Mr. Bear).

Jared has always been there for me. He has helped me many times when I've been in a bind. From running out of gas on the freeway, to rushing me to the hospital my first year of college with a mysterious illness. I've always known I could count on my brother. In fact when I'm ever asked to give an emergency contact I usually think of Jared.

Jared moved to Kanab, and my parents welcomed him back into their home. They moved him into my small room. I wasn't thrilled about this at the time because my other brother Javen had a very large room and I thought he would fit more comfortably in that room. I believe now that they were acting under the inspiration of God. This simple decision would help change my life.

Each night I would read my chapter in the Book of Mormon and Jared would come into the room and see me. After a couple of nights I saw him reading the scriptures. I got down on my knees each night to say my prayers and then I would see him come in and kneel down at the foot of his bed and pray.

Both of us were being converted. Both of us were feeling the Holy Ghost testify that Jesus really is our Savior. God was telling us both that the Book of Mormon was true and that His church had really been restored on the earth today.

It was a sacred time for me. I was being changed. I could feel the power of the Holy Ghost in the inner most parts of my being as I read from the pages of the Book of Mormon. I knew it was true. I also could see my brother being transformed as well. He was being blessed to mend his life back together with the help of his Savior.

Then one Sunday at church it was announced that Jared would be given a calling as one of my youth leaders. Jared would now be in charge of helping with the young men my age. He had gone from a life of challenges to a life of hope and possibilities. Soon he was sealed in the Holy Temple to his beautiful wife. This means that their marriage would not only be for this life, but could last forever if they keep the covenants they made in the holy temple. They now have three wonderful children. While they have had their share of challenges, the Gospel of Jesus Christ has given them the comfort they need and the power to press forward through their challenges.

Just last week, he came by my home to help me with clogged drain. It wasn't convenient, but he did it anyway. Not only did he help me with the drain, but he went "the second mile" and helped me clean up the mess the backed up drain and caused. He even went to so far as to buy me a new filter for my furnace. He really didn't have anything to gain from doing all this. His motivation was pure. It was the love he has for his Savior, and his little brother.

As for me, I have a testimony and conviction that has never left me. After reading the Book of Mormon, I somehow was able to read much easier. Whether this was the result of me just reading consistently or a blessing from God I don't know. It was probably both. I went on to read all the scriptures including the Holy Bible which I love and also know is true. I was able to use the knowledge I gained in the scriptures to help bring people to Jesus Christ as a missionary in Alabama. I know that Jesus is my Savior. I know that the Book of Mormon is His book. It's true.

Jesus has restored His church on the earth today through prophets and apostles. If you will read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true with real intent, you can also be given a testimony of it through the power of the Holy Ghost. This kind of "proof" is the kind that will stay with you. The reason is that it comes directly to your heart, from God.

It's important after you have found out the truth of the restored gospel that you keep studying the scriptures and praying.

Prayer is not the act of us trying to persuade God to do our will. But it is the process in which we learn His will, and conform our lives to it.

Please read the Book of Mormon for yourself. Please pray to know for yourself if it is true. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Ask for your own copy of the book when you talk to the missionaries.
There is great power in prayer. There is great power in the Holy Scriptures. Both will help you in your hardest times. They will bring you to the knowledge of your Savior, and your Savior will literally save your soul.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


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