I have recently had a couple of simple prayers answered.  In retrospect I am unsure if I waited too long to petition the Lord's help or by going about my business and doing all that I could do first and then petitioning the Lord to intervene on my behalf and assist me.

Several months ago, my wife and I determined that our car had served its purpose and that it was time for it to be replaced.  It would take several thousand dollars to repair it, as there are several things that are wrong with it. 

About three weeks ago it started leaking engine coolant as I returned home on Friday afternoon.  I could not determine where it was leaking from, so I continued to drive it.  On Monday morning when I pulled into the parking lot at work, the lower radiator hose let go and spewed bright green fluid all over the ground.  I borrowed my supervisors vehicle and went and got a few parts from NAPA, and set to fix it in the parking lot.  The hose came off relatively easily, and for the most part went on fairly easy too, all until the last hose clamp.  I spent quite a while to try to align it so that I could get the screw driver lined up so that I could tighten it.  I was covered in grease, and getting frustrated that I could not get my hands down close enough to align everything.  I felt that I should say a prayer and ask for help.  After several minutes of contemplating other approaches I gave into the spirit that teaches a man to pray.  Following that prayer I returned to the task and was able to force my hands down deep enough into the innards of the car to get everything lined up and tightened.  Quickly remembering the parable of the lepers I prayed again in gratitude for His assistance.  

That evening when I was putting my toddler to bed I related the story of how Heavenly Father was able to help me fix the car, and explain that He answers prayers.  It was a very touching experience and I hope that my sharing it with my daughter might help her.

Since we decided we needed a replacement vehicle I have attended the local public auctions, searched online and visited the used car lots.  I knew what I wanted and the price that I was willing to pay was within the range for the vehicles that I was looking for, but on the low end.  I was looking for a deal, as I did not want to burden my family with an expensive vehicle at the moment as I have recently graduated from university and are preparing to purchase a home within the next few months.  I was diligently looking for a vehicle and spending several hours each Saturday to find a vehicle.  As I look back I have learned a few things from my time at the auction that I did not know before.  On Saturday I was at another auction and I had been there most of the afternoon, and had looked at all of the vehicles that fit my criteria.  I was begininng to get discouraged as there was only one vehicle left that I was interested in.  It had been a late addition to the auction and was not in the printed catalogue for the sale, but those that were interested would have seen it.  As I was waiting for this one to come through the ring out of desparation and becoming fed up with spending every weekend at the auction I prayed for some assistance.  As they were coming down the row for the vehicle, one of the vehicles would not start and was blocking the way, so they decided to pull from the back of the row to make sure the ring had vehicles.  So I hurried back to the ring to see if it was within my price range.  It was going within my price range so I entered the bidding and I won it.  A week previous I had learned how to deal with the bartering between the high bid and the reserve price.  In the end I was able to purchase the vehicle.

Looking back I might have been able to respond to the promptings sooner than I did, but at the same time I needed to work and study it out in my mind and show that I was committed to the result.  In the end after I had done all that I could do no more, and was near to giving up, the Lord aided me. 

Tags: Prayer Faith Simple Answered

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