Form Gene R. Cook
The Lord knows that there are things we could do on our own if we so desired. (Although on a deeper level we can’t do anything on our own, because we belong to him, the air we breathe belongs to him—everything about our lives is a gift from God.). But the Lord says, “I understand that you can do many things on your own, but if you want your actions to be for your spiritual well-being, you must pray and consecrate them to me.” Sometimes the purpose of such a prayer is simply to check in with Him, to tell Him what your planning to do, and to ask for his blessings. But at the same time we should ask for instruction and guidance: Am I on the right course? Is there anything thou wouldst desire me to change about what I’m going to do? Is it all pleasing? Is there another approach that would be better?
There is always a danger in stressing so fervently these ideas about being totally dependent upon the Lord. For some, it is all too easy to become fanatical; some feel that they should be on their knees all the time when they should be out working, having prayed already and continuing to pray in their hearts.
Some people expect the Lord to do all the work and reveal things to them that they haven’t bothered to study out in their minds beforehand (see Doctrine and Covenants 9). Some become extreme and perhaps say, rather pridefully, “I prayed through the entire night last night; and didn’t sleep at all,” or “I fasted for three days straight.” Or a young returned missionary might say, I’ve been waiting for a wife now for five years. I’ve been praying and praying, but the Lord hasn’t sent her to me. I haven’t done much dating, but I’m sure that when the Lord finds her, he will have her come to me.”
Others may be paralyzed into inaction, waiting for an answer from the heavens, when in actuality the Lord may be requiring them to move ahead, proceeding the best way they know how before he will confirm their course. . . .
As we acknowledge our dependence on the Lord, we increase in our humility—and we enhance our ability to truly communicate with the Lord. Those who are truly humble will also do all in their power to do their part, knowing that answers to their prayer are a mutual endeavor, requiring effort from both man and God. ~Gene R. Cook, ‘A Year of Powerful Prayer’. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2013), 90-92
