The Power of Prayer

Last Sunday, my home teachers came over with their monthly message. August's message was President Henry B. Eyring's talk, That He May Write Upon Our Hearts. As always, we discussed the meaning of the talk and the subject of prayer.

I shared with them my concern for some of the people I know. It is happened on more than one occasion that I have been asked to pray for people. I gladly agree. But what I've sometimes heard them say after their request disturbs my heart. I've heard them say (in more or less these words) that they want me to pray for them because they know that He'll hear it then.

This bothers me because I know for a fact that Heavenly Father loves to communicate with His children. I worry that sometimes people reading about how 'God was slow to hear their prayers' in the scriptures think that there is a qualification limit on prayer. I hope they don't think that if they haven't been obedient he will ignore them. But I wonder.

I think Heavenly Father being slow to hear us is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith. It's a chance for us to wait on His will. It's actually a blessing for us. It's a transition time as we move ourselves closer to Him once again. We are able to reaccustom ourselves to being in contact with him and to prepare ourselves for the answer we will receive. It's a difficult blessing to deal with at certain times but it is for our benefit.

I hope that I will better help my loved ones understand that they can ALWAYS pray. That He is ALWAYS there to hear them. And that He loves them and is waiting to hear from them.

The Beauty of Sacrifice

Last Sunday, because of the Fourth of July holiday, I was thinking about the birth of our nation. At this time of year, many of us count the blessings we enjoy due to this wonderful nation in which we live. It is common to consider the contributions of the military in defending our rights and freedoms. The sacrifices they and their families make to ensure we all are able to participate in making the United States of America great.

So the subject of sacrifice was rolling around in my thoughts and it led me to ponder the other sacrifices that have brought about the life that I lead.

First and foremost, the sacrifice of my Savior Jesus Christ. It is only through Him that I have that which I now possess and all blessings I will yet receive. His sacrifice enables me and all things for me.

Second, I thought of the sacrifices of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. In Doctrine and Covenants 136:6 & 7 we read, "...henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon, and this book of Doctrine and Covenants of the church, cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring them forth for the salvation of a ruined world...and their innocent blood on the floor of Carthage jail is a broad seal affixed to "Mormonism"..." Their legacy is what I now enjoy.

And then lastly, I thought of the sacrifices of mothers. I have heard of women who have literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death to give their children the opportunity to walk the earth. All mothers suffer through blood and pain to bring new spirits into this world. Where would we/I be without their labor?

And so, I am very grateful for the life I have due to the many sacrifices made by friends, family and even strangers, who work(ed) to bestow upon me this blessed life.

Unity and the Purpose of the Church

A few weeks ago, the Sunday School and Relief Society lessons gave me much food for thought. In Sunday School, we were asked, "What is the purpose of the Church?" And in Relief Society, "Why do you think it is unwise to expect perfection in members of our wards and branches?"

I feel it's unwise to do so because the perfect me is not the same as the perfect you. Heavenly Father made us all different on purpose. We each have our own talents, abilities, skills and experiences. All of us are at different stages on our paths of life. Our ideal of perfection is skewed by our own mortality. So how can we hold anyone to an ideal of perfection? Even our own self?

How many times have I resolved to be a little better? Tried only to do my best in whatever situation I was in, with the faith that Heavenly Father would help me...only to look back and see that I accomplished even more than I previously thought I could? While I might not have recognized what was happening while I was in the thick of things, inspired hindsight showed how all was magnified by Heavenly Father.

With all of our unique capabilities combined we can then fulfill the purpose of the Church, which is to let all of God's children know that He loves them, help them to feel and recognize it and show them how to get back to Him. We are all equipped to show forth God's love. And it manifests in ways that are divinely appointed to and developed by each of us.

Why is it unwise to expect perfection in members of our wards and branches? Because it's limiting. To ourselves and to those around us.