Recently in general conference, Richard G. Scott gave a great talk on prayer and how prayers are answered. His talk provided guidance as to what certain things may mean when we are seeking answers to prayer (for example, when you feel like you are not getting any inspiration, etc.). If you didn't have the chance to hear the talk live, I recommend that you read the conference talk in the May Ensign. Thinking about that talk, I came across an old lesson handout in my scriptures. It is from a talk given by Elder Boyd K. Packer in the October Conference in 1979. Speaking about prayer, Elder Packer said the following:
"Sometimes you may struggle with a problem and not get an answer. What could be wrong? It may be that you are not doing anything wrong. It may be that you have not done the right things long enough. Remember, you cannot force spiritual things. Sometimes we are confused simply because we won't take no for an answer...
Put difficult questions in the back of your minds and go about your lives. Ponder and pray quietly and persistently about them.
The answer may not come as a lightning bolt. It may come as a little inspiration here and a little there, 'line upon line, precept upon precept' (D&C 98:12).
Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers. And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable."
As Elder Packer has said above, and Elder Scott recently discussed in General Conference, answers to prayer comes in a variety of ways. Sometimes it is direct and powerful, sometimes it is by small whisperings of the Spirit, and other times the Lord allows us to make the decision for ourselves and we must have the faith to move forward. Regardless of how the Lord chooses to answer our prayers, we must always strive to have the faith to listen to the answer the Lord gives us. And as we do, we can always be assured that the Lord will bless us. Remember that faith is a principle of action. Thus, we must act on the answers we receive having faith in the guidance that He gives us.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
This was perfect for me to read! Thank you for reminding me of this awesome talk...as we sometimes feel the Lord's timeing is not fast enough as we pray for work. I love the part about praying about it and putting it in the back of your mind...inspiration a little here a little there! So great!
I just want to let you know that I really enjoy you giving me something to think about and it is a great inspiration to me. We always want answers to our prayer on our time and sometimes miss the answer because we are to busy to stop and realize it.We are trully blessed to have the power of pray in our lives and should use it to the fullest. Thanks for the remember of our blessings that are a gift. Love, Mom
Post a Comment