Nothing Is More Powerful Than Prayer

Book of Mormon Marriage And Family Study

"Do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions."

“If prayer is only a spasmodic cry at times of crisis, then it is utterly selfish, and we come to think of God as a repairman or a service agency to help us only in our emergencies. We should remember the Most High day and night-always- not only at times when all other assistance has failed and we desperately need help. If there is any element in human life on which we have a record of miraculous success and inestimable worth to the human soul, it is prayerful, reverential, devout communication with our Heavenly Father.” Howard W. Hunter, October 1977 General Conference

Elder Maxwell also said, “There is nothing more powerful than prayer, nothing more masculine or more feminine (at the same time) than prayer.”

The Bible Dictionary on prayer says, “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.”

Therefore, what?

Heavenly Father wants us to pray always, and not just during the bad times. God is our Father, and He wants to help us, but He is limited if we don’t pray and will not work. He doesn’t command us to pray because He needs it. We are commanded to pray because we need His help.

A Home As A House Of Prayer

How can we increase and improve the quality of prayer in the home?

The standard is praying before you eat and as a family before going to bed. Some also pray together as a family in the morning before everyone leaves.

Praying is hard when we are distracted. This includes all distractions, and there are many. For example, the noise in our heads from worries, doubts, and fears. Then, you have the outside noise such as always playing something in the background. This makes it very hard for God to get through.

Additionally, entertainment is a steady noise. How often are you motivated as a family to pray after watching a movie? A lot of people think movies are an excellent social activity and family bonding experience. I disagree! You don’t talk during a movie. No communication. No family bonding. Movies don’t prepare you for spiritual things such as prayer.

When I think of this phrase “do not slacken my strength because of mine afflictions,” I think of agency. God wants us to be stronger than we are. He wants us to act even when we don’t want to or feel like it.

We should develop our children’s faith and character so they aren’t commanded in all things and who will act for God especially when they are not in the mood or feel the spirit.

Parenting is not about making sure our children are always entertained or having fun.

If you live in the Salt Lake City valley, I invite you to join us at church on Sunday's at 1 p.m. We are a mid-singles ward; however, if you have a family please don't let that stop you. Please, join us for for our first meeting which is Sacrament meeting, and make sure you ask someone to introduce you to our ward mission leader. Our address is 6770 South 500 East, Midvale Utah, 84047.