Prayer and how important it is in my life--and yours

The experience I am having in studying the gospel lessons for Relief Society has been an incredible journey. How I love Joseph and his humility how he sought guidance in the work he performed as prophet of the restoration. Honestly, it can be said that his example of perfect faith kindled within me early on as an investigator and new member of this Church to pray over many things.

Reading the lesson materials also reminded me of how his simple prayers to get the answers he needed in all things helps me (us) in my (our) daily life. The new convert in me would see those areas I wanted to improve, whether it was a sewing project, or having a better attitude about my housewife duties and chores. I prayed (learned) to be happy, grateful with what I already had, and not what I didn't have or wanted.

Our home was considered an older home and we bought it at the stage that perhaps needed a little cosmetic face lift. The walls were bare, needing painting, or the yard needed landscaping. I made improvements a room at a time, whether it was making new curtains, painting it, or wallpapering the bare walls. I was able to make my home a paradise that I had a part of doing myself and loving what I had through my pleas and prayers to the Lord. We eventually sold our home so we could go to Utah to BYU for Hank to get his education.

This week when Michael was here I followed him around as his assistant for the photo shoot I had occasion to use prayer. The meter where we parked needed to be replenished. Michael continued with his work and told me to go ahead and call him on my cell phone, which was in the car. He handed me the spare key he had. I said I had my own keys, or thought I did in my purse. I put the change in the meter realizing I had left my set of keys in my other bag in the car! I thought,

"Great, now what am I going to do to find Michael without my phone?" I no sooner thought that when I had the impression to give a short prayer to ask to be led to where they were since I had no other means to find them except on my own.

I said my prayer thankful for the opportunity to be there with Michael and asking to know where to find the rest of the group. I was instantly told where to go and to walk onto the Church office grounds next to the Joseph Smith building.

I listened and obeyed. I could have talked myself out of it, and played mind games with what my head knew that Michael was inside the building when I left him. He had taken the couple to the top of the building and shot some photos with the Salt Lake Temple in the background while I did the errand. He was finished and I didn't know that except to follow where I was guided to go.

Then again, when I did find them where I was told to go was no surprise. I recall how those in the pioneer times did much like that when asking where her stray cows went, Mary Fielding Smith had the faith her prayers would be answered, since God knows everything and imparts to us as we ask in faith, he gives the answers. She became a role model for me when faced with finding lost children in a store, or keys!!!

We have lost "kitty" numerous times for Ella to only find it after being led by the spirit to where it was left last. Or Parker's pacifier. Candice said she was thinking that Parker's pacifier had to be inside some place to not be visible anywhere in the house.




I remember saying to Candice that if you think in your mind, "If I was that pacifier, where would I be?" She said she did, and that she was taught that by the best, and found it! Whew Whoooo! Way to go Candice!!

A few weeks ago, I was asked to give the family prayer/blessing on the food on a Saturday morning. I included in our prayer to please bless the family who is supposed to buy Tracie and Jared's home to come and find it. To bless and lead that family to enjoy and be a part of that ward. Well, a few days later, Aaron had a solid offer and it is under contract for sale. I know there had been dozens of people going through their home in tours and private showings.

I know our prayer was sincere and it was the right time and right family. We sometimes take for granted what we need or ask, being more specific makes it work.

I am so pleased when I hear the children pray and ask Heavenly Father simple things, and their prayers are heard and answered so quickly. Are we not all children to ask in faith and receive answers to our prayers?

"Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall take thee by the hand, and give thee answers to thy prayers. I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers. . . "
Doctrine and Covenants 112:10-11