This morning I
opened the scriptures to 1 Nephi 18-19. I was seeking direction for how to
better share what I am learning with my family and others but I was sent in
another direction and received inspiration on enduring trials and obtaining
answers to prayers. Some of the scriptures that touched me were: 1 Nephi 18:3,
1 Nephi 18:16 and 1 Nephi 19:9. (you can read them for yourself :) ).
I then turned to my
Conference talks and read Gary E. Stevenson's talk titled "Look to the
Book". How grateful I am for the Book of Mormon. Reading it regularly this
past month has changed me in so many subtle ways. His challenge to replace social
media with even just 10 minutes of study a day is not to much to ask. He also
said
"They will
strengthen your faith, fill your soul with light, and prepare you for a future
you scarcely have the ability to comprehend.
Within the book’s
pages, you will discover the infinite love and incomprehensible grace of God.
As you strive to follow the teachings you find there, your joy will expand,
your understanding will increase, and the answers you seek to the many
challenges mortality presents will be opened to you. As you look to the book,
you look to the Lord."
I then found myself
wandering into the topic of how to receive answers to prayers. I really
struggle with this. I often want answers quickly and clearly. But this is not
God's way.
We are told in
D&C 9:8 "But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in
your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause
that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is
right." But what if we don't get that feeling or maybe we are not sure we
received an answer?
I love Elder
Richard G. Scott (I miss hearing him speak). As I search this topic two of his
Conference talks came up.
April 2007-Using
the supernal gift of prayer
October
1989-Learning to recognize Answers to prayers.
Well worth the
read. He stated:
"He is our
perfect Father. He loves us beyond our capacity to understand. He knows what is
best for us. He sees the end from the beginning. He wants us to act to gain
needed experience:
When He answers
yes, it is to give us confidence.
When He answers no,
it is to prevent error.
When He withholds
an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His
commandments, and a willingness to act on truth. We are expected to assume
accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with His teachings
without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively waiting or to murmur
because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act."
One
quote especially I touched my heart.
"He
will always hear your prayers and will invariably answer them. However, His
answers will seldom come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may
plead for an immediate response. Rather, He will prompt you in quiet moments
when the Spirit can most effectively touch your mind and heart. Hence, you
should find periods of quiet time to recognize when you are being instructed
and strengthened. His pattern causes you to grow."
