It’s a fascinating concept that has been on my mind for a while.
To me, it’s the answer to these two questions:
Why are we told to ask and knock, and we will receive, when not all of my questions or requests are actually answered?
And…
How am I supposed to make my prayers more about aligning with God’s will instead of just listing off my thanks and requests?
The Lord teaches pretty succinctly in D&C 46:30:
“He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh.”
The Lord is teaching specifically about requesting more spiritual gifts, but I think this applies perfectly to any request we have of Him.
The answer is the presence of the Spirit.
When I have the Spirit with me as I pray, I know what to pray for.
I had a very powerful moment in my life where I went to pray for someone’s healing, but I suddenly knew NOT to pray for healing, and to pray for comfort of loved ones instead.
And I had a very powerful moment in my life where I went to pray to accept the outcome, no matter what it was, but I suddenly knew that I SHOULD pray and request healing.
It’s hard to explain.
It’s those quiet whisperings of the Spirit that lead me toward asking the right question, and confirming in my heart that I am knocking on the right door.
But when I’m saying prayers without requesting the presence of the Spirit, or not living worthily to invite His presence, then I end up asking questions that aren’t ready to be answered yet.
It all comes back to the Sacrament for me.
That is such a serious covenant that I renew each week.
I always want His Spirit to be with me.
And so I try to always remember Him and keep His commandments.
My prayers have night-and-day differences when I have the Spirit with me.
And one of the biggest blessings is that I know what to pray for.
My will starts to be swallowed up in the Father’s will.
And the spiritual gifts that I request and seek after are given to me as I work hard to obtain them.
I knock, and it’s opened. Because I have the Spirit with me to let me know I’m at the right door.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
