Early Impressions about Joseph's Prayer
- Ben
- Feb 2, 2020
- 2 min read
After pondering a little about how I have been affected by the First Vision and listening to some lectures about the First Vision, I finally had an small impression of how Joseph may have felt after having his experience with the Lord.
I had a personal experience when I was 16 that increased my faith and served as a foundation of hope. It was a small thing compared to what Joseph Smith experienced but it filled my heart with love, peace and hope. When I have been faced with dark thoughts from depression or have worked through difficult personal trials, remembering this experience provided strength for me. Like a ray of light through the darkness, it gives me something to hold onto when life's trials get really tough.
I was impressed by words in a lecture from Truman G. Madsen that Joseph Smith was not just praying to know the true church, but actually praying so he could find forgiveness and salvation for his soul. Young Joseph was probably most excited by the acceptance and love he felt from God after his prayer.
We have commonly emphasized in recorded documents and accounts that he was called to bring the true Church of Jesus Christ back to the earth. And though this is a wonderful thing that resulted many years later, I think the reality of God's love and connection with us is the heart of what I should learn from Joseph's prayer. If I did not have the example of the young Joseph Smith in his humble prayer, I may not have had the tender and sweet experience I had when I was 16 that helped me feel God's love.
Truman G. Madsen brings historical accounts to light in a way we may have not previously considered. Did anything he say in his lectures increase your faith? Please comment below.
Also, if you haven't seen previous blog posts, please read about President Nelson's invitation on this page and other posts I wrote to help you get started with his invitation.
Additionally, the forum provides a great place to connect with others about your plan to follow President Nelson's invitation.
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