Watchful unto Prayer Continually
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- How does Elder Bednar use the behavior of cheetahs and topis as a metaphor for spiritual vigilance?
- What are the three lessons Elder Bednar discusses from his observations of the cheetahs and topis?
- What does Elder Bednar teach about the tactics of the adversary and how we can protect ourselves?
- What is the promise Elder Bednar gives to those who are watchful unto prayer vigilantly and continually?
Topics
Recognizing Evil's Disguises
Elder Bednar compares the cheetah's camouflage with how spiritually dangerous ideas and actions can often appear attractive or pleasurable. He warns against being deceived by the adversary's attempts to disguise evil as good.
In a similar way, spiritually dangerous ideas and actions frequently can appear to be attractive, desirable, or pleasurable.
Thus, in our contemporary world, each of us needs to be aware of beguiling bad that pretends to be good.
- How does the adversary use deception to make evil appear good?
- What are some examples of "beguiling bad" that pretends to be good in our contemporary world?
- How can we discern between good and evil in situations where the adversary has disguised the evil?
- What steps can we take to ensure we are not deceived by the adversary's disguises?
Staying Awake and Alert
Drawing parallels between the vigilance of the topis and our spiritual vigilance, Elder Bednar warns against spiritual complacency and thoughtlessness. He emphasizes the need to stay awake and alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the warnings of the Lord's watchmen.
Spiritual complacency and casualness make us vulnerable to the advances of the adversary. Spiritual thoughtlessness invites great danger into our lives.
Spiritually speaking, we need to stay awake and be alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the signals that come from the Lord’s watchmen on the towers.
- What are the dangers of spiritual complacency and thoughtlessness?
- How can we stay awake and alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the warnings of the Lord's watchmen?
- What can we do to avoid spiritual complacency in our lives?
- How can we better listen to and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the warnings of the Lord's watchmen?
Understanding the Intent of the Enemy
Elder Bednar teaches that understanding the intent of the adversary is vital to our spiritual protection. He explains how Satan seeks to frustrate our progression and make us miserable, particularly through the improper use of our physical bodies.
Satan "is the enemy of righteousness and of those who seek to do the will of God." All day, every day, his only intent and sole purpose are to make the sons and daughters of God miserable like unto himself.
Understanding the intent of an enemy is vital to effective preparation for possible attacks.
- What is the intent of the adversary?
- How does understanding the adversary's intent help us to prepare for his attacks?
- How can we better understand the tactics of the adversary and prepare ourselves against his attacks?
- What steps can we take to ensure we are using our physical bodies in a way that aligns with the Father's plan of happiness?
Learning Lessons from Everyday Experiences
Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of seeking lessons and warnings in our everyday experiences. He encourages us to use the power of the Holy Ghost to receive heavenly direction from these experiences.
Just as important lessons can be learned by observing the behavior of cheetahs and topis, so each of us should look for the lessons and warnings found in the simple events of everyday life.
Powerful parables are contained in both the scriptures and in our daily lives.
- Why is it important to seek lessons and warnings in our everyday experiences?
- How can the Holy Ghost help us to receive heavenly direction from these experiences?
- What are some lessons or warnings we have recently learned from our everyday experiences?
- How can we better seek and recognize heavenly direction in our daily lives?
Pressing Forward on the Covenant Path
Elder Bednar testifies that pressing forward on the covenant path provides spiritual safety and invites enduring joy into our lives. He promises that the Savior will sustain and strengthen us in times both good and bad.
I testify that pressing forward on the covenant path provides spiritual safety and invites enduring joy into our lives.
And I witness that the risen and living Savior will sustain and strengthen us in times both good and bad.
- What does it mean to press forward on the covenant path?
- How does doing so provide spiritual safety and invite enduring joy into our lives?
- In what ways are we currently pressing forward on the covenant path?
- How have we experienced the sustaining and strengthening power of the Savior as we press forward on the covenant path?
