Discourse 1893-04-05 [D-42]

PRESIDENT WILFORD WOODRUFF

Said: I have a request I wish to make to this assembly of Latter-day Saints, as all may not be here this afternoon, who are here now. There are many of you from a distance as well as many who dwell here in the city. You are expecting to go into the Temple to attend its dedication. I have a desire in my heart that every one of you, the night before you go into the Temple, before retiring to rest, will go by yourselves, in secret prayer. Offer up your prayers to the Lord, and pray that your sins may not only be forgiven, but that you may all have the Spirit of God and the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ; that the Spirit of God may be with those who who assemble in that Temple.

The inhabitants of the earth do not realize the effect and benefit of prayer. The Lord hears and answers the pray ers of men, women and children. Prayer has more power, a great deal, to bring down the blessings of God, than almost any other thing.

I have the desire for the Saints to do this, for I wish to see those who go into the Temple go in with pure hearts, and that the Spirit of God may be with them, that they may enjoy themselves, that they may all feel the influence of that power while at the dedication of the Temple.

I pray God to give you all an answer to your prayers, and to give you the Holy Spirit to assist you while at the dedication and services of the dedication. Amen.