Prayer

     In my last post I explained that I plan to research what "do's" and "don'ts" God has given us- at least the major ones. I started with words from the Lord Himself to make this list. I plan to alternate between the do's or shoulds and the don'ts or shouldn'ts. Last post was a don't -murder- and this time it's a do- pray.
      It's interesting to note that there is nothing in the Old Testament commandments about praying although there are lots of references to calling upon or crying unto the Lord. There is no specific direction for how to pray and accounts of prophets and others praying include standing, kneeling, hands spread to heaven, laying prone face down, alone and in groups or in front of groups. As for when to pray, I think Alma in the Book of Mormon probably has the best compilation of when to pray-"Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is might to save. Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him. Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks. Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening. Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies. Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy of all righteousness. Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase. But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and in your secret places, and in your wilderness. Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those around you." (Alma 34:18-27) There are also references to praying when you get up and when you lie down at night, pretty much ALL THE TIME! In the 6th chapter of Matthew, Jesus talks about praying in secret rather than showing off for others. He also warns about vain repetitions, like pre-worded, rote prayers, and that we are to pray to the Father in Jesus' name. Also in that chapter Jesus talks about paying alms and fasting. I am grateful that we set aside at least one Sunday a month during which we fast (abstain from food and drink for 24 hours), pray for things more fervently, and give alms called "fast offerings" which is approximately the value of the meals we didn't eat, although greater generosity when able is encouraged, the funds going to feed those in need.
     In the Bible Dictionary, under the heading of prayer, is this further explanation: "Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father, and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings." In addition, we need to remember that God will force no man to heaven and also will not force anyone to talk to Him. He is always available (He doesn't sleep or get pre-occupied with other things- we are His primary concern) and is waiting for us to communicate with Him. He communicates with us through things He has already said a million times as recorded in scripture (writings of His prophets) which we must be willing to do the work of reading and studying,  as well as directly through the Holy Spirit who is given the responsibility to guide, comfort, instruct, remind, and counsel us. For that we need to be willing to listen and heed and be worthy or the Spirit will withdraw, figuring He won't stay where He isn't wanted.
     When I first read/heard the counsel to "pray always", I couldn't understand how you could pray always. I mean, don't we have other stuff to do? Now I understand better. It's not that we live on our knees or always have our eyes closed in active prayer. We need to be diligent in keeping our hearts and minds open to communication with our Father in Heaven. Every time we see a lovely flower or sunset, we can send a little message that we appreciate the beauty He has created for us. Every time we are faced with a decision, we can do our best to figure out what might be the best choice and ask God for His input to let us know if we're on the right track. Every time we feel a deep love for someone, we can whisper in our hearts that we're thankful for that person in our life. Every time we feel anguish for someone's suffering, we can pray for comfort and relief. Every time we are confused we can pray for help in understanding then pray our thanks when we receive a flash of insight. Our Father loves every single one of His children and wants to have a voluntary relationship with Him- not just when we need something or on certain holidays or in certain buildings- but ALWAYS.