To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with
challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of
spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which
we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then
listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer. --Thomas
S. Monson Apr 2009
·
As soon as we learn the true
relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father), then at
once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part.
·
Many of the so-called difficulties
about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship.
·
Prayer is the act by which the will
of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with
each other.
·
The object of prayer is not to change
the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God
is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for
them.
·
Blessings require some work or effort
on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an
appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
1.
Express gratitude for
specific, recognized blessings
a.
You
can also learn from him by carefully studying the exceptional public prayer he
offered at the conclusion of the October 2001 conference for Father’s children
throughout the world. Study that
prayer, and you will find that there are no vain repetitions, no posturing to
impress others, as sometimes occurs. Each
prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs
resolution, as well as ample expression
of gratitude for specific, recognized blessings. --Richard
G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007
2.
Testify to the Lord that
you know He loves you and has the power to answer your prayers
a.
Study
that prayer, and you will find that there are no vain repetitions, no posturing
to impress others, as sometimes occurs. He combines simple words eloquently. He
prays as a humble, trusting son who knows well his beloved Father in Heaven. He confides in the certainty that His
answer will come when most needed. --Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of
Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8–11
b.
Each
of us has problems that we cannot solve and weaknesses that we cannot conquer
without reaching out through prayer to a higher source of strength. As we pray we should think of our Father in
Heaven as possessing all knowledge, understanding, love, and compassion. --James
E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002
3.
Acknowledge your dependency
on Him and your inability to solve the problem as well as He can
a.
First,
prayer is a humble acknowledgment that God is our Father and that the Lord
Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Second, it is a sincere confession of
sin and transgression and a request for forgiveness. Third, it is recognition
that we need help beyond our own ability. --James
E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002
b.
Discerning
and accepting the will of God in our lives are fundamental elements of asking
in faith in meaningful prayer. However, simply saying the words “Thy will be
done” is not enough. Each of us needs God’s help in surrendering our will to
Him. “Prayer is the act
by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into
correspondence with each other” (Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 752–53). Humble,
earnest, and persistent prayer enables us to recognize and align ourselves with
the will of our Heavenly Father. The object of our prayers
should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for
ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to
His will and timing. Every sincere prayer is heard and answered by our Heavenly
Father, but the answers we receive may not be what we expect or come to us when
we want or in the way we anticipate. --David
A. Bednar, “Ask in Faith,” Ensign, May 2008
i.
4.
Ask that His will be
done
a. I recognize that, on
occasion, some of our most fervent prayers may seem to go unanswered. We
wonder, “Why?” I know that feeling! I know the fears and tears of such moments.
But I also know that our prayers are never ignored. Our faith is never
unappreciated. I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father’s perspective is much
broader than is ours. While we know of
our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential.
If we pray to know His will and submit ourselves to it with patience and
courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time. --Russell
M. Nelson, “Jesus Christ—the Master Healer,” Ensign, Nov 2005
b.
An
important element of all of our prayers might well be to follow the pattern of
that prayer in Gethsemane: “not my will, but thine, be done.” By this, then, we
acknowledge our devotion and submission to the overriding purposes of the Lord
in our lives. --James
E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002
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