3 Nephi 19 – It was Given Unto Them

This chapter of the Book of Mormon is an excellent example of what prayer is and is not.  My first thought as I was reading concerns whom the Nephites were praying to.  Jesus was there with them and they were praying to Him!  He was happy that they were praying to him. This seems a little contradictory at first because we have been taught to pray to our Heavenly Father in the name of Christ.  They didn’t fully understand.  They displayed a very sincere and childlike humility.  Not only were they praying, but they were praying to their Savior who was standing right there beside them.  This entire scene is rather miraculous if you stop to think about it.  Nephi records later that Jesus prayed to the Father and talked about being one with Him.  He also said that the multitude should be one in purpose with the Father and the Son. 

My second thought came in verse 24 where we are told for what we should pray.  Sometimes it seems like my prayers do get a little repetitious and predictable.  I try ever so hard to use verse 24 as a reminder of how to pray.  A wise teacher once said we should begin each of our prayers – our really sincere prayers – with the desire that the Holy Ghost will direct us in our pleadings with our Heavenly Father.  As we do so, we will be amazed at some of the things we give gratitude for and those things for which we ask.  I’ve done this, although I sadly admit I have not done so lately.  I will repent.  It is a very rewarding experience. 

So where do these random thoughts put me today?  I want to remember to pray for the Holy Ghost to guide my prayers.  The reason for this is that my desires I express to my Heavenly Father will be one with Him and Jesus Christ – that those things for which I pray will be given to me.