The Power of Faith

The Power of Faith  (By Joseph Fielding McConkie, From the Book, The Bruce R. McConkie Story: Reflections of a Son, Chapter 20, The Nature of His Ministry) (Only a small part is included here).

While on a stake conference assignment in 1961, Elder McConkie was invited to the home of the Pratt's for something to eat between sessions. Their eighteen-year-old son, who had been afflicted since birth with an incurable skin disease, got out of his bed to meet Elder McConkie. He asked what was wrong with the boy. His response to the explanation was to inquire, "Have the elders administered to him?" He was told that they had, many times. Doctors could only offer the young man relief for his pain, recommending that he be kept comfortable until he died.

Sister Pratt recalled: "After the dinner the authorities left and went back to church to prepare for the second session of conference. I was trying to clean up the dishes so I could get back to church when I heard the door open and the booming voice of Bruce R. McConkie, saying, 'Sister Pratt, I want to give that young man a blessing before I leave here today. Have him at the church at the close of the meeting.'

"I got Ray ready and took him to the church. When they laid their hands on Ray's head, Elder McConkie was silent. I panicked, thinking there was no blessing for him. I was shedding tears when Elder McConkie started to speak. In his very distinct and articulate voice he said, 'Brother Ray Grant Pratt, the Lord has given you this affliction to prepare you for the work that lies ahead. I promise you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that your health will never stand in the way of your serving the Lord.'" The disease was rebuked, and the blessing of healing was soon realized.

Another remarkable instance of the power of faith is that of a woman, a mother of two, who had contracted a rare blood disease. Though not fatal, it prohibited her from having more children. In an administration at the hands of her husband, she received the promise that her body would heal itself. Yet all medical efforts proved painful, frustrating, and ineffectual. At a stake conference attended by a member of the Twelve, she experienced the impression that if her faith were great enough, she could be healed. She labored to increase her faith. Six months later another apostle, Elder Bruce R. McConkie, was sent to the stake in which they lived. Her children were ill that Sunday, and though she usually would have been the one to stay with them, she and her husband decided that she should attend the conference. "I took a seat in the middle of the auditorium," she wrote to Elder McConkie later, "and watched as you shook hands with many before the meeting. I was delighted as I watched the smiles of many I recognized enjoying your touch and smile.

"Throughout the meeting I found it difficult to concentrate, and as it came to a close, I could hardly remain seated. As the closing prayer was said, I felt very calm. Then," she continued, "the Spirit whispered to me, 'You could go up on that stage and be healed by Brother McConkie.' I replied, 'I don't want to bother him—look at all those people who want to talk to him. I'm just thrilled to be able to have heard him.' Then the Spirit reminded me—'just touch the edge of his jacket'—as I recalled the story of the woman who had touched the hem of the Savior's garment. I'm sure I literally shook my head and said, 'No. I can't possibly do that!'" She and the Spirit continued their debate. Finally she went.

"As I made my way through the crowd," she wrote, "I felt very anxious and wanted to turn around, but I edged forward until finally I was right behind you and you were engaged in conversation. I fixed my eyes upon your jacket edge and held my breath—you were so tall—I reached out and quickly touched with my index finger the hem of your jacket. Suddenly, you spun around and extended your hand to me. I shook it and tearfully uttered, 'Thank you.' You simply nodded and returned to your conversation, and I went to my car practically dancing!"

When she entered her home, she announced to her husband that she was healed. They knelt together in a prayer of thanksgiving. The doctor was baffled. At the time of her writing she had become the mother of three more children. Her faith had made her whole.