May
19
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When I was younger, I hated long prayers. There were certain individuals that I dreaded hearing it would be them praying. That usually meant a long winded prayer full of things I didn’t really care about - I just wanted to get on, whether it be to eat or play something.
As I’ve grown and matured in the gospel, I’ve come to understand the power that prayer can have and what it is there for. While I’ll admit I don’t know it all, I do want to talk about it.
The answer is simple, even if the question is hard. How often should we pray? Why is that a hard question, well it’s given right in the answer.
“Pray always lest that wicked one have power in you…” [D&C 98:49]
In my youth, I found that when I got into trouble it was because I was bored and felt I had nothing to do. At one time it was fire. I can remember distinctly sitting in our family’s basement laundry room messing around with various chemicals and solutions that were stored there. I decided it would be fun to see how they would effect a fire. So I lit a paper bag on fire and began to add those chemicals and solutions. In no time, I had a bit of a problem, the fire got out of my control. Luckily, I was able to put it out and clean up the mess, but it illustrates what can happen. Spencer W. Kimball said “I have observed that sin generally comes when communication lines are down.” 1
Luckily I have done a lot of growing since those days, and have learned that my best bet is to try and keep my communication lines open.
Increasing your prayers is the best way to do this.
Now that I have a family, it becomes even more important. It’s such a blessing to see my young children wanting to pray. I feel that it is very important to have a family that prays together.
Nephi said “Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed.” [Nephi 18:21]
As a parent, I want to ensure my family is blessed, that they are watched over during the time I’m not at home. I know it can be a struggle on occasion to include them in prayer, but giving in or not praying is not the answer.
I’ve been very proud of our children, I’ve gone through the rounds of getting them ready for bed and have come across them praying on their own, in their rooms thinking no one was looking. I can see that our consistent commitment to prayer has paid off and our children are gaining an understanding of prayer. They have even explained to us, how they have used prayer to help locate various items they think are lost or how it has helped them to overcome a frightening or scary experience.
Family prayer is also a great way to help children gain a firmer foundation in the gospel, by they’re own experiences with prayer. What better way to help them gird up their loins against the increasing influence of Satan.
As the title suggests, by increasing our prayers, we can accomplish so much in the world. We must remember though, in all things, our thanks belong to God. [D&C 59:7]. Prayer isn’t only about asking, but it also about thanking. Expressing our gratitude for all the blessings we do have. This is another practice we have implemented in our family prayers, and one that should be included in each of our personal prayers. Even though there are times when I get caught up in what I don’t have, I try to remember all the things I do have.
I have gained a testimony of prayer through the continual use and practice. There have been times when I have had important decisions to make and needed the guidance of the Lord. There have also been moments when I have needed express help due to an emergency or other threatening situation.
There is so much to gain from praying with nothing to lose. It’s such a win win situation. By merely speaking to our Father we can travel the right path and find comfort.
- First Presidency Message - Pray Always ↩
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4 Responses to “Increasing Prayer”
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I do agree that family prayer is so important. I am a nonmember. I have had good prayers with my sister at one time when she lived here. I loved to hear her sweet prayers. She was afraid that it would be bad to ask God to help her in school. My mom and I sometimes have a prayer, but she always has me do the prayers. I know that we need to be more consistent and that I should pray with my dad too. He asks me a lot of times to pray at family gatherings. That is hard for me as I am the only member and I do not like to feel judged.
I love hearing how your children are already praying on their own and have received answers to prayers.
That was a super scary experience in the laundry room when you were a youth! I have heard stories that did not have had terrible outcomes so you are very fortunate. It’s a good thing that you have family, Church, work, hobbies, and Helamans-army to keep you out of trouble.
I said that wrong. I meant I am the only member in my family.
Growing up, my mom would teach us how to prayer when we were small. When we were old enough, we said our own prayers. By teaching us to pray, I mean saying a prayer such as “The Lord’s Prayer.” I think that it helps a family to pray together. I know one of my missionary companions was going through a difficult time on her mission and drew strenth from the memory of her mom kneeling with her in prayer at times prior to her mission.
we do the same.
my little boy told me he prayed not to pee to bed anymore…broke my heart!
Mike, that would be hard for a parent to know that something is out of control for their little one that can be so hard for them to deal with. I had problems in that area when I was a child. It is so important to feel like I am okay even with such a problem. I know it was a lot more work for my mom. And God can answer prayers in different ways. We can have some relief, learn of a medication or procedure if there is a medical problem. And sometimes we are still given the trial. Most likely this trial will pass with time. Hugs to your little one in the meantime.
I remember what must have been Christmas Eve night. I was so proud that I was “dry” in the middle of the night. I went and told my parent in the other room. The other parent must have been downstairs getting Christmas ready. I thought it was so special to be “dry” on that night.