Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always

Recognizing the Troubles of the World

President Ballard begins his talk by acknowledging the many challenges the world faces today, including violence, moral degradation, economic upheavals, and a global pandemic. He assures us that the Lord is aware of our concerns and loves us deeply.

Certainly, we live in a time during which things are in commotion. Many people fear the future, and many hearts have turned away from their faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I assure each one of you that the Lord knows you, that He is aware of your concern and anguish, and that He loves you—intimately, personally, deeply, and forever.

• What are some of the challenges that President Ballard mentions?
• What assurance does President Ballard give us in the face of these challenges?
• How can you find comfort in the Lord's love during challenging times?
• How can you strengthen your faith in God and Jesus Christ despite the troubles in the world?

The Power and Importance of Prayer

President Ballard emphasizes the power and importance of prayer. He invites us to pray for our families, leaders of nations, and those who are facing various challenges. He also shares personal experiences and scriptural examples that demonstrate the power of prayer.

Prayer will lift us and draw us together as individuals, as families, as a church, and as a world.

Prayer will influence scientists and help them toward discoveries of vaccines and medications that will end this pandemic.

Prayer can change our own lives. Motivated by sincere prayer, we can improve and help others to do the same.

• What are some of the benefits of prayer that President Ballard discusses?
• What examples does President Ballard share to illustrate the power of prayer?
• How has prayer impacted your life?
• How can you enhance your personal and family prayers?
• Who are some people or groups you can include in your prayers?

Praying and Acting

President Ballard teaches that prayer is often not enough on its own; we must also act to make a difference. He shares examples from the scriptures and Church history of individuals who combined prayer with action to overcome challenges and bless others.

Praying for justice, peace, the poor, and the sick is often not enough. After we kneel in prayer, we need to get up from our knees and do what we can to help—to help both ourselves and others.

The scriptures are full of examples of people of faith who combined prayer with action to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.

• Why does President Ballard say that prayer alone is often not enough?
• What examples does President Ballard share of individuals who combined prayer with action?
• How can you combine prayer with action in your own life?
• What are some ways you can help others after praying for them?

Invitation to Pray

President Ballard invites all Church members, as well as people of other faiths, to pray for peace, comfort, safety, and opportunities to serve one another. He emphasizes the power of prayer and encourages us to remember and appreciate it.

I invite all Church members, as well as our neighbors and friends of other faith groups worldwide, to do as the Savior counseled His disciples: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always" for peace, for comfort, for safety, and for opportunities to serve one another.

How great is the power of prayer, and how needed are our prayers of faith in God and His Beloved Son in the world today!

• What is President Ballard's invitation to us regarding prayer?
• Why does President Ballard emphasize the power of prayer?
• How can you heed President Ballard's invitation to pray in your life?
• What steps can you take to appreciate and utilize the power of prayer more fully?