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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 ↩
