Matthew 6:6-8 -
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
If our Heavenly Father already knows what we need, why must we ask Him?
10 comments:
I think there are three reasons why we still ask. First, just because Heavenly Father knows what we need does not assume that WE know what we need. The scriptures tell us that the Spirit will teach us what we need to pray for while we pray. So, we pray to find out what we need to pray and we learn while we pray through the Spirit.
Second, it shows humility. If we stopped praying because we feel God already knows what we need, and therefore there is no point of praying, then we might forget where our blessings come from. Counseling with God (Alma 37:37)is a sign of humility.
Third, communication is an incremental part of strengthening a relationship. Through communication and conversation we can come to know God better.
I hope you are all inspired having read my dissertation on prayer...
I would like to add that prayer is an ACT of faith. We can show the Lord our willingness to be obedient through the act of prayer. We are commanded to pray and thus showing our faith through obedience, whereby the Lord is free to bless us.
Also, if we are truly humble, seeking help and knowledge from God, we know that the only way He can teach us is if we pray and ask for His help. If we were to say, "I won't pray because I already have all the help I need," we are essentially saying that we have all the knowledge we need and that we can do it on our own, rejecting the Lord's wisdom and ultimately our need for repentance or a Savior.
There is a scripture in Alma that says something like "Now behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, because ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, and your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand." (Alma 32:34)
I really like this scripture because it reminds me that while on this earth, I need to continually try to become a better student of the Lord's way. If I seek spiritual enlightenment, I haveno choice but to pray sincerely for the Lord to teach me how to live His way.
Anyway, that's my thought...long as it is.
Ben, I really like these scriptural posts...they help me study the scriptures with a purpose.
Steve, what book did you get that out of?? haha.
Just to add to the aforementioned ideas...I think you can compare prayer to some ordinances (such as baptism, sacrament, temple endowments, etc.). I think that eternal law dictates that we are supposed to some things outwardly to "seal the deal." For example, I may have the desire to pay tithing, and Heavenly Father may know that I have the desire to pay tithing, however, it doesn't mean a whole lot if I don't actually put my money in the envelope.
By the way, Ben, I really like these scriptural posts...When I read your blog I feel like I got my scripture study in for the day so I don't have to read the scriptures.
wait...we're supposed to actually PAY MONEY for tithing? Crap, all this time, I thought we were just supposed to write the amount we would pay in our heart. I owe a lot of money...
Steve and Matt both inspire me, but I have to agree with Mckenzie. It's not only in our heart, but one can also substitute monies with time. With 51 Sundays in a year, this is approximately 14% of our time in one year. We actually give more than the required allowing us to receive Malachi’s promise “..open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” This even allows one to miss or take off 14 Sundays throughout the year and still meet the mandatory 10%. Let’s not forget that it’s the “spirit of the law” and not the “letter of the law”. This statement comes real handy when I need to justify my actions and to make myself feel good about bad decisions. Its awesome!!!
Is that Nathan Toole gettin' in on this action? Long time, no see. What ever happen to you guys going to Jersey?
Steve, for your info that was my husband, so we are not moving to Jersey anymore because Nate got a new job. We are moving to Mobile, Alabama this month. We will be driving through Texas. Do you live in Houston now? We will come and visit if you do.
Even though heavenly father already knows what we need, through prayer we can exercise and demonstrate our humility and gratitude for his blessings. Just as a parent often knows what their children are in need of without them asking, how much better if the child can admit their need and reliance on you, therefore increasing their humility and gratitude for that which is given.
Steve, what's up? Yeah, I had to get in on the action. Have to admit its good action to. As Katie mentioned, we are moving to Alabama and hoping to purchase a trailer there. Hey, I heard there was a ski swap in Park City that has some good deals. Just watch out for the cops!
Alabama huh? Why would you do something like that? I'm just kidding. Houston probably isn't much better. We haven't moved there yet, but will be there in August. I haven't seen you guys forever! Maybe we will cross paths somewhere in the South. Hope all is going well with the family.
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