Study Guide for "Ask, Seek, and Knock"

In this uplifting talk, Milton Camargo, First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency, shares his personal experiences and insights about the power of prayer and the blessings of revelation. He uses the example of Alma's mission in Ammonihah to illustrate the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking. This talk is a powerful reminder of the love of Heavenly Father, the guidance we can receive through the Holy Ghost, and the importance of personal revelation in our lives.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What does it mean to ask, seek, and knock in the context of prayer and revelation?
How does the speaker use the example of Alma to illustrate these principles?
What are some of the blessings that the speaker lists in his own life?
How does the speaker suggest we can better understand and receive personal revelation?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in guiding and comforting us?

Topics

Recognizing and Recording Personal Blessings

The speaker shares his experience of listing personal blessings, which include the Savior's mercy, his missionary service, his family, and the teachings of his parents. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and recording blessings as part of our spiritual growth.

In a matter of minutes, I had listed 16 blessings.

Many of the blessings I recorded that day are blessings we have enjoyed together throughout our 40 years of marriage.

What blessings did the speaker list in his own life?
Why is it important to recognize and record our personal blessings?
What are some blessings in your own life that you can list?
How can recognizing and recording your blessings enhance your personal study and spiritual growth?

Understanding the Power of Prayer and Revelation

The speaker discusses the power of prayer and the importance of personal revelation. He emphasizes the need for spiritual survival in a confusing and noisy world, and the comfort and assurance we can receive from Heavenly Father through prayer and revelation.

An important part of Heavenly Father’s plan is the opportunity to communicate with Him anytime we want.

In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

Why is personal revelation essential for our spiritual survival?
What guidance and comfort can we receive from Heavenly Father through prayer and revelation?
How have you experienced the power of prayer and revelation in your own life?
What steps can you take to enhance your communication with Heavenly Father and receive personal revelation?

Practicing the Principles of Asking, Seeking, and Knocking

The speaker explains the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking. He emphasizes the importance of mental and spiritual effort, faith, and action in seeking answers and guidance from the Lord.

The Lord said that “every one that asketh, receiveth.” Asking seems simple, and yet it is powerful because it reveals our desires and our faith.

The Lord went on to promise, “He that seeketh, findeth.” Seeking implies mental and spiritual effort—pondering, testing, trying, and studying.

Finally, the Lord said, “To him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” To knock is to act in faith.

What do the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking entail?
How do these principles reveal our desires, faith, and actions?
How have you practiced the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking in your own life?
What insights or guidance have you received from the Lord as a result of these actions?

Learning from Alma's Example

The speaker uses the example of Alma's mission in Ammonihah to illustrate the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking. He emphasizes the spiritual labor involved in prayer, the challenges of unanswered prayers, and the strength and comfort the Lord provides in times of discouragement.

Alma labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people.

But when we feel discouraged or weighed down with sorrow, the Lord gives us comfort and strength in different ways.

What challenges did Alma face in his mission in Ammonihah?
How did the Lord provide comfort and strength to Alma in his time of discouragement?
Can you recall a time when you felt like Alma, wrestling with God in mighty prayer?
How did the Lord provide comfort and strength to you in that situation?

Rejoicing in the Gospel's Fullness

The speaker testifies of the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the availability of the scriptures, the guidance of modern prophets, and the access to personal revelation. He encourages us to rejoice in these blessings as part of our spiritual journey.

It is my testimony that this is the dispensation of the fulness of the gospel.

We have direct access to our own revelation so the Lord can comfort and guide us personally.

What blessings of the gospel does the speaker testify of?
Why should we rejoice in these blessings?
How have you experienced the blessings of the Atonement, the scriptures, prophetic guidance, and personal revelation in your life?
How can you express your joy and gratitude for these blessings?