Why Certain Prayers aren't Answered...

I listened to David McConkie give a talk from the October 2010 General Conference, and he gave a terrific quote.

"Brothers and sisters, it is contrary to the economy of heaven for the Lord to repeat to each of us individually what He has already revealed to us collectively. The scriptures contain the words of Christ. They are the voice of the Lord. Studying the scriptures trains us to hear the Lord’s voice."

This makes a lot of sense. Sometimes we may have questions for the Lord about things but may not be receiving answers because the answers are very available to us in the scriptures. I have not taken time to ponder instances of when this would be true (as I believe God is very desirous to always answer the prayers of his children), but I'm certain that there are instances where this is the case. It's vital to know the scriptures well (and the handbook in the case of leaders) in order to have answers to some prayers.

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.

Does God see us?

I was reading for our lesson in Sunday School (Jamie and I are subbing this week) and came across these verses in Matthew 10:

29Are not two ^asparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30But the very ^ahairs of your head are all numbered.

31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more ^avalue than many^bsparrows.

Is this true? Does he care for all of us and look out for all of us this much? Yes. My wonderful wife had an experience this week that helped show this.
Life has been a little intense lately (both kids fairly sick, moving, I've been sick, she's been sick, her great-grandma is dying) and that creates stress. Jamie told me yesterday that that stress was being expressed as hard feelings against me (truthfully I'm not around or as helpful as I need to be.

So, she decided to pray and ask for help to get over those feelings building up inside of her (that shows some faith). So, that night she had a dream that dramatically altered her feelings towards me. It was a miracle and happened immediately after she asked for the help.

I have such a great wife. Also, we have a good Heavenly Father. I think he wants to help us as quickly as he can (D.C. 111:11 - I will order all things for your good as fast as ye are able to receive them.) and luckily for us he knows when he can and can't get involved as well as when he should and shouldn't get involved. I trust his judgement and appreciate him answering Jamie's prayer so quickly.

Have a great day.

LaDon

P.S. I share this with Jamie's blessing. She's a humble girl to be willing to let a few of her struggles be known (to the 2 or 3 people who'll read this :) I am very lucky.