Aug 30, 2025
In this episode, Jeffery Downs concludes his study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 93, focusing on verses 49–53. He emphasizes the Lord’s instruction to “pray always,” explores the Lord’s Prayer in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon, and reflects on personal experiences of prayer, forgiveness, and overcoming bitterness. Jeffery also discusses the Lord’s command to Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Frederick G. Williams, and Newel K. Whitney, highlighting the urgency of “making haste” in spreading the gospel and gaining knowledge. The episode closes with thoughts on how modern tools like AI can complement spiritual learning when anchored in scripture and truth.
00:00 – Introduction and
Context
Jeff welcomes listeners back to Streaking the Scriptures and recaps the study of Section
93, noting Newel K. Whitney’s inclusion in the Lord’s rebuke and
counsel.
02:26 – The Call to Pray
Always
Reflection on verse 49, “What I say unto one, I say unto all,” and
the meaning of continual prayer—drawing parallels to 3 Nephi where
the Savior taught prayer in the heart.
04:38 – How Much Should We
Pray?
Insights from President Jeffrey R. Holland on the power of prayer,
with reminders that God never wearies of hearing His children.
Prayer is framed as spiritual work, not vain repetition.
06:37 – The Order of Prayer (Matthew
6)
Study of the Lord’s Prayer, including reverence for God, seeking
His will, asking for daily bread (both physical and spiritual),
forgiveness, and protection from temptation and evil.
10:49 – Forgiveness and Charity in Daily
Life
Application of forgiving spiritual debts in everyday settings—even
in traffic. Discussion on not allowing bitterness to take root,
with personal reflections on leaving “Bittersville.”
13:17 – Delivered from Evil: Lessons from the
Furnace
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as an example of deliverance. Jeff
applies the story to personal trials and the choice to forgive and
seek deliverance from evil.
15:11 – Parallel Teachings in the Book of
Mormon
Comparison of the Lord’s Prayer as taught to the Nephites in 3
Nephi, with emphasis on differences and similarities to the New
Testament text.
18:16 – Personal Story: Escaping
Bittersville
A candid reflection on a period of bitterness after church service
and business challenges, and the transformative choice to move
forward through prayer and change of heart.
20:43 – Chastening of Newel K. Whitney and Counsel
to Leaders
Examination of the Lord’s rebuke and promises to Whitney, Sidney
Rigdon, Joseph Smith, and Frederick G. Williams. Key takeaway: the
Lord upholds His servants when they act in faith.
23:09 – Education, Knowledge, and
Preparation
The Lord’s command to obtain knowledge of history, laws, and
kingdoms (D&C 93:53; D&C 88:78) and how education prepares
disciples for service in Zion.
25:17 – Using AI as a Modern Study
Aid
Thoughts on AI as a tool for gathering and organizing
information—useful when carefully compared against scripture and
taken to the Lord for confirmation of truth.
27:40 – “Make Haste” in Bearing
Testimony
Exploration of the phrase “make haste” (verse 52) and its
application for Sidney Rigdon and all disciples—urgency in
testifying of truth. Jeff ties this to President Holland’s reminder
to testify more.
29:33 – Closing Reflections
Encouragement to act with urgency in sharing what we learn, to
testify boldly, and to continue forward in scripture study.
As Section 93 closes, the Lord reminds us of the urgency of prayer, testimony, knowledge, and obedience. Jeff shares that just as Sidney Rigdon was called to “make haste,” we too are urged to act quickly in testifying of truth and living faithfully. Through prayer, forgiveness, education, and reliance on God’s Spirit, we can avoid the snares of bitterness and be upheld by the Lord.
Jeff invites listeners to share their insights by emailing jeffrey@mystreaksapp.com and to keep track of their own scripture streaks with the MyStreaks app. Next time, the study will move into Section 94. Until then—keep streaking the scriptures!