As you
pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening.
Prayer
is a gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Prayer is most effective when
we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do
what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace.
Don’t
worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate,
understanding Father. You are His precious child whom He loves perfectly and
wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is
listening.
A
key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider
changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants
for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the
strength to fulfill it.
Pray
even when you have no desire to pray. That is when you most need to pray. Never
feel you are too unworthy to pray.
Should
you ever feel distanced from our Father, it could be for many reasons. Whatever
the cause, as you continue to plead for help, He will guide you to do that
which will restore your confidence that He is near. Pray even when you have no
desire to pray. That is when you most need to pray. Never feel you are too
unworthy to pray.
Often
when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us
gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, at times
struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern
inspired answers.
His
answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may
plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments
when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. You should find
periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed and
strengthened. Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time
before that answer comes.
It
is so hard when sincere prayer about something you desire very much is not
answered the way you want. The Savior taught, “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in
my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you” (D&C 88:64;
emphasis added). At times it is difficult to recognize what is best or
expedient for you over time.
You
are asked to look for an answer to your prayers. Obey the Master’s counsel to
“study it out in your mind” (D&C 9:8). Often you will think of a solution;
as you seek confirmation that your answer is right, help will come. It may be
through your prayers, or as an impression of the Holy Ghost, and at times by
the intervention of others.
An
important aspect of prayer is gratitude. When we contemplate the incomparable
gift of prayer and the limitless blessings that flow from it, honest
appreciation fills our mind and heart to overflowing with thanksgiving.
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