Neal A. Maxwell wrote:
In the Book of Mormon we read that the Savior directed, “Whatsoever ye shall ask for Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” (3 Nephi 18:20; emphasis added.)
This is one of the most significant and distinctive insights given to us in all of the scriptures. Even though we may ask in faith for something, unless it is right for us, God reserves the decision-making power to himself. A perfect, Loving and omniscient Father would do just that. Thus, in addition to having faith, we need to ask for that which is right. The same tonal truth appears in modern revelations. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name it shall be given to you, that is expedient for you.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:64; emphasis added.)
Clearly, the Lord reserves the right to determine that which is best for us, lest we ask for something in our spiritual naïveté that would not conform to the will of God. Nephi, the prophet, understood the importance of precision and propriety in prayer. He knew from happy experience that God would give literally to him if he, Nephi, prayed in such a way that he “ask not amiss.” (2 Nephi 4:35.)
Thus we see the importance of what a modern prophet has told us. President Joseph F. Smith asserted that spiritual growth includes ‘the education of our desires.” (Gospel Doctrine, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939], 297.) Our task is to come to that point in our progress where our very desires are right in the sight of God. When we arrive at the point, we will have the “mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16.) From those with the “mind of Christ” will come perfect prayers. ~Neal A. Maxwell, From the book “A Year of Powerful Prayer” (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2013) p.244
