Our dear President Hinckley, prophet for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the Mormon church), passed away Sunday, January 27, 2008.
President Hinckley’s passing was marked by many people around the world. For example, youth in certain portions of the United States went to their high schools the next day in their Sunday best – simply as a tribute to a prophet who was known for loving the young.
President Hinckley’s love for the youth was felt and seen in many ways. One of those manifestations was his well-known talk given to the youth now nicknamed “The 6 Bs.”
Another manifestation of that love was a prayer he offered for the youth during that same meeting. The words to that prayer are:
“O God, our Eternal Father, as Thy servant I bow before Thee in prayer in behalf of these young people scattered over the earth who are gathered tonight in assemblies everywhere. Please smile with favor upon them. Please listen to them as they lift their voices in prayer unto Thee. Please lead them gently by the hand in the direction they should follow.
“Please help them to walk in paths of truth and righteousness and keep them from the evils of the world. Bless them that they shall be happy at times and serious at times, that they may enjoy life and drink of its fulness. Bless them that they may walk acceptably before Thee as Thy cherished sons and daughters. Each is Thy child with the capacity to do great and noble things.
“Keep them on the high road that leads to achievement. Save them from the mistakes that could destroy them. If they have erred, forgive their trespassea and lead them back to ways of peace and progress. For these blessings I humbly pray with gratitude for them and invoke Thy blessings upon them with love and affection, in the name of Him who carries the burdens of our sins, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.”
As a tribute to the prophet, a young Mormon vocalist has put President Hinckley’s words to song. This was as per the request by her Stake Presidency to do so. To listen to “A Prophet’s Prayer,” visit this link.
But as you can tell, many have been touched by his words. I think my life has been moved the most by his dear kindness to all he traveled with and saw. No matter how fatigued our dear prophet was, traveling around the world and teaching about Jesus Christ, he did not get cranky.
His topics that he has addressed have ranged from warning against the dangers of gambling to testifying of the prophet of the restoration, Joseph Smith. President Hinckley has spoken on preparing our lives in such ways that we can call on the Lord for guidance and protection. And his many discourses on the beauty and power of forgiveness are legendary.
I pray that as I go through my life, I can remember the impact of President Hinckley not only in my life, but in the many lives of others. As President Hinckley said, may we all be led to ways of peace and progress.
