This morning I awoke with the feeling that I need to start doing better with my scripture study and prayer. As I prayed I felt the need to start a forty day "feast".
A few months ago a friend and I decided we were going to do a forty day challenge to read the Book of Mormon. I only made it part way through Mosiah.
I have found that the times when I need to read and pray the most are the times when I have the hardest time doing so. These past few weeks I have felt a need to feel the Spirit more in my life. I know the way to do that is to pray and read/study the scriptures so this morning I began to do both. I decided that I am going to try again to take the challenge and read the Book of Mormon in forty days and forty nights.
Here is how it works. Each morning before you begin to read start with a prayer. "Ask to have an increased understanding of Jesus Christ, His teachings, and His mission here upon the earth (The Plan of Salvation). Ask to be prepared for spiritual experiences that will allow you to invite someone to take the missionary discussions. As you finish reading each assignment ask that you will have opportunities to do missionary work through service and acts of kindness in your community."
Each morning and evening read 2-4 chapters as assigned (I will post below). Share your testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ each day. You can do this in your home, at church, work, school, shopping, with friends, and/or through social media.
Reflect on the things you read. "On the fast Sunday(s) during the challenge, spend this time in thanks for all that our Father in Heaven has given you. Think about your testimony, where it was before reading the Book of Mormon, and where it is today. How has Heavenly Father been able to use you as His instrument, through your faith and good works? How has your life changed through this challenge?"
Write your testimony in a journal. Tell about the thoughts and feelings you have had while reading. Share any and all experiences you have had during the forty days and nights. Strive to do this at least once a month so that you can look back and see how your testimony has grown in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is my hope that through this challenge I can feel an increase of the Spirit in my life, that I will feel more at peace through my daily activities, and that I can draw nearer to my Father in Heaven and His Son, my Savior Jesus Christ. I am trying to exercise the mustard seed of faith that I have now so that my testimony will grow.
We have been hearing a lot recently about hastening the work. I hope that by taking this challenge I can be an instrument in God's hands in building up His kingdom here on earth. I hope that all who read this and accept the challenge will also have a desire to share the gospel. This is His church and His work. The Book of Mormon is a second witness of our Savior.
This morning I also read about Jesus Christ's fast of forty days and nights and of the temptations that the adversary placed before Him. He has not asked that we fast that long, but we can "feast" upon His words. I know there will be trials and temptations during this time but it is my prayer that through His Spirit I can overcome them and draw nearer unto Him.
I know my Savior lives! Please accept this challenge and know that He is there. He wants to help us through are challenges, we just need to let Him. I pray for His help and guidance and do so in His name. Amen.