My first wish is to see this plague of humankind, war, banished from the Earth. Faith is a source of authority upon which beliefs can rest. The basis for a person’s faith usually is understood to come from the authority of revelation. Revelation is either direct, through some kind of direct infusion, or indirect, usually from the testimony of another. Each of us has problems that we cannot solve and weaknesses that we cannot conquer without reaching out through prayer to a higher source of strength. Access to our Creator through our Savior is surely one of the greatest privileges and blessings of our lives. No Earthly authority can separate us from direct access to our Creator. There is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day. The ultimate purpose of Christian education is to bring glory to God. The more immediate purpose of Christian education is the reconciliation of the World to our Heavenly Father. 2 Peter 1.3 reports: God’s divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and Godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence. In addition to a natural knowledge of God, there is a supernatural knowledge revealed by Christ and received through faith. #RandolphHarris 1 of 5

When an individual has faith, one does not care what the odds are, or who the opponent is; we expect to win. Ranking or standing is something that is an explanation of what has already happened, not as a declaration of what is to be. One does not have to let the opinions of others define us because when we have faith, we believe we will write our own script. When God placed humans on the Earth, prayer became the lifeline between humankind and God. If we keep faith, keep trust, and keep a good attitude, if we are grateful, we will see God open up new doors. Having faith is one of the highest activities of ordinary mental powers; many have assigned possessing faith in God to a special faculty of the soul. Some describe it intellectually as an insight or intuition; others testify faith is a volitional character calling in a confrontation or encounter. Our source of strength is God in Heaven of whom we pray in the name of Jesus Christ. As we pray, we should think of our Father in Heaven as possessing all knowledge, understanding, love, and compassion. We become aware of God as eternal through the contingency of finite things and as holy through the demands of the moral law. #RandolphHarris 2 of 5

Even the divinity of Christ is experienced, in the first place, through the meditation on his human life and on the impact which it made on his disciples. There is also an immediate, purely spiritual experience that is called mystical. God is transcendent as well as immanent, and a union of love and will in which the distinction between the Creator and the human is permanently retained. Take the gift God has entrusted to you, and use it in the service of Christ and your fellow humans. God will make it glow and shine like the stars in Heaven. 1 Ne. 7.12 reports: The Lord is able to do all things for people if they exercise faith in him. Our prayers truly become the song of the heart and a prayer, not only reaching God, but touching the hearts of others as well. We should pray with all our heart and soul. Sometimes my heart hungers for God and I pray all day long. Prayers vary in their intensity. Even the Savior prayed more earnestly in his hour of agony. Some prayers are simple expressions of appreciation and requests for continuation of blessings on our loved ones and us. However, in times of great personal hurt or need, more may be required than mere asking. #RandolphHarris 3 of 5

Blessings sought through prayer sometimes require work, effort, and diligence on our part. When we humble ourselves, this brings us more in tune with God and his holy purposes. We are privileged to pray daily for the small and great concerns of our lives. In our houses over our households, morning, midday, and evening, we should pray against the power of our enemies and the Devil; to cry unto God to pour out our souls in secret and the wilderness. When we are not crying directly unto God, we should let our hearts be drawn out in prayer unto him continually. God, thank you so much for bringing us all here together today. Thank you for the wonderful blessing of family. Thank you for the similarities we have and the differences we enjoy. Thank you for the wisdom of age and the energy of youth. Thank you for the way you watch over us as individuals and the way you release your love into us as a unit. Come bless our time together. Grant that we may fully comprehend and faithfully imitate the virtues of the Holy Family so that we may be untied with them one day in their Heavenly glory. God, you create balance both night and day. Show us how to support and encourage one another. #RandolphHarris 4 of 5

Inspire us to work together to become a picture full of your perfect love. Think about the moments in the day when your family naturally comes together and consider taking a minute to pray at these times. God promises power through faith. Lord Jesus, we come to you today and thank you for the privilege of praying for others. Please cleanse our hearts and show us if there is any unconfessed sin in our own lives and how we can recover and repent from them. Lift up those in our lives, and help us influence others for good. Deepen our love for you and for the people around us. Guard us from hypocrisy or from giving in to temptations that could harm the cause of Christ. Raise up leaders who will serve you faithfully, God. Turn the hearts of parents toward their children, and families toward you. Help us to exemplify your values, and make us bold in your faith. Strengthen our families. May our love for you help us to love and forgive others and make a difference in our World. God, give us your mind, and surround us with Godly counselors who exercise integrity and work for justice, morality, and freedom. Happiness and moral duty are inseparably connected. #RandolphHarris 5 of 5