1Ne 2: What Do You Pray For?

"And it came to pass that when he had traveled three days in the wilderness, he pitched his tent in a valley by the side of a river of water. 
"And it came to pass that he built an alter of stones, and made an offering unto the Lord, and gave thanks unto the Lord our God." (1Ne. 2:6-7)

Lehi was so humble and diligent in keeping the Lord's commandments. He left his home, his property and possessions; he was leading his family into the wilderness not knowing where exactly they would end up; and despite the conditions they were in, he still poured out his heart in thanks to Heavenly Father. 

Later, Nephi prays unto the Lord for comfort and understanding, as well as for his 2 older brothers:

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father...

"But, behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words; and being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts I cried unto the Lord for them." (1Ne. 2:16, 18)

 

How often do you thank the Lord for the trials you have been given? Do you remember to pray for those who spiritually need to be uplifted? Do you remember your family and friends as well as your enemies in your daily prayers? Do you pray for understanding of the things He would have you do? Do you pray for comfort? 

Elder David A. Bednar talked in a general conference about prayer and praying always. He said if our morning prayers are looking out toward the day and what’s coming, we’re previewing the day in our prayer. In our evening prayers, we report to the Lord on what’s happened through the course of the day. We may be thanking Him for blessings received, we may be repenting of a few things that happened that were not right, and then there are all the prayers in between.

Heavenly Father is just waiting to hear our voices. He knows each of us individually and our circumstances, but he still wants to hear from us. We must ask in faith, believing that he will answer. I can testify that he WILL answer, sometimes it may not be immediate, but he will answer.
For example, my health issues. I have had stomach problems for about 9 years and I have prayed for understanding, for answers, and I have received many priesthood blessings telling me I will be healed. No, the doctors still haven't figured out my spastic body yet, but I have learned continued patience through it all. I have learned to push through each day, no matter how I may feel. My attitude is positive and I try to bring happiness to those around me. I never give up and I try to have hope. I have adjusted to the pain I feel every day; I have just learned to keep living my life the best I can. As long as I do this, I will find happiness in life and I will be blessed and strengthened. In my own prayers, I try to remember to thank my Father in Heaven for my many trials. For I know my faith has been strengthened and I have become the person I am today because of them. I am so grateful for the support I have here on earth as well. For an amazing, loving and supportive family, and for great friends who are there when I need someone to talk to. Thank you.  

When I pray, I try to make it as meaningful as I can. Like Nephi, I try to pray for others.
I pray for my younger brother, to help him through this rough time in life, to bring him comfort. I pray that he will gain a better understanding and have the desire to do what is right. I pray for him to know how much his family loves him, and cares about him, every second of every day.
I pray for those whom I have passed along Book of Mormons to, that they will one day pick it up, and read its pages. That they will feel the spirit and want to learn more.
I pray for my friends and family, who may be sick or afflicted. That they may have strength and feel His comfort through times of need.
Prayers are part of my everyday routine. I try to make them meaningful by picturing my Heavenly Father in my mind and knowing I am talking to him, as a friend talks to a friend. I love Him so much and I know that he knows everything that is going on in my life. He knows my actions, my thoughts, my desires. I must come to him, with a full heart, and give thanks for ALL that I have, including the blessings and the trials. Doing so strengthens my relationship with Him and gets me one step closer to being more like my Savior.

It is our privilege to pray to our Heavenly Father, who “loves us enough that He gave His Son as our Savior.” —President Henry B. Eyring

-Sarah M.