Natalie M. gave a wonderful lesson about prayer.
What is the purpose of prayer? For me personally?
1. To understand we are his children
2. To align our will with His
Bible dictionary:
As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7–11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
What can we do so our prayers will draw us near to our Heavenly Father?
-Remembering He is our father
-Remembering prayer is something to help us change and grow. As we pray we come more in tune with what He desires.
Reference scriptures:
Hannah's prayer 1 Samuel 2:1
1 And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. (Old Testament, 1 Samuel, 1 Samuel 2)
Amulek teaching people to pray :Alma 34. 18-28
18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to allrighteousness.
24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts befull, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you.
28 And now behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you, do not suppose that this is all; for after ye have done all these things, if yeturn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.
Discussion of scriptures from Alma (per above) :
-Last verse: describes how we answer other peoples prayers
-Continually pray. Recognition that we receive blessings constantly. -Be aware of when we do get answers. Prayers answered in the Lords term.-Think of prayer as an open dialogue on an ongoing basis.
What people and matters should you include more often in your prayers?
-Include visiting teachees in prayer
-when you pray for others it changes how you feel about them.
Thanks Natalie for the lesson. please see the manual for the reference lesson titled:
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