Pray Always: Take Not the Name of God in Vain

Pray always that we might come off conqueror over our natural man and the fiery darts of the advisory

In this section of the commandment “Take not the name of God in vain,” I am focusing on prayer as critical to repentance, receiving the Holy Spirit, and overcoming temptation.

This has brought to mind the passage in Ephesians 6 that talks about putting on the whole armor of God. The passage ends with the words “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” I think it is significant. Even with all the critical pieces of armor we are left with this most critical need, to pray always.

Here is the whole passage, which I think is an important study in trying to understand how to keep the 3rd commandment and take upon us the name of Christ with true effect.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”

— Ephesians 6:10-18

(Here’s a learning tool for this passage: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tBZyCNjIupEWZzZh2uB64ZDZLhz6FPkb/view?usp=drivesdk)

“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” — Luke 21:34-36

“Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him. Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks. Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening. Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies. Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness. Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase. But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness. Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.” — Alma 34:19-27, Book of Mormon

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.” — 3 Nephi 18:13, Book of Mormon

“Live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God. For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith.” — Doctrine & Covenants 98:11-12

“Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good…” — Doctrine & Covenants 90:24

“Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable… but be diligent unto the end. Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.” — Doctrine & Covenants 10:4-5

“Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward. Be faithful unto the end, and lo, I am with you.” — Doctrine & Covenants 31:12-13

“And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you; And inasmuch as you have humbled yourselves before me, the blessings of the kingdom are yours. Gird up your loins and be watchful and be sober, looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man, for he cometh in an hour you think not. Pray always that you enter not into temptation, that you may abide the day of his coming, whether in life or in death.” — Doctrine & Covenants 61:36-39

“Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of place. Set in order [your] family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall be removed out of their place.” — Doctrine & Covenants 93:49-50