One of the great blessings of being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Christian is that we believe in a God who is both all-powerful and merciful. We believe that when we pray in faith, God will hear us and bless us according to our needs. We believe in a God who has feelings, who is kind, loving, and compassionate. We believe that Jesus Christ not only suffered under the weight of our sins, but that he also bore our sicknesses and infirmities. As the prophet Alma prophesied of him:
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people (Alma 7:11).
Why would he have to suffer our sicknesses as well? Alma continues:
he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities (Alma 7:12b).
Contemplating this wonderful aspect of Christ’s atonement can help us have hope and faith that God will hear our prayers, that Christ will be our passionate advocate, and that according to God’s will, we will be looked upon with mercy and compassion and be blessed in our times of need. Jesus knows what we are going through because he went through it with us and he knows and desires to help us through it.
At this time, a friend and supporter of Heavenly Ascents, Dr. Kathy Larsen, is in need of our faith and prayers. I have learned that after having previously fought a difficult battle with cancer, she has been informed by her doctor that it has now returned. Dr. Larsen (we are not related, but are friends) has been a life-long student of the Gospel and religious studies, and has tirelessly and selflessly given of her time, talents, and means to help others whom she has seen in need. Now that she is needing, I would ask all of you to please remember her in your prayers.
Bryce Haymond (of TempleStudy.com) and I will be joining her family in fasting for her this Sunday, October 19th. Please feel free to join us at this time in fasting for this worthy purpose. Even if you do not know her, I’m sure that she will appreciate your faith, prayers and fasting, and I’m sure the Lord will honor your sincere petitions on her behalf.
Thank you!
David Larsen
5 Comments
I can’t fast this weekend, but I will be sure to keep her in my prayers.
-David
Yo también me uno con mi oración y ayuno por el bienestar de la hermana Kathy Larsen, en su lucha contra el cáncer. Que el Señor la bendiga y la consuele.
Su hermano desde México, Juan Reta
I’ll include her in my prayers.
Thank you and gracias a Juan for your kind hearts and prayers.
Thank you all for your support and for adding your faith and prayers to Kathy’s family’s as she moves forward through these trials.
And thank you, Kathy, for being such a good friend and support in times of need. May the Lord hear our prayers and recognize our fast and bless you to the fullest extent.