I couldn’t find my car keys.
I searched all the usual suspect places.
I asked my kids.
I looked in unusual places.
And then I did what I think most of us have learned to do in these types of situations:
I said a quick prayer and kept searching.
The Spirit loves action, right?!
Surely I’d be led to my keys now.
But……… nothing.
And I really had to leave to go somewhere.
I decided to say another prayer, but this time, I was going to be really sincere and then pause to listen for promptings.
I was surprised that when I prayed and paused, a calm but certain thought came to my mind that I WASN’T going to find my keys.
I knew that I needed to find another way to get where I was going.
When David Whitmer struggled, the Lord gave him this advice:
“You are left to inquire for yourself at my hand, and ponder upon the things which you have received.” (D&C 30:3)
Yes, we need to ask and inquire as we say prayers.
But we also need to ponder!
I was so sure that the Spirit would help me find my keys as I searched…
That I forgot to wait and listen for an answer.
And there have been other situations in my life when I’ve prayed, pondered, and then had my mind brought to an earlier conversation that suddenly seemed like an answer.
The Lord answers prayers when we ask.
But sometimes, and more often than I’d like to admit,
It’s possible I’m missing the little answers, the nudges, or the guidance because I’m not leaving time to ponder and listen.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
