President Jeffrey R. Holland
God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection.
Lessons from Personal Trials
President Holland recounts the loss of his wife and his subsequent health crisis, sharing how these events brought him closer to God and reinforced his commitment to his apostolic duties. He emphasizes the importance of enduring trials with faith and finding strength in the Savior.
“The most personal and painful of all these recent experiences has been the passing of my beloved wife, Pat… I was the most fortunate of men to spend 60 years of my life with her.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Alma 7:11-12: “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.”
- D&C 121:7-8: “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.”
The Power of Prayer
President Holland highlights the crucial role that prayer played during his trials, expressing gratitude for the prayers offered on his behalf by many faithful members. He stresses that God hears and answers all prayers, though not always in the way we expect.
“I testify that God hears every prayer we offer and responds to each of them according to the path He has outlined for our perfection.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- James 5:16: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
- 3 Nephi 18:20: “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.”
The Example of the Savior
Reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ, President Holland underscores the importance of prayer and how even the Savior, though perfect, continually sought His Father’s guidance through prayer. He encourages us to follow Christ’s example in our own lives.
“Ultimately, we can look to the example of the Savior, who prayed so very, very often.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Luke 5:16: “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.”
- Mark 14:36: “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”
Urgency in Discipleship
President Holland calls for increased urgency and dedication in our discipleship, stressing that the Savior needs to recognize us as committed, covenant-keeping followers. He emphasizes the importance of living our faith actively and purposefully.
“I bear witness that when Christ comes, He needs to recognize us—not as nominal members listed on a faded baptismal record but as thoroughly committed, faithfully believing, covenant-keeping disciples.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- D&C 4:2: “Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.”
- Matthew 25:21: “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Calls to Action
- “Bear record of my name … [and] send forth my word unto the ends of the earth.”
- “Pray always.”
- “Take up your cross, [and] follow me.”
- “Repent of our sins and come boldly to the ‘throne of grace.’”