Need to Talk

First off--- I'm sick right now, so I'm sorry if my ramblings don't come together for efficient understanding...

On March 31st, I accomplished one of my goals this year and finished the {Book of Mormon} in a three month period. It was fantastic. Each time I finish it, I come away a better person. It is the one book, I can read over and over again without being disappointed. This is one of the ways that I know the words in it are true and from God.

So, now I'm back to the story of {Lehi} and his posterity. Lehi's son, {Nephi}, has always been an amazing man in my eyes. What particularly impressed me this time was how he's constantly did one thing before anything--- he prayed. Next time you read his story, notice the pattern. Before he sets out with his brother, before going back to Jersualem the second time, before killing Laban, before talking to his brothers about their conduct or trying to escape from their murderous intentions, before going hunting with his 'new' bow, before believing the words of his father---- he prayed. He opened up a line of communication that is ALWAYS there--- and it's always there for us too. It's a direct line to our Heavenly Father.

After realizing this about Nephi, no less than 24 hours later did I get a 'Church History Gem' with this quote in it:

Since my youth, I have always been impressed by the fact that our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, would answer the heartfelt prayers of a 14-year-old boy who was searching for the truth. Just as He answered Joseph Smith's prayer, our Heavenly Father will answer your prayers in His own time and in His own way.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Growing into the Priesthood," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 41

I kept being reminded, even when I think I'm all alone---I'm not. If I can't talk to anyone, not even Greg, I know I can talk to Him. And even in those times I can talk to someone, prayer is how I show gratitude to Heavenly Father by recognizing his role in my life.

Prayer is how we learn to communicate with the spirit. It shows Heavenly Father we have a desire to know for ourselves. To know which decision to make, to know the truth of the gospel, to know why we have the challenges we do; prayer helps us gain knowledge. Eternal Knowledge; this knowledge (answer to our prayers) may not be what we expected, but that is for us to deal with because the fact remains that Heavenly Father did and always will answer the prayers of His children.

But all this only comes when we ask---- and how do we ask? Through prayer. When you need to talk, Heavenly Father is always there--- all you need to do is kneel.