Monday, February 04, 2008

Farewell to a Prophet


Gordon B. Hinckley is the prophet that I remember most since he was the prophet for the last, and most memorable, 13 years of my life. I will miss him, his humor and his encouragement.


The most memorable talk from President Hinckley, for me, is the talk he gave on the "Be's". I'm sure many of you remember it or the modified versions of it, including the book Way to Be! But the thing that I remember most about the talk isn't the list of things to "Be", but the prayer he offered for the youth of the church at the end of that talk. That touched me more than anything. To have a prophet of God pray out loud for me, that's really something. At that time in my life I really needed that. So here's the prayer, which I'm sure he has offered more times that once, for the youth of the church:


"Now, in conclusion, I offer a word of prayer concerning you.
O God, our Eternal Father, as Thy servant I bow before Thee in prayer in behalf of these young people scattered over the earth who are gathered tonight in assemblies everywhere. Please smile with favor upon them. Please listen to them as they lift their voices in prayer unto Thee. Please lead them gently by the hand in the direction they should follow.
Please help them to walk in paths of truth and righteousness and keep them from the evils of the world. Bless them that they shall be happy at times and serious at times, that they may enjoy life and drink of its fulness. Bless them that they may walk acceptably before Thee as Thy cherished sons and daughters. Each is Thy child with capacity to do great and noble things. Keep them on the high road that leads to achievement. Save them from the mistakes that could destroy them. If they have erred, forgive their trespasses and lead them back to ways of peace and progress. For these blessings I humbly pray with gratitude for them and invoke Thy blessings upon them with love and affection, in the name of Him who carries the burdens of our sins, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen."

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