Sunday, July 31, 2016

Pray Often

Pray Often
Nephi 18:3

The study of this little verse sheds a lot of light on the importance of frequent prayer.
You will find other scriptures on prayer as well as talks and articles by apostles and suggested Hymns to use in Family Home evening, talks, discussions , lessons or for your own personal study.
:3

Topic-Prayer

What
 3 And I, Nephi, did go into the mount oft, and I did  a pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord b showed unto me c great things.

Why
Nephi had been commanded to build a s hip and to follow the directions given him of the Lord. He was also a humble servant and had many reasons for guidance as a spiritual leader of his family.

Pattern

Doctrine and Covenants 90:1

    1 Thus saith the Lord, verily, verily I say unto you my son, thy sins are forgiven thee, according to thy petition, for thy prayers and the prayers of thy brethren have come up into my ears.
    14 And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.

Isaiah 56:7

7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.

Mormon 5:21

21 And also the Lord will remember the prayers of the righteous, which have been put up unto him for them.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:36

36 All victory and glory is brought to pass unto you through your diligence, faithfulness, and prayers of faith.

2 Nephi 4:24

24 And by day have I waxed bold in mighty prayer before him; yea, my voice have I sent up on high; and angels came down and ministered unto me.

Doctrine and Covenants 29:6

6 And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.

Conference
4/07 Scott
Using The Supernal Gift of Prayer

How Are Prayers Answered?

Some truths regarding how prayers are answered may help you.
Often when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, at times struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern inspired answers.
I have discovered that what sometimes seems an impenetrable barrier to communication is a giant step to be taken in trust. Seldom will you receive a complete response all at once. It will come a piece at a time, in packets, so that you will grow in capacity. As each piece is followed in faith, you will be led to other portions until you have the whole answer. That pattern requires you to exercise faith in our Father’s capacity to respond. While sometimes it’s very hard, it results in significant personal growth.
[I recommend that you study this entire talk, it is thorough and outstanding.]

Article by Russel M. Ballard
Keeping Your Life In Balance (see www.lds.org/youth)

8. Pray Often

My last suggestion is to pray often as individuals and as families. You can know the right decisions to make each day through constant, sincere prayer.
The prophet Alma summarized the importance of prayer in these words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering” (Alma 13:28). When I am in tune spiritually, I find that I can balance everything in my life much more easily.

[I also recommend that you study this entire article]

Apply
Study these talks and scriptures and apply them to your life. Pray often and sincerely and listen for answers. Learn to ask the right questions. Keep the commandments.
Hymns
140- Did You Think To Pray?
145-Prayer Is The Soul's Sincere Desire

The prophet Alma summarized the importance of prayer in these words: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering” (Alma 13:28). When I am in tune spiritually, I find that I can balance everything in my life much more easily.