04. Are You Missing A Pattern "In All Things"?

Note: This is one of a series of posts devoted to the study of D&C 93:1, and the fourth examining the phrase "calleth on my name".

When God says He will give us patterns in all things (Hebrews 8:5; D&C 52:14), He's not kidding.

"There is pattern and order in the universe" (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Lord, Increase Our Faith").  God takes patterns so seriously, that the symmetry of the cosmos is based on the repetition of patterns found throughout nature, from atoms to the entire universe.

"The fabric of the 'known' Hubble length universe, from galaxies down to the smallest atom, rely upon similar repeating patterns that generate micro-structures and super-structures which share a unifying patterned symmetry.  A pattern, be it recurring numbers, events, or objects, repeats itself in a predictable manner down to its essential elements (Ball 2009; Novak 2002; Wille 2010).  The pattern at the elementary level, therefore, becomes the basis, model, or template which is repeated on a larger scale to generate larger objects or series of events all of which exhibit the same or similar underlying pattern.  Hence, elementary particles have orbits, planets have orbits, stars have orbits..." (Rhawn Joseph, Ph.D., "Infinity, Patterned Symmetry, Pythagoras, and the Black Hole at the Edge of the Universe", Journal of Cosmology, 2011, Vol 13; http://journalofcosmology.com/Cosmology8.html)

"It is only slightly overstating the case to say that physics is the study of symmetry." (PW Anderson, Nobel laureate)

Not only are patterns significant to God, but our adherence to them is of paramount importance:

• When God instructed Moses how to build the tabernacle in the Old Testament, He told Moses to make various aspects of the temple "after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount" (Exodus 25:40). 
• A similar statement is made in Ezekiel, while the Jews were held captive in Babylon.  In describing the dimensions of His house, God says, "Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern" (Ezekiel 43:10).

Instead of giving us commandments in all things, God gives us "a pattern in all things".  His greatest pattern is His Only Begotten Son, whom you can choose to follow (and reap the rewards He has in store for the obedient) or not. 

Personalizing the Patterns for You

"There are patterns for all worthy things if we will search for them." (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, "A Pattern in All Things", October 1990 General Conference; emphasis mine). 

If there are patterns in all of God's creations -- even "all worthy things" -- don't you think He would have a pattern for how He wants His children to "calleth on my name"? 

Of course.

"The patterns used by God in creating the earth are instructive in helping us understand how to make prayer meaningful." (Elder David A. Bednar, "Pray Always", October 2008 General Conference; http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/pray-always).

Do you truly understand God's proper pattern of prayer?

Do you think your prayers have reached their fullest potential in helping you see God's face and know that He is the great "I am"?

In my next post, we'll examine God's proper pattern of prayer -- one that is perhaps rarely, if ever, mentioned -- yet it's underlying principles are discussed in the scriptures and by a modern-day apostle.