The scriptures tell us that if we pray with real intent, nothing wavering, that the heavens will be opened and our prayers answered. Ask and ye shall receive! So why would some prayers go unanswered?
This is probably one of the toughest questions for all ages and situations. I am confident to say that everyone has a situation in their life, where a pray wasn’t answered immediately? or at all!?
Well, I am no different! And though this is probably one of the most discussed topics, I would still like to share my story! It doesn’t have an ending yet, but it is full of tender mercies and loving hugs from our Heavenly Father.
For 20 years I have been praying for the religious division that separates my husband and I to be rectified! I of course, have pleaded with every ounce of my body for the Lord to please soften Marks heart so that he can know what I know! So that he can have a testimony of the truthfulness of the restoration of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That we could be sealed as a family for eternity!! I can’t think of any reason why the Lord’s will would be any different than for a family to be able to worship Him with one heart and one mind. This should be an easy prayer and an easy answer! That is not how my situation has worked! I have prayed endlessly, family members pray daily for us, and our children have prayed as well. I have had many priesthood blessings that have left me with a feeling of peace and calmness, which I interpreted as “soon”! I have fasted, family has fasted, and my kids have fasted. We have been entered into the temple prayer rolls all over the states. I have committed to live fully the gospel, to do all in my power to follow and obey with exactness the teachings and guidance of the gospel and it’s leaders. (Of course, I am far from perfect, and have tapped into the beautiful atonement on a daily basis) I have bore my testimony every fast Sunday, that I was present, for the last 15 years. I have studied my scriptures, and held family home evening on a regular basis! With all of this, we are still a family of different denominations!
And yet, I don’t feel alone! I don’t feel like the Lord hasn’t answered my prayers. I am completely filled with his love! Is it tough? Sure! Do I continue to plead, fast, and study? Of course! My prayers have changed. They are directed more towards What can I do? Soften MY heart, so that I am able to lead my family and be an example for the Lord. I pray to know what He needs me to do in the situation we are in now! How can I be His hands to others. It has been a blessing to watch as we have had numerous opportunities for missionary work because of our split denominations.
I am a firm believer that the Lord needs each of us. He sees and knows the final picture. We have to do more then just know His words, we must BELIEVE HIM! We must be able to trust that he knows what is best for us, and that he knows where we need to be. There is no safer place that we can put our whole heart, mind, might and strength… then with the Lord. We will win every time! Even if the path was different than what we mapped out in our own minds!
As for unanswered prayers. I don’t have them. I have a few that are different then my heart desires, but I have seen the most miraculous opportunities present themselves through my situation, because I have asked to know His will. And with that I have found peace and purpose! I can’t say that I have had a vision of what lies ahead, I have not! But I trust that it is perfect!
Also, I find extreme comfort in the small insignificant prayers that are answered daily. I know that if the Lord cares enough to help me find my keys…then he 100% cares enough to help me have an eternal family! Each and every answered pray is like a hug from Heaven, and a whisper, “I am here, I hear you, and I love you!! I always quickly offer a thank you prayer, and I can’t help but smile, for I know that my Heavenly Father is listening to me!
The bigger question is … AM I LISTENING TO HIM!?
I love this post. It reminded me of the story of Jonah. After he was miraculously delivered from the whale, he went and preached to Nineveh. If you remember, he preached their destruction if they didn't repent. He went so far to make a booth on a hill to watch their destruction. The people repented and Jonah was angry with the Lord. Classic example of not listening to Him.
Hang in there and keep the eternal perspective and the Lord will use you to bring about His eternal purposes for you and your family. It will be longer than you may want, but if at last you are saved with your family, it will all be worth it.
Thanks for posting.
Don't know why I went back and read this now…but I suppose it's because I needed a little warm encouragement from my brother! You always give me courage!! Thank you! 🙂