Praying like a Prophet

D.C. 121 has a unique prayer in many ways because of the extremely difficult situation the Prophet found himself and his people in when giving it. His people had been driven out of Missouri unfairly, and he'd be unfairly thrown into a terrible jail. However, it's interesting to hear Joseph plead with God. He prays with many kind descriptions of God, showing his faith, but also asking God to intervene in their behalf in a way that questions why God hasn't already intervened.

I think the absolute confidence Joseph shows in God teaches us a lot about prayer. In addition, his model of asking for specific things is also very enlightening. Here's the verses:

1O God, ^awhere art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy ^bhiding place?

2^aHow long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?

3Yea, O Lord, ^ahow long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful ^boppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with ^ccompassion toward them?

4O Lord God ^aAlmighty, maker of ^bheaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy ^cpavilion be taken up; let thy ^dhiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine ^eheart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.

5Let thine ^aanger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy ^bsword ^cavenge us of our wrongs.

6Remember thy ^asuffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever.