Do we over-use or under-use Prayer?

[TootsieBlue]

So sorry if I've posted this in the wrong section,

I was just wondering what other peoples opinions were regarding the use of prayer in your daily lives.

As a busy Mum of 6 I rely heavily on the Holy Ghost as a protection and an extra sense through out my daily life with the children and myself and Husband, however I dont feel I use the Power of Prayer to its full potential. At the same time I wouldn't like to be constantly on the phone to Heavenly Father asking him for help all day.

Where is the line drawn, do I ask for help to get my baby to sleep tonight. Do I ask for protection for my Children each time they go out to play?

What are you're opinions?

Many thanks Tootsie

[skalenfehl]

I think the Lord is pleased when we counsel with him regularly. I don't think we can pray too much.

Alma 37:36-37

36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

This is a really good article that helped me throughout my mission in Germany about 18 years ago:

LDS.org - Ensign Article - Drawn Out in Prayer Continually

[Misshalfway]

I thought this was an interesting question. I think the answer to your initial question is dependent upon the person praying. But I think that the power of prayer has less to do with what we pray for....and more upon how. Father will listen to the simplest and the most imperfect of prayers, but he won't command in all things. He expects us to bring about much righteousness of our own free will and choice. As he refines us and moves us to higher planes of righteous living, I think our prayers change....deepen....perhaps in content as well as repentant searchings.

One of my favorite movies of all time is Shadowlands. It is a profile of the life of CS Lewis. At one point in the movie at a moment of deep despair he says, "Praying doesn't change God, praying changes me." I really liked that. I think that that searching and stretching as we discuss all of the dimensions of our lives with Father and listen to his commands, counsel, and doctrines. I think as latter-day saints we sometimes fail to understand the power of such a simple act as prayer.

I think that the world would be a better place if everyone prayed in faith and humility. I think that God WOULD bless this world with more help, guidance, comfort, and answers.

[sixpacktr]

Skal,

Exactly. There is no such thing as too much prayer. And nothing (righteous desire wise) is out of bounds...

[TootsieBlue]

Thanks very much,

Sometimes I wonder if my prayers become selfish when I pray for things like my baby to sleep better but then I sit and justify myself by saying that well if he sleeps better then I'll sleep better and i'll be more fully functioning for my children and family then next day.

But surely we can mold alot of wants around righteous desires. I want my husband to be succesful in business so that we can have have have for our numerous kids.

This is where I come unstuck because sometimes it takes me so long to work out if what I would like to pray for is a righteous desire or not and I end up just not praying. I dont suppose there are any shortcuts to sorting that one?

Thanks for your help.

I've concluded that when in doubt - pray!

[skalenfehl]

While I believe that the Lord wishes us to cast our burdens upon Him to make them light, there is a line drawn where we ask for things that are not expedient. Praying for that Ferrari to appear in your driveway is not part of His plan for our happiness.

Consider that the Lord always answered Joseph Smith in all his prayers, even those which were probably crossing the line like "Can I please show Martin Harris those 116 pages", or "When is the 2nd coming?", etc.

We should always be drawn to the Lord in prayer for those things that will uplift us and bring us closer to Him and help us along our path back to Him. Of course there are times that we should study out our situation in our minds and approach the Lord with what we think is the best course of action so that He can confirm whether or not that is the best choice. Approaching Him with a "multiple choice" question probably won't get us very far either.

[WillowTheWhisp]

It may help to remember that prayer shouldn't just consist of a shopping list. Remember to talk to Heavenly Father about your day and the things that you are thankful for too. Sometimes my prayers are very short and simple 'good morning' and 'good night' type prayers.

[~Sarah~]

I sat in a RS lesson once where the teacher said that we should balance out what we ask for with what we are grateful for when we pray, because it is selfish to ask for more. I followed that unfortunate advice and didn't ask for a lot of things because I thought they were too silly. I had a blessing later where I was told that my Father WANTS me to ask him for these things. The feeling I got was almost like I had hurt Him by not asking.

No we probably shouldn't pray for the ferarri to show up in our driveway. And as someone else said, prayer is not meant to change the Lord, it's meant to change US. But sometimes He is just waiting for us to ask.

[prisonchaplain]

One more thought--keep it natural. Concerted prayer might only be once or twice a day. However, one-liners might be offered throughout the day: Lord, help this baby sleep peacefully--not a selfish prayer, imho.

[Misshalfway]

Love it PC!

I love the idea of keeping a prayer in your heart. Sometimes, I talk to God thru-out the whole day!

PS. I think there could be one scenerio when one could pray too much. I think that could happen if a person loses their balance and becomes somewhat overzealous. Father urges us to not run faster than we have strength. I think it is important not to become so straight that we are crooked. ---hope you can understand the point I am trying to make.

[prisonchaplain]

I've seen cases where "prayer warriors" (pray 2-3+ hours per day) neglected family relationships and responsibilities. Then again...the prayers weren't the problem. :-)

[Fathers_Girl]

I'm really impressed by the responses to your question. I'd like to add one more thought. Being that, I, too, am one who's heart is drawn out constantly in prayer, I feel it's important to understand, Heavenly Father doesn't only wish for us to come to Him to ask for things, help, etc...He wants us to converse with Him as well. Just as we would with a parent or friend, He loves to feel like we want more from and with Him than just requests and desires answered and fulfilled. And it's when we nourish that relationship with Him that we draw closer and even recognize His voice easier. When He is a constant in our heart and mind, it's harder for the adversary to cut in and deceive us. The closer we move towards Father, the further we get from the darkness.

[Hemidakota]

We have our daily ritual kneeler between morning, lunch, and bedtime. The ones I love the most is the constant silent communication ones through-out the day.

[Guest tomk]

morning, lunch, and bedtime 3 times. 3 knocks at the veil?

Or just coincidence?

[a-train]

I personally am often prompted to pray more.

-a-train

[Hemidakota]

Tom, I guess I need to stop posting....your eyes are too OPENED. LOL

[Guest tomk]

I personally am often prompted to pray more.

-a-train

Christ invited us to "look to Him in every thought"

It an unspeakable way, this actually is possible, I feel.

[a-train]

morning, lunch, and bedtime 3 times. 3 knocks at the veil?

Or just coincidence?

'Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did foretime.' (Daniel 6:10)

[Guest tomk]

'Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did foretime.' (Daniel 6:10)

Yes, that is what I am asking.

3 prayers, 3 knocks at the veil.

Somebody say "yes, they are tied together, yes this is significant" :)

[skalenfehl]

Morning, noon and night. Considering the vast symbolism in the gospel, it's certainly plausible.

[TootsieBlue]

Ok, side tracking just a little, I know where i'm going wrong with prayer.

Please understand that as the only member of my family and my Husband being the only member of his family. Both of us having had periods of inactivity before we met etc.. yada yada yada, I dont really know what is the normal habits of when I should pray etc. i have realised that I certainly dont pray enough and also I dont pray on my knees which seems to be a major point that you all do. So I am lacking in alot of areas. Which leads me onto my next question. Humility, and how to attain it. I'll start a new thread though.

But regarding praying on ones knees. I find that at the moment I dont really have a minute to myself. I get up in the morning when the baby gets me up after 5 hours or less of disturbed sleep. I do as much as I can everyday, juggling housework, school runs, nappies (diapers), meals, shopping, time with Husband and time with 6 children so where do I fit it in. It doesn't come as second nature to me. I pray during the day as i'm going about on things that I come across or often thankyou prayers. But this business of kneeling at set times of the day. I can see that I'm lacking but also see that I will really struggle.

Many Thanks.

Tootsie

[Guest tomk]

Morning, noon and night. Considering the vast symbolism in the gospel, it's certainly plausible.

"3" seems to be a prevalent number.

[Guest tomk]

Ok, side tracking just a little, I know where i'm going wrong with prayer.

Please understand that as the only member of my family and my Husband being the only member of his family. Both of us having had periods of inactivity before we met etc.. yada yada yada, I dont really know what is the normal habits of when I should pray etc. i have realised that I certainly dont pray enough and also I dont pray on my knees which seems to be a major point that you all do. So I am lacking in alot of areas. Which leads me onto my next question. Humility, and how to attain it. I'll start a new thread though.

But regarding praying on ones knees. I find that at the moment I dont really have a minute to myself. I get up in the morning when the baby gets me up after 5 hours or less of disturbed sleep. I do as much as I can everyday, juggling housework, school runs, nappies (diapers), meals, shopping, time with Husband and time with 6 children so where do I fit it in. It doesn't come as second nature to me. I pray during the day as i'm going about on things that I come across or often thankyou prayers. But this business of kneeling at set times of the day. I can see that I'm lacking but also see that I will really struggle.

Many Thanks.

Tootsie

My advice would be to forget "how much" and focus on quality of your prayers. If they are coming from the heart, and not out of duty. I struggle with this daily. I would specifially talk to the Lord about what you just told all of us...and when you get up from your knees, begin looking for evidences of His answers during the next few weeks. When you see those evidences, even if they do not come in the ways you anticipated, thank Him for answering your prayer.

[skalenfehl]

I noticed that in my mission, tom.

Tootsie, we can be drawn out in prayer all the day long, conversing with the Lord. You don't have to necessarily be on your knees to pray, but if you ever are able to spend a few moments of solitude to kneel and pray, it should be when you can be at complete ease and at peace where you can really just pour your heart out. Why not right before or after you shower or are in your closet to get dressed? There are always tiny moments that we can pause to connect with Father in Heaven but we shouldn't feel limited to pray only when we have two minutes to kneel down. Best wishes.

[TootsieBlue]

Seriously Skalenfehl, I dont think I have 2 minutes to myself. I will have in the evenings but it may feel one more thing I need to do before I get to close my eyes as at the moment I have around 2 to 3 hours of housework and preperation to do everynight after the children go to bed but then of course praying on my knees may mean that I wont fall asleep during my prayers anymore. But in the daytime from the moment my eyes are forced awake I am never alone or left to do what I want. I'm in constant demand. Even in the bathroom I have children or a baby with me. I suppose it is one thing I just need to puzzle out for myself and everything in its time I would imagine.

Thanks for your words of wisdom.

I need to start on my road of getting closer to Father and I'm sure ways will be revealed to me. I just need a good kick up the rear to get me started.

Tootsie