Gaining an answer through Prayer

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." 

Messages.....

Messages come from many sources, the Holy Ghost being the main source. Others may be prompted to tell you something, this being an answer. Sometimes we do not like the source that the answer comes from so we reject it or deny the possibility of the truth told to us.

What is confusing is that the world has many ideas on getting answers for questions. Psychics, tarot cards, etc... those using these methods feel they are in tune with the "other side" and that they can help you seek the answers for the questions you are faced with.

Recently I had someone use one of these methods on me. The were using what was called "Angel Cards." I was told to place them on my heart for a time. Then I pulled four random cards from the deck. It was a rather interesting combination of messages-I have been considering my current job and the stress that comes from it.. I am gone a lot and working a lot, I am distracted and closed off. It has caused a lot of stress at home. I have wondered whether I should return to school to gain some more specific skills ion my position so that I am better capable of doing my job. But how do I take on one more thing? How do I add something more to my schedule? I have felt a huge frustration with my marriage, I am distant from John, and I have a lot of frustrating feelings that I do not know how to express, they are selfish and will probably cause more harm than good. So I remain silent and I bury my feelings, but they are still there. In my job I have been pulled away from the clients, I no longer have interaction with them and I miss that, yet there is no way to change that without once again adding to my current work load. No answers.....

But what upsets me most is that these "messages" although so close to what I am currently feeling, are not coming from God. I know that messages or promptings can come from a lot of sources, but are these real? Or are they something to pull me away from the truth, and the promptings of the Holy Ghost? I have felt Satan working on me overtime lately, pulling at my thoughts and emotions, encouraging the bitterness and resentment that I am struggling with. Is this one more ploy to turn me in a different direction?

It is definitely time for some personal reflection....and I know that to do it right I need to turn to God.