It’s nearly midnight and I was convinced I just didn’t have time to write a blog post. It’s been a crazy hectic week. I’m still trying to adjust to our homeschool schedule and in the morning I have to teach Relief Society (the class for women) at church. So, after hitting up the local classic car show with my family, I’ve spent the rest of the day studying, praying, reading, praying some more, doing everything I can to pull this lesson together. It’s an intimidating thing to teach a class of 50 women, but greater than that is the responsibility that I feel to share with them what God wants them to hear. I truly believe that because they are there for Him, if I am in tune and prayerful, He will help me to know what I should teach. And, He does! Every single month when it’s my turn to teach, I am always so humbled and grateful for my answered prayers and a lesson that I feel is EXACTLY what I’m supposed to share. Not only does it edify and uplift these women that I love, but it inspires me as well. Teaching has blessed my life incredibly. But, without the ability to pray and receive answers to my prayers and the guidance I need, my lessons would be worthless… just a shot in the dark.
I have been praying my whole life. It’s what I was taught to do. As a little girl, I understood that I was talking to God, but I don’t think I realized the power of prayer until I was older, and now I could never NOT pray. Every day I am amazed at all I have been blessed with, I need to say thank you. Every day I make ridiculous mistakes, I need to apologize. Every day I need God close to me. I need His help. I need His continued blessings. I need His comfort. I need someone that understands exactly how I feel, who I am, and what I’m going through. Prayer is the answer. Prayer brings answers. Prayer is a gift, given by our loving Father in Heaven, so that we can communicate with Him while we are apart. He loves us and aches to hear from us. He is our father! I try to say a personal prayer to Him every morning and every evening. And, if life is feeling a little crazy, often several times throughout the day!
And, how does he communicate back?? Most likely it won’t be an audible voice. But, what we will find, when we pray with sincerity, is that we are prompted by the Spirit, with a ‘still small voice.’ Not only that, God answers us when we read our scriptures. Why? Because they are HIS words. I cannot tell you the number of times I have been engaged in the scriptures and I feel the Spirit so strongly, confirming to me that the passage I am reading is for me… it’s an answer to my prayers. It’s something I need to know. Something I need to think about. God also answers our prayers through other people who are in tune to the Spirit. He will put people in our path who have the means and intention to help us or who has a message for us. God answers our prayers when we attend church, read/listen to uplifting material, and put ourself in a position to be spoken to.
Prayer works because God is there.
One of my favorite things to do is pray with my family. Each morning, before my husband leaves for work, he comes and sits by the edge of the bed and says a prayer with me. We thank God for all of our many blessings and ask for that which we are in need of. It’s a special moment between my husband and I and the perfect way to start our day before we go our separate ways. I also love to pray with my children before we start homeschool. We gather at the table and pray that our school day will go well and thank Him for the opportunity we have to spend that time together. And then finally, we love to gather for a family prayer before bed time. It’s the time to thank God for our day, for watching over us and blessing us with all that we need. If there is anyone in the family or any loved ones in special need of a blessing, we pray for them at that time, as well.
How do you pray?
It’s not hard and anyone can do it. Basically this is how to pray, you just start by calling upon Heavenly Father… “Dear Father in Heaven…” for example. Afterwards you say whatever you need to. But, it’s important to show our gratitude and thank Him for what He has given, especially before asking for more. It’s also important to reflect on our lives and talk to Him about our struggles. Apologize for our sins and pray for the strength to improve. Remember that He is your father and it’s okay to just talk to Him. There is no formal written prayer that needs to be followed. Just open up. When you’re done, close by saying “In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” And, that’s a prayer. It’s reverent to kneel down, fold your arms, and close your eyes. But, you can pray any time, anywhere. I often pray when I’m driving in the car alone. I pray in the shower. I pray quietly at the top of mountains. I pray kneeling by my bed. You can pray silently in your mind or you can pray out loud (not loud, but out-loud in the appropriate situation.) But, remember that prayers are an intimate exchange between you and God and should be treated with reverence.
When you’re done praying, maybe just sit there for a minute, let feelings and impressions come. Also, as mentioned earlier, put yourself in the position to let God speak back to you. Read the scriptures, attend church, do everything you can to keep His commandments and the answers, comfort, and guidance you need will come. I promise.
I am so thankful for prayer and for a Father in Heaven who loves me and is willing to help me through this life. It’s getting late, I’ve got a lesson to teach in the morning, so I’m off to bed. But, have a wonderful Sunday!
If you want to learn more about my beliefs, click over to this post: Why Are Your Favorite Bloggers Mormon?
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