Fairy godmother Prayers

There is a connection between heaven and earth. Finding that connection gives meaning to everything, including death. Missing it makes everything meaningless, including life.       

                                             John H. Groberg

Fairy godmother prayers miss the mark.  Following up on the article I last posted by Truman Madson, I want to comment a little on the evolution of my own prayers over a lifetime.  Childhood prayers were much like requests and wishes-  envisioning God as a kind of fairy godmother who waves a magic wand and grants wishes.  At the other end of the spectrum, I envision that the most perfect and powerful prayers would be like those the Savior uttered in Gethsemane- “Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36) 

It strikes me as I read the accounts of the prophets that the earnest prayers of their hearts are likewise to strengthen them to do whatsoever the Lord has given them to do.  Prayers invite the power of the Lord into our lives that we weak things of the earth may be come instruments in the hands of God as he blesses, refines and lifts His children.  Prayers invoking the Lord’s blessings for others and prayers for guidance in carrying forth the Lord’s work are often answered most powerfully.

I do know in my own experience that my recognition of the answers to my prayers increases as I refrain from looking for a fairy godmother and instead humbly seek to shape my will to His; trusting he knows my needs and the needs of those I love.  I pray more often, “Lord what would you have me do today?   Whom would you have me help?  Please direct my thoughts, words and actions.” Personally, my prayers have not reached perfection but I believe a loving Father listens to each of his children however they express themselves and is patient while I learn.  Pain and suffering are necessary for our growth and their presence in our lives is NOT an indication of unheard or unanswered prayers.  Infinitely wiser than a fairy godmother, I trust he carefully leads us even when we are not aware.

“. . . he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.”   Alma 31: 38