I’ve been a member of the Church for 12 years. I firmly believe in the distinct personages of God the Father, His son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I know that the Church teaches us to follow the example of the Savior by praying to God the Father (as evidenced in the sixth chapter of Matthew), but I have always had a hang-up with understanding the scriptures as to who people in the Old Testament prayed to and references made in the Doctrine & Covenants.
Since Jehovah was the name of Jesus in the Old Testament, did people pray to him, not knowing it was him, but thinking the were praying to God the Father?
When Joseph Smith prayed and received revelation in D&C 121 was it to the Lord Jesus Christ or to God the Father? When Joseph Smith received revelations, was it Jesus speaking to the Prophet? Confused and appreciate your insight.
Wayne
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Wayne,
The language of prayer is important for all members of the Church to understand, apply, and practice, and important to note you are not alone in your thoughts.
Through modern revelation we understand that even the OT prayers were directed toward our Father in Heaven.
When Joseph Smith was praying, and received the revelation we now have in D&C 121 he was addressing our Heavenly Father. To give evidence to my thoughts read these words as given by Elder Dallen H. Oaks, “THE LANGUAGE OF PRAYER.”
“When the Prophet Joseph Smith was imprisoned in the jail at Liberty, Missouri, he wrote an inspired prayer, which we now read in the 121st section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Note the special language the Prophet used in addressing our Father in Heaven:”
Gramps
