Referring once more to Jesus' prayers among the Nephites, we identify another essential part of the pattern of prayer. It has already been mentioned that he addressed the Father and offered thanks for blessings received. He next used expressions such as: "Father, I pray thee that thou wilt give," "I pray unto thee for them," and "I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world." (3 Nephi 19:21, 23, 29.) These words teach us that prayers may properly include requests in behalf of others and petitions for divine assistance, forgiveness of sins, direction, and intervention.
It is not uncommon to hear the Saints pray for the prophet, the General Authorities, and their local priesthood leaders. Petitions to God requesting that the health of Church leaders be preserved, that their lives be extended, and that they continue to enjoy the companionship of the Holy Spirit are certainly timely and appropriate. All such petitions, however, should be prompted by sincere feelings and should not be spoken simply because others have used the same petitions.
Quite often we hear people pray for the full-time missionaries. This too is proper and acceptable, providing our prayers are honest. President Spencer W. Kimball has urged us to pray that the doors of nations will be opened to missionary work. He has pled with us to do all within our power to unlock these doors, but he realizes that divine intervention is requisite in some cases. Once Enos had obtained a forgiveness of his sins, he felt a desire for the welfare of his brethren, the Nephites. He, therefore, poured out his whole soul unto God for them. (See Enos 5-9.)
When we speak of petitioning Deity, we instinctively think of Amulek's classic testimony, which included thoughts about prayer. He urged the people to—
"Cry unto him for mercy. . . .
"Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea over all your flocks.
"Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household. . . .
"Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
"Yea, cry unto him against the devil. . . .
"Cry unto him over the crops of your field, that ye may prosper in them.
"Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also the welfare of those who are around you." (Alma 34:18, 20-24, 27.)
I have always been impressed by the following counsel: ". . . 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. . . ." (Alma 13:28.) Such thoughts, such humble expressions are certainly appropriate as we petition God. The Savior's words were: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." (3 Nephi 13:12.)
We have been promised that our Heavenly Father will forgive us of our trespasses if we forgive those who trespass against us. So, it is altogether fitting that we heed the Master's model and pray: "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (3 Nephi 13:11.)
Two related cautions should be mentioned at this point. First, we must be willing to subject our petitions to the will of our Father in heaven. You will recall the Lord's prayer in Gethsemane. Amid pain, agony, blood-sweat, and tears he prayed, ". . . not my will, but thine, be done." (Luke 22:42.) In this instance he was applying that which he had taught his disciples earlier, for he had instructed them to pray, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (3 Nephi 13:10.) Anytime we use the language "Thy will be done" or "If it be thy will," it should ring with conviction and never be lip service only. Second, we must attune ourselves to the Spirit so that our petitions are in complete harmony with divine will. Kindly note the following scriptures and the italicized words:
". . . whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22. Italics added.)
". . . Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." (3 Nephi 18:20. Italics added.)
"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you." (D&C 88:64. Italics added.)
It seems that some people read the Lord's promise contained in the first scripture above and assume that through their prayers of faith, desired blessings will be claimed automatically. They may assume that what they are requesting is right or expedient, and that all they need to do is voice the prayer. This assumption would be proper and correct if the petitioner were completely righteous, completely in harmony with the Spirit, inspired to know fully the will of the Lord, and inclined to ask for that which is not contrary to God's will.
Would that all of us were worthy to receive the blessing pronounced upon Nephi, the son of Helaman:
"Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou has not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
"And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." (Helaman 10:4-5. Italics added.)
The promise to all of us is: ". . . if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done. But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask." (D&C 50:29-30.)
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07-22-2008, 02:30 PM
unmeaningful prayer.....
)! Heavenly Father hears your prayers, I would suggest getting on your knees and saying a prayer asking if he is there. If he is listening to you. Pray with sincerity and a humble heart and do not be afraid. Then stay were you are, wait patiently and peacefully. Nothing may happen and do not panic but you just might be suprised. You won't get a big ban and an angel isn't going to come swooping down and tap you on the head but if you focus your mind you may find a peacful feeling in your soul. 
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