Young Boy Praying (2 Nephi 32:9; Alma 34:18-27; Alma 37:36-37; 3 Nephi 18:19-20)

Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (D&C 112:10)

Heavenly Father has commanded us to pray so that we can grow closer to Him, feel His protecting care, receive direction and support in our lives, and ultimately obtain exaltation and eternal life (Alma 37:36-37). God wants us to pray to Him always so He can bless us in all aspects of our lives (2 Nephi 32:9; Alma 34:18-27).

Heavenly Father has promised to always listen to our prayers and answer them: "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in [Jesus'] name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you" (3 Nephi 18:20). As we pray we should also express our love and gratitude to God for all of life's blessings. Through prayer we become more receptive to promptings and inspiration of the Holy Ghost.

Summary

Heavenly Father wants each of His children to pray to Him. We should thank Him every morning and every evening for the blessings He has given us, and we can ask for special help from Him. Heavenly Father loves all of His children and will answer our prayers. When we pray to Him, we receive comfort and direction from the Holy Ghost.

Family Prayer (3 Nephi 18:21; D&C 88:119)

Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed. (3 Nephi 18:21)

Heavenly Father loves us and wants our families to be strong and live righteously. He has given us guidance to help us have Christ-centered homes: "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God" (D&C 88:119).

Family prayer is essential to building strong families. When families speak regularly with Heavenly Father, they grow closer to Him and to each other. Prayer helps families focus on the most important things in life as family members express gratitude for their blessings and each other and evaluate their family's needs.

Great blessings are given to families who gather together each morning and evening for family prayer. Children will learn to pray to their Heavenly Father. Even small children can take their turn, with parents giving help if needed. Through family prayer, parents can teach the principles of faith, humility, and love. Family prayer unites family members, strengthens faith, and helps families gain answers to their prayers.

Summary

Heavenly Father loves us and wants our families to be strong and live righteously. Praying together as a family is a way to grow closer to our Father in Heaven and to each other. We are able to thank Heavenly Father for our many blessings and ask for His guidance in strengthening our family.

Young Girl Speaking at Church (Matthew 18:1-5)

And now, he imparteth his word by angels unto men, yea, not only men but women also. Now this is not all; little children do have words given unto them many times, which confound the wise and the learned. (Alma 32:23)

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints children are given the opportunity to speak and participate in Church meetings. Leaders, adults, youth, and other children are strengthened by the faith and words of these young people.

During his mortal ministry, Jesus Christ "called a little child unto him and set him in the midst of [his disciples]" as an example to adults, saying, "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:2-3). Jesus taught His disciples to value children, declaring that "whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me" (Matthew 18:5).

Summary

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, children help teach the gospel to others in many ways. They give talks, read scriptures, say prayers, and do other things. Everyone is strengthened by the faith and example of these young people.

Christ and Children from around the World (Matthew 11:28-30; 2 Nephi 26:33; 3 Nephi 9:14-18; Moroni 10:32)

Blessed are those who come unto me. (3 Nephi 9:14)

Jesus Christ invites all people "to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile" (2 Nephi 26:33).

Jesus asks us to "come unto him" for several reasons: (1) He wants us to feel of His great love for us, and He wants to comfort us and help us when we face challenges in life (Matthew 11:28); (2) He wants us to follow His teachings so we can become "perfect in Christ" (Moroni 10:32); and (3) He wants us to have faith in His atoning sacrifice so we can have the hope of eternal life (3 Nephi 9:14-18).

President Howard W. Hunter explained why opportunities of coming unto Christ must be universal: "This world needs the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel provides the only way the world will ever know peace. As followers of Jesus Christ, we seek to enlarge the circle of love and understanding among the people of the earth" (in Conference Report, Oct. 19-94, 11-819; or Ensign, Nov. 19-94, 88).

Summary

Jesus Christ loves all people everywhere, and He wants all of Heavenly Father's children to be happy. He knows that we will be happy if we learn about Him, follow His example, and share what we know with others.

Artist, Del Parson

Young Couple Going to the Temple (D&C 132:7, D&C 132:19-20)

And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them. (4 Nephi 1:11)

Heavenly Father's divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to continue beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally. Inside these holy temples, worthy couples can be united, or sealed, in the everlasting covenant of marriage. The children of this union are joined to their parents by the power and authority of God. Families who live worthy of these temple covenants can be together throughout all eternity. (D&C 132:7)

Marriage is sacred and ordained of God. The family unit is central to Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness. As we accept the covenants and blessings of eternal marriage and live the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can progress to the highest exaltation in the celestial kingdom (D&C 132:19-20).

Summary

Heavenly Father wants families to be together forever. In holy temples a worthy man and woman are married for time and eternity. They are promised that if they live God's commandments, they and their children can be sealed together as a family forever.