By Zachary C. Campbell 
Nashville, Tennessee – March 31, 2026

In a world often marked by conflict and division, many turn to faith for clarity, comfort, and guidance. For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a central figure in that faith is Heavenly Father—the loving, personal God to whom all prayers are directed. At the same time, questions frequently arise about how this divine relationship intersects with complex issues like war, aggression, and the prayers of those who initiate conflict. What does LDS doctrine teach about God the Father, and how does prayer function when nations or leaders choose the path of war?

This post explores these topics based on official Latter-day Saint teachings, scriptures, and principles.

Who Is Heavenly Father According to LDS Belief?

Latter-day Saints view Heavenly Father as the literal spiritual Father of all humanity. He is not an abstract force or unknowable essence but a perfected, glorified being with a tangible body of flesh and bones (see Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). He is all-powerful, all-knowing, perfectly just, and infinitely merciful. His work and glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).

Central to LDS theology is the belief that every person lived with Heavenly Father in a premortal existence as part of His divine family. He is the author of the plan of salvation, which allows His children to come to earth, gain mortal experience, exercise agency (the freedom to choose), and progress toward becoming more like Him through the Atonement of Jesus Christ—His literal Son.

This familial relationship shapes how Latter-day Saints pray. Prayers are always addressed directly to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. Members often use the term “Heavenly Father” rather than more formal titles to emphasize the close, loving bond. Prayer is seen as a personal conversation with a Father who knows and loves each of His children individually. He hears sincere prayers and answers them according to His wisdom, providing guidance, comfort, strength, and blessings—while always respecting human agency.

War in Latter-day Saint Teachings: A Tragic Reality

The LDS Church is fundamentally a church of peace. Members are taught to “renounce war and proclaim peace” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:16) and look forward to the day when the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, will reign and “wars shall cease.”

War is generally viewed as a tragic consequence of human wickedness, misuse of agency, and the fallen condition of the world. Scriptures in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon strongly condemn unrighteous aggression, delighting in bloodshed, or shedding innocent blood. Aggressive or conquest-driven wars are portrayed negatively, often leading to spiritual and temporal downfall for those who pursue them.

That said, the Church acknowledges that defensive war can sometimes be justified. The Book of Mormon provides a powerful example in Captain Moroni, who led his people in battle only when necessary to defend their families, homes, liberties, and religion. He did not delight in bloodshed and repeatedly sought the Lord’s help through prayer. Modern Church teachings emphasize that Latter-day Saints should obey the laws of their countries (Articles of Faith 1:12) and, if called to military service, act with righteousness, truth, and even love for enemies when possible.

Doctrine and Covenants 98 outlines principles for seeking peace first. Only after exhausting peaceful efforts might defensive action be justified—and even then, it must align with God’s will.

Prayers and Those Who Start Wars

One sensitive question is how prayer relates to leaders or individuals who initiate aggressive wars. LDS doctrine does not offer a simple, blanket declaration that God refuses to hear the prayers of all who engage in war. Instead, the emphasis is on personal righteousness, sincerity, and alignment with God’s will.

– Prayer requires a sincere heart and real intent. Heavenly Father knows the intentions and desires of every heart. Persistent unrighteousness—such as delighting in bloodshed, unjust aggression, or causing unnecessary suffering—can distance a person from God and limit the spiritual blessings and guidance they receive.
– Defensive versus aggressive contexts matter. Righteous leaders in scripture, like Moroni, prayed fervently for protection, strength, and deliverance in defensive causes, and God often responded with preservation and success when the cause was just. In contrast, those who sought conquest or reveled in violence are shown facing negative consequences.
– God is merciful yet just. While Heavenly Father is approachable by all His children, the efficacy of prayers offered amid unrighteous conflict is affected by the individual’s choices and heart. Repentance remains possible at any time, and sincere turning to God can restore that relationship.

Overall, Church leaders encourage members to pray for peace, for the protection of those affected by war (including military personnel on all sides), for wisdom among world leaders, and for the hastening of the day when conflict ends. Prayers during wartime often focus on comfort for the suffering, strength for the righteous, and restraint for those in positions of power.

A Call to Peace and Personal Prayer

In the end, Latter-day Saint teachings point consistently toward peace as the ideal. Heavenly Father desires His children to resolve differences peacefully and to use agency in ways that uplift rather than destroy. Prayer to Him is always available—as a source of personal revelation, comfort, and alignment with divine will.

Whether facing personal trials or global conflicts, the invitation is the same: approach Heavenly Father humbly, in the name of Jesus Christ, with a sincere heart. He listens. He answers according to what is best for His children’s eternal progress.

For deeper study, I recommend exploring official resources on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, including Gospel Topics essays on “God the Father” and “War,” as well as key scriptures such as Doctrine and Covenants 98, Moses 1:39, and the war chapters in the Book of Alma.

What are your thoughts on faith and peace in a troubled world? Feel free to share in the comments.

Zachary C. Campbell is a writer and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints living in Nashville, Tennessee.

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Note: This post is for informational and reflective purposes and reflects general Latter-day Saint teachings. Individual understanding may vary, and members are encouraged to study scriptures and seek personal revelation through prayer.