A Watchman's Plea: Praying for the Crossroads

The Spirit's promptings are often the most urgent directives. President Ballard’s impromptu plea during the October 2020 General Conference—a simple, powerful invitation to pray for America, its leaders, and its families—felt, for many, like a jolt of divine urgency. To witness a modern apostle, moved by the Spirit, directly calling the Saints to intercede for the nation is a stark reminder of our prophetic watchman’s duty.

That moment, captured in his remarks (President Ballard’s Full Transcript), echoes the charge given to Ezekiel: “Therefore, thou son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear my word and warn them from me” (Ezekiel 3:17). We are not merely observers; we are watchmen, called to discern the signs of the times and to sound the alarm when deviation from righteousness threatens.

The Lord’s hand, as President Ballard so eloquently reminded us, has been evident in America's history. Yet, a sobering truth emerges: “we have forgotten God...we have vainly imagined...that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own” (Ballard, 2019). This echoes Nephi’s lament, “O that I were an instrument in the hands of my God!” (2 Nephi 5:33). How often do we attribute our successes to our own merit, failing to acknowledge the source of all blessings?

D&C 84:40 offers a critical lens: “Verily I say unto you, that he who receiveeth a witness as to these things, must needs bear testimony of them.” Bearing testimony is not merely a matter of intellectual assent; it’s an active, outward expression of faith, a defense of truth. It requires courage, a willingness to stand boldly, as Washington, Madison, Adams, and Lincoln did, acknowledging and loving God.

The Lord’s instruction in D&C 93:5 provides a crucial understanding: “The elements are creatures of God to do his will, even as he pleases.” Recognizing this divine governance compels us to seek His guidance in all things, particularly in the affairs of nations. Ignoring His hand leads to mourning, as the Lord declared: “Nevertheless when the wicked rule the people mourn” (D&C 98:41).

The call to prayer is not an isolated directive; it’s interwoven with obedience to God’s commandments. The Lord’s words in D&C 98:34, “and in nothing doth man offend God, save those who confess not his hand in all things and obey not his commandments,” are a clarion call to repentance and renewed dedication.

Responding to the Call

This new movement, as President Ballard invites us to participate in, is more than a social media campaign. It’s a return to the principles upon which this nation was founded – principles rooted in faith, humility, and obedience to God’s will. It demands personal accountability and a commitment to living righteous lives, influencing our families, communities, and nations for good.

Beyond Words

As President Ballard, a musician, recognized, prayer transcends mere words. “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart, yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (D&C 25:18). Let us seek to offer our voices, talents, and efforts as sacrifices of gratitude and supplication.

What specific actions can we take? Beyond personal prayer, consider engaging in acts of service, upholding principles of honesty and integrity, and seeking opportunities to influence civic discourse with righteousness and truth. The Lord’s hand is not passive; it requires our active participation.

Let us examine our own hearts, confess our shortcomings, and rededicate ourselves to the principles of the gospel. Let us be watchmen, not merely observing the landscape, but actively warning and guiding others towards the path of righteousness. Let us pray, not with a sense of obligation, but with a heartfelt desire to align our will with the will of our Father in Heaven.