Our priesthood lesson a couple weeks ago was on the role of faith in prayer. We talked about the role of personal effort that should accompany every request. We were hard-pressed to think of things that we pray for that over which we have absolutely no influence. I realized that effective prayer is an inward process. When we really think about it, it is a time to re-examine priorities, show humility by trying to align our priorities with the Father’s plan, and then asking for divine assistance to help us effectuate change. This is worlds different from a “wish list” prayer.
Consider the difference (some of which we discussed in class):
Wish list prayer:
- Lead the missionaries to those who are prepared to receive the gospel
- Bless the youth of the church
- Help us to be kind to one another
- Bless all those who are sick or afflicted
Prayer of Faith
- Help me find and recognize opportunities to share the gospel with my co-workers/neighbors/friends
- Bless me with wisdom as I teach my children
- Please help me to check my selfishness so that I will be more kind to others.
- Help inspire me to find ways to be of service and comfort to Sister Anderson.
Far be it from me to discredit common prayer phrases that are uttered in faith but I just realized that I could probably be a more active participant in my own prayer thought-process.
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