Jacob said, "Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from His hand." When Joseph Smith asked a question three times, he probably didn't think he was rejecting revelation, but he was. We need to pray with the intent to learn, not to persuade.
It Began with a Question
Many Book of Mormon prophets received knowledge by asking questions in prayer. The Restoration of the gospel began when Joseph Smith asked questions in prayer. Well-formed questions asked in faith can open our hearts and minds to receive revelation.
Pray On!
Jesus prayed with His disciples in the Americas. For an extended time at the beginning of the second day, the people prayed. Jesus encouraged them with the words "Pray on." Afterward, He encouraged them to continue to pray in their hearts.
The Words We Pray
We never have to clarify anything to God—He already knows what we're trying to say. But we may need to clarify for ourselves. Asking the right question can be a prerequisite for receiving and understanding the answer. God can help us know what to pray for.
Recognizing Unexpected Answers
Helaman's people prayed for strength, support, and deliverance. They received peace, faith, and hope. Those spiritual gifts enabled them to improve their situation. We need to learn to recognize the unexpected answers to our prayers.
Wilderness, Field, House, and Closet
Zenos listed four places where God had heard him. Amulek specifically connected the last one, closets, with the first, wildernesses. We need to share the most uncomfortable parts of our lives with God in order to learn from Him and receive His grace.
Prayers and Pride
Alma lamented the memorized prayer of the Zoramites, which was an expression of pride. We can make our prayers more humble by thinking of others, acknowledging our weakness, recognizing context, focusing on service, and being receptive to guidance.
Captivity and Deliverance: Limhi and Alma
Both Alma's and Limhi's people fell captive to the Lamanites and were both delivered by God. From their examples, we can learn to pray humbly, to recognize the blessings God provides immediately, and to look forward to the deliverance He will provide.
“That I May Make Tools”
God prepares a way for us to fulfill His commandments. That way becomes clear as we move forward. Nephi knew that he would have to build a ship. He asked for help with the first step: finding ore to forge the tools
Lessons from Lehi’s Prayer
We can learn at least three lessons from Lehi's prayer at the beginning of the Book of Mormon: 1. Look forward with faith as you pray. 2. Pray with all your heart. 3. Pray on behalf of others.