M. Russell Ballard: ‘Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always’ @ 190th Semiannual General Conference

President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks during the Sunday morning session of the 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Oct. 4, 2020.
Summary points:
Follow the Lord’s direction to pray always to “escape” the contentions of the day.
Pray for the nations of the earth and their leaders to find divine inspiration and guidance.
God hears and answers prayers in His own way and in His own time.
Talk summary:
Near the close of His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ taught his disciples to “Watch ye therefore, and pray always” to be counted as worthy to “escape all these things” that would cause commotion.
“Certainly, we live in a time during which things are in commotion. Many people fear the future, and many hearts have turned away from their faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ.”
News reports are filled with accounts of violence, moral denigration and a deadly global pandemic. Lives are being disrupted and many feel isolated and alone.
“I think often of those of you who are suffering, worried, afraid or feeling alone. I assure each one of you that the Lord knows you, that He is aware of your concern and anguish, and that He loves you - intimately and personally, deeply and forever.
President Ballard pleads with people everywhere to pray for the United States
“Each night when I pray, I ask the Lord to bless all who are burdened with grief, pain, loneliness and sadness. I know that other Church leaders echo that same prayer. Our hearts, individually and collectively, go out to you and our prayers go to God on your behalf.”
Prayers are needed today for the nations of the earth.
“No matter how you pray or to whom you pray, please exercise your faith - whatever your faith may be - and pray for your country and for your national leaders. … This is not about politics or policy. This is about peace and the healing that can come to individual souls as well as to the souls of countries.”
The Savior taught His followers to not limit who they pray for.
“Sincerely praying for those who may be considered our enemies demonstrates our belief that God can change our hearts and the hearts of others. Such prayers should strengthen our resolve to make whatever changes are necessary in our own lives, families and communities.”
At this time of commotion, redouble one’s commitment to prayer.