In times of tragedy

I

I hadn't planned to blog today, but, given what happened in Newtown, CT early today, I felt I had an obligation to write something that would offer some degree of comfort. I too am hurting, as it hit close to home for my family and I. You see, in May 1968, my 18 month-old sister when her daycare center was destroyed by a natural gas explosion. Because of that I can truly say that I understand the disbelief, pain, and loss they are experiencing tonight. The good news is that there is someone who can relieve that pain . . . our loving Heavenly Father!

 

In a March 2009 address to the Church, First Counselor Henry B. Eyring stated "With all of the differences in our lives, we have at least one challenge in common. We must all deal with adversity." He went on to explain that there may be periods - sometimes lengthy ones - when our lives seem to flow along with little or no difficulty. But, because we're all human, this comfort gives away to distress, periods of good health come to an end, and misfortune arrives. When this distress arrives on the scene - especially if it involves the death of a loved one such as a spouse, child, or parent - it can cause fear or even anger.

 

The best answer I can give for those feeling that tonight is found in the Serenity Prayer:

 



God grant me the serenity

to accept the things that I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

 

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life;

and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

 

Amen

 





 

 

Praying to our Heavenly Father (Part II)

How should we pray?

It doesn't matter where you are, whether your prefer to stand or kneel when you pray, or whether you prefer to vocalize your prayer or pray silently you should always pray with a sincere heart. Moroni 10:4 tells us also that we should pray with real intent meaning that were are serious in what we're asking Heavenly Father for and that we're willing to abide by His answer.

 

When we pray to our Heavenly Father, we need to tell Him what we really feel in our hearts, confide in Him, seek forgiveness for our transgressions, plead with Him, thank Him, and express our love for Him. We should not repeat meaningless words and phrases such as was done by the Pharisee's and the Sadducee's (See: Matthew 6:7-8). We should always ask that His will be done keeping in mind that what we desire might not be the best thing for us (See: 2 Nephi 18:20).

 

How are our prayers answered?

Our sincere prayers are always answered. Sometimes this answer is "no" because what we're asking for is not the best thing for us. Sometimes the answer is "yes" and we experience a warm, comfortable feeling about what we should do (See: D & C 9:8-9). Sometimes the answer is "wait a while" or "not right now". Heavenly Father answers our prayers at a time and in a way that He knows will help us most.

Sometimes Heavenly Father answers our prayers using other people. This can be a good friend, a spouse, a parent or other family member, or Church leader. Here's an example: a young mother whose baby was injured in an accident at their home. She had no way of getting her injured child to the doctor. Being new in the neighborhood, she really didn't know any of her neighbors yet. The young mother stopped and prayed for help. Within moments, one of her neighbors came to the door and said "I had a feeling I should come and see if you needed any help." The neighbor was able to help the young mother to get her baby to the doctor.

 In some instances, Heavenly Father will provide us with the power to answer our own prayers. As we pray, we should do all that we can to bring about those thing we desire.

 

 

. “Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers”

Praying to our Heavenly Father (Part I)

Why do we pray

Have you ever stopped to contemplate the question "why do we pray"? Simply put, prayer has been an intergral part of the Gospel since the beginning of time. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, where commanded by an angel of the Lord to "repent and call upon God in the name of His son, Jesus Christ. (See: Moses 5:8) This Commandment has never been revoked and still applies today.

Pray for strength. If we go to the father in prayer with a broken heart and a contrite spirit (See: Ensign - A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit) and pray for protection from "the snares of the Evil One", God will hear your prayer and answer it (See: 3 Nephi 18:15, Doctrine & Covenants 10:5).

Prayer for the Lord's guidance and help in our daily lives. It is important for us to pray for our family and friends, our neighbors, our work, and other daily activities. We should be mindful to seek protection from our enemies -- including Satan. (See: Alma 34:17-27).

 

We should express love to our Heavenly Father. This helps us, as His children, to grow closer to Him. We should give thanks to Him for our welfare and comfort and His many blessings each day. (See: 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
 

When should we pray?

 

That is the nice thing about prayer, we don't have to wait for a certain time . . . we can do it anytime we want to commune with Heavenly Father. Sometimes you might be alone when your pray where you can pour your heart out to Him (See: Matthew 6:6); other times to pray include: during a church meeting, while we're walking, or preparing a meal. We can keep Heavenly Father in our thoughts at all times (See: Alma 34:27) 

 

There are times when we might not feel like praying. If we are angry, discouraged, or upset, these are the times we should make a special effort to pray. (See: 2 Nephi 32:8-9)

 

We should pray in private at least twice a day. The Scriptures tell us to pray morning, mid-day, and evening. (See:  Alma 34:2)

 

We should pray with our family.  In doing this, our families also receive Heavenly Father's blessing. (See: 3 Nephi 18:2)

 

To be continued . . .

 

I say these things in Jesus Christ' name, Amen!