My prayer
I have noticed a patterns in my “arguments” with a certain friend. They seem to be more discussions over semantics than anything. The general outline is:
Me: this term is the wrong term for it, it should be this term
Him: but they mean the same thing
Me: no they don’t, this one means this but this one has these connotations with it, so it should really be this.
Him: okay, I see your point, but really, it doesn’t make a difference.
Me: it makes a difference to me, the rest of the world is just stupid
Him: okay, maybe the rest of the world is stupid, but you aren’t going to change it.42D
One argument we had recently was over the term “prayer,” specifically “praying” versus “saying prayers.” I was arguing that praying is a much better term for it. It implies actually speaking to Heavenly Father rather than just repeating a rote prayer. And while both terms can get that idea across, the former is definitely better than the latter. If you were to compare it to other communications, I converse with my friend, I don’t say a conversation to them.
I think one of my favorite definitions of prayer comes from the dictionary at the back of the LDS edition of the King James Bible:
As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7: 7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. 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. (Bible Dictionary: Prayer)
I know in my life when I remember with whom I am speaking and I remember the purpose of prayer, to align my will to God’s not his to mine, I am more easily able to find the peace and reassurance I am seeking through prayer. Prayer truly is a great blessing in my life. I have had many instances where my own prayers have been answered, as well as when I have known that I was an answer, in some small way, to the prayers of others. My prayers are heard, and they are always answered in the way that is ultimately the best for me.
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
I hear you. I see the difference between the two terms, as “saying a prayer” sounds more like reciting, which in the case of personal prayer is not sound.
I subscribe to Daily Gems from the LDS website.
Today’s quote comes from Elder Bednar’s talk in the April 2008 General Conference.
“I invite the Holy Ghost to assist us as we consider a principle that can help our prayers become more meaningful—the gospel principle of asking in faith. . . . As we speak of prayer, I emphasize the word meaningful. Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer. I expect that all of us already know that prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection. But what we know is not always reflected in what we do. And even though we recognize the importance of prayer, all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers.”
“Ask in Faith,” Ensign, May 2008, 94