A New Perspective on "Real Intent"

Short thought on intent.

A qualifying factor in gaining a testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon is real intent. A sincere heart, having real intent and faith in Christ to be exact. (Moroni 10:3-4) I've often understood this as the idea that as I come to know truth, I'll act on it. For many this is seen as a goal or an end point. If you come to know the Book of Mormon is true, you'll join the Church. That's the true measure of "real intent".

However, a new perspective to "intention" has been gained, for me, as I've participated in an MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) class online. (A free, skillfully and uniformly structured, self paced class on Jon Kabat-Zinn 's MBSR 8 week program found here palousemindfulness.com) Here, intention is often pointed out in contrast to goals. That in meditation we shouldn't have any goals, just be present in our experiences as we observe them arise. This is not to say we shouldn't have goals or work toward goals, just meditation is not the time and place for goals, but training of the mind to put a little objective space between ourselves and our thoughts, seeing them for what they are. Maybe kind of like a formalized discernment training to increase our awareness informally as we go about out daily lives.

And so, if goals were to be understood as a destination, intention would be the journey.

With this added context, praying with real intent could be interpreted as being committed to the journey of reading of the Book of Mormon, and being open to where it leads us. Not just another book to cross off our list, but a spiritual journey. It just so happens that most common result of being present in our experience with the Book of Mormon, has naturally lead many to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And don't take my word for it -- be present with the Book and enjoy your journey.

Read more about the Book of Mormon here: https://www.mormon.org/beliefs/book-of-mormon

Download the Book of Mormon app here:
https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps?lang=eng

Android
https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps/android?lang=eng

Apple
https://www.lds.org/pages/mobileapps/apple?lang=eng

Windows
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/the-book-of-mormon/9nblggh07tpq

Or read online here:
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng