Sister Beck told us that she is afraid of caves. In her life she has suffered from depression. She compared the depression to a cave. It was overwhelming for her. It was her Gethsemane. How did she over come it? Prayer.
Her lesson came from a talk given in April 2007 conference, by Richard G. Scott, Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer.
When she was at her lowest, she was just waiting for general conference so she could feel uplifted. This was the first talk of the Saturday morning session. And it was for her.
Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. Actually, because He knows how desperately we need His guidance, He commands, “Thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private.”
It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer.
We will know our father through prayer and he will know us.
Sister Beck shared a comparison that her husband heard at a scouting event.
Prayer is like a steering wheel or a life boat. You can use it to steer you through life or when you are flailing. He encouraged the use of both. Use it as a steering wheel and as a life boat. It will steer you as you should go, but be sure, you will need it in times of trial as a life boat.
The constant and most recurring question in our minds, touching every thought and deed of our lives, should be, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” (Acts 9:6.) The answer to that question comes only through the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost. Fortunate are those who so live that their being is filled with both.
We must always remember that we are NEVER unworthy to pray.
Gordon B. Hinckley admonished us to: Pray to the Lord with the expectations of answers.
President David O. McKay testified, “It is true that the answers to our prayers may not always come as direct and at the time, nor in the manner, we anticipate; but they do come, and at a time and in a manner best for the interests of him who offers the supplication.” Be thankful that sometimes God lets you struggle for a long time before that answer comes. Your character will grow; your faith will increase. There is a relationship between those two: the greater your faith, the stronger your character; and increased character enhances your ability to exercise even greater faith.
We need to struggle so we can grow and develop.
It is so hard when sincere prayer about something you desire very much is not answered the way you want. It is difficult to understand why your exercise of deep and sincere faith from an obedient life does not grant the desired result. The Savior taught, “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you.” 4 At times it is difficult to recognize what is best or expedient for you over time. Your life will be easier when you accept that what God does in your life is for your eternal good.
Some example of prayer from the scriptures.
Esther 4:16
Daniel 6:14, 16, 18
Mosiah 27: 14 (never underestimate the prayer of a parent)
JSH: 14-17
Luke 22:42
Mosiah 15:7 - Have we ever had a trial that we just wanted to go away? That we just wanted to end? Jesus, our Savior did.
It is not always our will to pass through trials.
Holly said as she was preparing this lesson, she had Disney lullabies going and a song from Pinocchio came on. She felt it fit this lesson.
"When you wish upon a star (prayer) makes no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you." Sung by: Jiminy Cricket
When we contemplate the incomparable gift of prayer and the limitless blessings that flow from it, honest appreciation fills our mind and heart to overflowing with thanksgiving. Should we not, therefore, continually and profoundly express to our beloved Father, as well as we are able, our unbounded gratitude for the supernal gift of prayer and for His answers that meet our needs while motivating us to grow?
I testify our Father will always answer your prayers in the way and in the time that will be for your best eternal good.
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