(Family things are happening. . . the next post will be later this week. kdm)
H. Burke Peterson wrote:
Sincere prayer is the heart of a happy and productive life. Prayer strengthens faith. Prayer is the preparation for a productive life. Prayer is the preparation for miracles. Prayer opens the door to eternal happiness. . . .
As we learn to develop this two way communication, the standard of our life will improve. We will see things more clearly; we will try harder to do better; we will see the real joy that comes through trials and testing. Although problems will still be with us, peace contentment and true happiness will be ours in abundance.
As you feel the need to confide in the Lord or to improve the quality of your visits with him—to pray, if you please—may I suggest a process to follow: go where you can be alone, where you can think, where you can kneel, where you can speak out loud to him. The bedroom, the bathroom, or the closet will do. Now picture him in your mind’s eye. Think to whom you are speaking. Control your thoughts—don’t let them wander. Address him as your father and friend. Now tell him things you really want to tell him—not trite phrases with very little meaning, but sincere, heartfelt conversation with him. Confide in him. Ask him for forgiveness. Plead with him. Enjoy him. Thank him. Express your love to him. Then listen for answers. Listening is an essential part of praying. Answers from the Lord come quietly, ever so quietly. In fact few hear his answers audibly with their ears. We must be listening carefully or we will never recognize them. Most answers from the Lord are felt in our heart as a warm, comfortable, or they may come as thought to our mind. They come to those who are prepared and who are patient.
Yes, trials will still be there; but with the companionship of the Spirit, our approach to trials will change frustrations and heartaches to blessings.
Just for a moment, think with me. Forget the trials you now have. Remember back to those trials you had last year, five years ago, ten years ago. What did you gain? What did you learn? Aren’t you better prepared now because of them?
I testify the Lord is ready and waiting to help us. For our own good we must take the first step, and this step is prayer. ~H. Burke Peterson, A Year of Powerful Prayer (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2013), 89-90
