Jesus said, "Knock, and it shall be opened to you." In the book of Revelation, John takes this promise one step further: Jesus is knocking on our door. He is not only willing to answer us, He is already speaking to us. Even before we ask, we can listen.
Ask Not Amiss
Jesus promised that our prayers will be answered. James added a caution: we need to pray with the right motives. Bishop Keith B. McMullin taught that the Spirit can help us understand what to ask for, so that our prayers can be aligned with God's will.
Praying Always
What does praying always look like in your life? For me, it means that I have a prayer in my heart throughout the day. It also means pausing to pray before a daunting task. God is always available to hear us, and we should frequently talk with Him.
A Desert Place
Jesus found time to pray alone. So did Nephi, who went often to the mountain to pray, away from other people. We may need to intentionally make time in our schedules to be alone so that we can truly commune with God in prayer.
Receive, Find, Be Opened
God answers our prayers in multiple ways. Sometimes we simply receive an answer. Sometimes, He helps us find an answer. And sometimes, doors are opened to us which we must exercise faith to enter. We can be grateful for all three kinds of answers.
Compassed
As Jonah lay in the belly of a fish, he prayed to God, acknowledging his own distress but expressing faith that God hadn't abandoned him: I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice. For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the... Continue Reading →
“Thy Words Were Heard”
Prayer is an act of faith because we don't see or hear the One we are talking to. When I participate in a conversation, I am constantly monitoring the reaction of the other person to the words I say. I pay attention to their responses, even non-verbal ones, to understand how my words are being... Continue Reading →
If With All Your Hearts
God will answer your prayers. Jesus promised that in the Sermon on the Mount: "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7, 3 Nephi 14:7). Moses taught the same principle to the children of Israel. After prophesying that they would one day turn away from... Continue Reading →
“The Lord Bless Thee, and Keep Thee”
While the Israelites lived in the wilderness, God instructed Aaron and his sons to offer the following blessing on the people: The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.Numbers 6:24-26 I've been focused... Continue Reading →
Moses Besought the Lord
Some of the work of a leader is done out of sight, away from the people he or she leads. Even before Moses descended from Sinai and saw the golden calf, he had an opportunity to advocate on behalf of his people. The Lord told him what was happening at the bottom of the mountain:... Continue Reading →