Power of Prayer

I have been thinking a lot about this topic because of the powerful and personal impact it has on my life. Matt 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." Matt 26:41 "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." I love this scripture because so many times I feel my Spirit willing me to do something, but I feel held back or unsure. I don't feel I have the strength to overcome my weaknesses and accomplish the goals to which I aspire. 1 Thes. 5:17 "Pray without ceasing" Always have a prayer in your heart to keep your mind centered on Jesus Christ James 1:6 "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."  James 5:16 "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Moroni 7:49 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." It is an opportunity for us to become one with the Father, to allow our wills to be swallowed up in His will. That we may become submissive and humble to our Father in Heaven.

There are so many songs about prayer and I love te words and the beauty and faith they convey. Sweet Hour of Prayer 1. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief And oft escaped the tempter’s snare By thy return, sweet hour of prayer! And oft escaped the tempter’s snare By thy return, sweet hour of prayer! 2. Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear To him whose truth and faithfulness Engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, Believe his word, and trust his grace, I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! Did You Think to Pray? 1. Ere you left your room this morning, Did you think to pray? In the name of Christ, our Savior, Did you sue for loving favor As a shield today? Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don’t forget to pray. 2. When your heart was filled with anger, Did you think to pray? Did you plead for grace, my brother, That you might forgive another Who had crossed your way? Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don’t forget to pray. 3. When sore trials came upon you, Did you think to pray? When your soul was full of sorrow, Balm of Gilead did you borrow At the gates of day? Oh, how praying rests the weary! Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary, Don't forget to pray A Child’s Prayer 1. Heavenly Father, are you really there? And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer? Some say that heaven is far away, But I feel it close around me as I pray. Heavenly Father, I remember now Something that Jesus told disciples long ago: “Suffer the children to come to me.” Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee. 2. Pray, he is there; Speak, he is list’ning. You are his child; His love now surrounds you. He hears your prayer; He loves the children. Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav’n.

I love prayer. It is a form of meditation. It is a chance to shut out the noise of the world and communicate to my Father in Heaven. I feel like I can be completely honest an open with my feelings. I have prayers that are pure gratitude where I just pour out thanks to my Father in Heaven. Some prayers are short desperate pleas for assistance. Most of my prayers are a combination of thanksgiving and humble requests. All of my prayers include a fervent repentance and a plea for forgiveness oft sins. There have been a few prayers of anger when I'm frustrated with how life is going but I'm usually humbled very quickly and realize that God is not at fault. I am so grateful to have this form of communication with my Father in Heaven. It is through prayer that I feel the love of my Heavenly Father and feel the cleansing power of the Atonement. Prayer is sacred and prayer is universal. Prayer can be meaningful in a variety of situations or circumstances as long as it is heartfelt and sincere. Even a small child can pray and Heavenly Father will hear and answer their prayer. We should always have a prayer in our hearts. If we do we will fill an increase of love for our Father in Heaven, His Son, Jesus Christ, and all of His children around us here on Earth. 

Light

I have been thinking a lot recently about light and knowledge. I have received some new insights and understandings and I am so grateful for this increase of intelligence I have been pondering its source. I think that all light, physical and intellectual, comes from one source. That source is Jesus Christ and His light is in all things.


D&C 88:13
"The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."

The light that connects us all to each other and to all of God's creations.

D&C 88:11
"And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;"

Our knowledge and intelligence is gained through Jesus Christ. As we do the work to learn and grow through experience, Christ will give us the light of new understanding and we will learn line upon line, precept on precept, little by little.

Walk before you run. We are all in a state of imperfection so we should have a goal to be constantly improving ourselves. This can be done through our Lord an Savior Jesus Christ.

D&C 34:2
"The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;"

We have to be open and receptive to receive the understandings of the Lord. His light gives life. Our life is not possible without his light.

D&C 50:24
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

All good comes from God because he is light and any light that is received is given by God. He wants is to gain understanding and any man or woman open to receiving His light can receive it. Anything that is good originates from God.

D&C 12:9
"Behold, I am the light and the life of the world, that speak these words, therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen."

He is our guiding light in this life. If we choose to follow Him, He will guide us to return to our Father in Heaven.

D&C 115:5
"Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;"

We each have our own light which can be a reflection of His light and which can be used as an example to others. We have the ability to not only follow Jesus Christ but lead others to Him.

THE LIGHT AND LIFE OF THE WORLD