What is the point of praying if God already has a plan in mind for us?
What I want, may not be what God wants, and I have no way of knowing, so what's the point?
Joseph Smith- Faith (3 element need to be inplace, before someone can have it)
1) the idea that he actually exists
2) A correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.
3) An actual knowledge that
CS Lewis-
Every idea of Him we form, He must in mercy shatter...
however, on a more personal level until we understand His true nature, we will be left to worship a god of our own making. That false understanding will then dictate our prayer life with Him.
How we see God are influenced by
my childhood,
my family,
my own father,
my priesthood leaders,
my testimony,
my gospel knowledge,
my relationship experiences: love, rejection, etc.
my own prayer experiences
my adversity
We will be remade and changed. When we choose to remain unchanged, it is because we're trying to make Him into our image.
Our Deepest Conviction
He promises -> he delivers
His true nature?
Our joy is his work & glory. (when we're in the middle of adversity we're not quite sure)
His promises are always fulfilled
our sins are remembered no more
he gives up on us, never.
What He intends for us we'll never comprehend in this life.
His plan for us leaves us happier than our plan for us.
His atonement heals what we cannot.
The Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord, nor the strenght of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength.
They were a wild and a ferocious, and a blood thirsty people, believing in the traditions of their fathers
Sample prayer difficulties-
If I doubt whther or not God will answer me-- look for times in my life when my own trust was betrayed.
If I see God as quick to punish, can I see which authority figures treated me ridgedly?
If I rarely turn to Him for guidance did life teach me to trust no one and do everything myself? Yes
If I'm fearful to follow promptings I receive-- Have I learned to 2nd guess all my decisions?
If I'm impatient having to wait for answers-- Amy I overly controlling in other aspects of my life as well? Yes
Questions
What do you believe?
How do you picture Heavenly Father?
Does He answer prayers?
Does He answer your prayers?
Does He answer your prayers differently than he does other people?
Does He listen to you?
How do you know?
The Good News
The Savior invites us to "Learn of Me"
Study, Obedience and Sacrifice teach us His true nature, regardless of our narrow view of Him
CS Lewis- Prayed without words and thought it was the best form of prayer. Just envisioned the people he wanted to pray about.
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