"More Purpose in Prayer"

• I sent this email to a temple sealer in our ward on September 19th:

I have meant to watch your talk for the virtual youth conference ever since the bishop sent out the link back on August 8th. 

I have been more depressed than I've felt in years (since about August 28th). I continue to have powerful personal revelation and try to follow it—and it just kept getting harder and harder. Well, today was the day. I have been watching your video off and on throughout the afternoon and evening. I made a sign for my "prayer closet" that says "Listen and Feel / Turn your prayers from casual to mighty." 

My husband walked in and wondered what was wrong. I was on my knees and explained that I was trying to get centered again. The scriptures you shared (I rarely ever read in Psalms and Jeremiah!) and especially that video you made at the end filled my soul with love and peace. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your testimony and gifts with us. 

• This was his thoughtful reply:

"You are welcome. I understand and relate to the need of becoming more centered from time to time. Especially in the current season in which we are living! Thanks for sharing with me part of your journey. I admire you for your desires and diligence and believe God will respond. May God bless you as you continue to seek and draw near to Him!"

• Powerful verses in Psalm 143 that were so meaningful to me during that dark time: 

David meditates on the Lord’s works and trusts in Him. A Psalm of David.

1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness.

3 For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness . . .

4 Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. 

5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands. 

6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah. 

(I learned from Emily Freeman that, in Hebrew, this can mean pause--she uses that word more as a time to ponder, rather than just a break in the psalm). 

7 Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me . . .

8 Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. 

9 Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. 

10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 

11 Quicken me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. 

12 And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.

• Notes from his digital fireside that I typed next to those verses:

* Take time to listen and feel when you pray. 

* Turn your prayers from casual to mighty. 

* Invite Him to join you throughout the day for strength, direction, peace, and comfort.

* Take time to think back and be grateful.

* Be willing to ask Him what you need to ask, how you need to change, what you should do to live according to His will for you. 

* Part of our journey is to rediscover the great love we already have in our heart for Heavenly Father and Mother and for Jesus.

* Our mistakes don't show lack of love for God--they are simply manifestations of our humanity. 

* As we draw near to Them, we are given grace to change and improve. 

* They are united in Their efforts to bless us. The Holy Ghost is a beacon that leads us to Them and shows us the way (the next right step). 

* Make Heavenly Father and Jesus the primary focus of your life. 

(That seed was planted exactly two weeks before I received the powerful follow-up prompting during General Conference!)

• Cross references: 

Psalm 91:15 ~ He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him . . .

* Jeremiah 29:11-14 ~

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 

14 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity . . .

* Doctrine and Covenants 88:62-64 ~

62 . . . my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me . . .

63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you