Last night (Sunday evening, 2-23-2014) we gathered our children for family prayer and scripture study and asked them what they had going on this coming week. There were heavy sighs and long faces all around (myself included) as we anticipated getting up early to start seminary, school and thoughts of starting a Monday. One of my children mentioned that she has to “mentally gear up” for Monday. Isn’t life hard sometimes? I thought about what advice to give my children to make both the high hills we have to climb, as well as the routine, day-to-day, monotonous things easier. I believe the answer is prayer.
Prayer is a powerful tool that can change the energy of a soul instantaneously. As we speak to our Father In Heaven and feel his love and presence, we are immediately lifted to a higher plain. We can ask Him to help us get started or help us through difficult things. We can also reflect on the things we are grateful for. In D&C 46:32 it states, “And ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with.”
We can also pray for guidance and direction (even in what we consider to be the “little” things). Elder Richard G. Scott spoke in the October 2009 General Conference and said the following:
Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly. In His plan of happiness, He included a provision for you to receive help with such challenges and decisions during your mortal life. That assistance will come to you through the Holy Ghost as spiritual guidance. It is a power, beyond your own capability, that a loving Heavenly Father wants you to use consistently for your peace and happiness.
What a blessing prayer is in our lives!
Have a wonderful week Sisters!! ….. “Don’t forget to pray.”
Sister Liz McCash
2nd Counselor RS Presidency
Bentonville 2nd Ward