My last post probably covered best how to help kids understand the purpose behind saying their Prayers. This post has some great insight for bigger kids…maybe us I guess! There are so MANY reasons TO pray. I admit, I forget these reasons very often. I dare you to find a problem that can’t be solved in that list! And for a bonus challenge? See if your prayers change after this refresher!
Why Do We Pray?
In the book of Moses, Adam and Eve were commanded to pray. To repent and call upon God in the name of the Son. This commandment has never been taken away. That is the 1st reason we should pray, because it is a commandment.
Second, prayer will help us draw closer to God. All of our thoughts, our words, and our actions are influenced by our prayers. So if we aren’t praying and being influenced that way, what thoughts, words and actions fill our lives? I think Satan is a pretty opportunistic fellow, and would love to influence by default if we’re going to be passive about our lives.
Third, unless you like taking Satan on by your own lonesome self, prayer is a tool. In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord told him to pray for strength to resist the temptations of Satan and his followers. (D&C 10:5) We are on Satan overload right now, as the world is winding down aren’t you amazed at the cunning ways of Satan. He is not using the same tricks generation upon generation. He identifies the chinks in our armor faster than we do, and exposes them for us. He has had thousands of years to gain wisdom in what works best to make us miserable. Happy thoughts right? Prayer is our #1 defense to keep him at bay. To prevent the weakness, to fight the weakness and to ‘come off conqueror’. I also love the verbage used there when it says “escape the hands of his servants”
Fourth, Pray to confess our sins to God and ask Him to forgive us. In my experience, cuz I have loads of repentance experienceJ this works two-fold. The Spirit is what cleanses you from sin, when you pray for forgiveness you will not only feel the cleansing of the Spirit, but you will also be emboldened to resist further temptation.
Fifth, Pray for guidance in daily life. Our families, friends, neighbors, daily work, and our other activities. Also, protection from our enemies.
Sixth, turning from the temporal to the spiritual. We should Pray to express love to Heavenly Father and thank Him for our welfare and comfort. For all things He gives us each day.
And last, pray to ask for strength in living the gospel. To keep on the strait and narrow path that leads to eternal life. Pray to be righteous in our thoughts, words, and actions.
When Shoul We Pray?
In Alma it speaks of praying morning, midday and evening. We pray to give thanks and ask a blessing on food. We are commanded to have family prayers so that our families may be blessed. Church leaders counsel us to pray as families each morning and night. We open and close Church meetings with prayer, to ask for His help to worship in a manner that pleases Him.
To make it easy? We should pray ALWAYS. But if you are like me and beat yourself up with perfectionism, listen up! You’re going to love the answer I give you in Prayer, Part 3!
