Can you imagine life without telephones, cell phones, or the internet? Technology has made communication so much easier. Do you remember the days when we had telephones with long cords on them, that way you could get your housework done while having a conversation? That is if someone else on your party line wasn’t already on the phone. If they were, then you would just have to wait until they were finished to make your call. Wow! Things have really changed.
There is one form of communication that is still the same. Even amidst all of this amazing technology. It is the way that we talk to our Heavenly Father. Prayer is still the same as it has always been. The way that we pray and the significance of it has not changed. We have excellent examples of this throughout the scriptures. A den of lions wouldn’t keep Daniel from praying. The people of Alma still prayed in their hearts when their lives were at stake for praying. Joseph Smith knew it was the only way to find true answers. Prayer led him to the Grove of Trees where a miracle began. Jesus Christ, of course is our ultimate model when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane for all of us.
More recently, the prophet has encouraged us to pray. At the October General Women’s conference President Monson urged us to set a goal to “Pray earnestly” (Ensign, Nov 2007, pg. 118). In 2008 the Young Women were invited to develop the habit of praying morning and night, every day (Ensign, May 2008, pg.118) at their general conference. At the last general priesthood session, President Monson suggested that if the brethren “pray fervently” it will lead them to safety (Ensign, May 2008, pg. 67). It is apparent that prayer is as important today as it has always been. We then, as women, need to develop the habit of daily prayers. The primary children make prayer rocks to help them remember. Some might use a special pillow or signs to keep them from forgetting. Whatever works for you, then do it.
In the Bible Dictionary it tells us, “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.(Bible Dictionary, pg. 753) My prayer is that we will strive to procure these much needed blessings.
- Sister Brenda Merrill
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