Prayer

Last weekend, I went to church in Maryland and it was awesome! The pastor spoke about prayer. I'm sure there are many definitions for prayer but I simply define it as a fancy word for "talking to God". When describing the importance of prayer to others, I always try to give the relationship context of the individual and the Savior as a relationship between two people.
When a female and a male begin to date, they spend time getting to know each other through hanging out, spend time together and talking. This is vital in understanding who each person is, what different traits and characteristics they have and various things they like and dislike. It also builds some type of relationship, whether that be just friends or more.
God is our Heavenly Father. To have a relationship with Him, we must do the same as we would with another human being and keep a constant line of communication. When two individuals are dating, they seem to talk all the time and for hours on end. If we want that same strong bond with the Lord, we must commune with Him daily. This mean talking to God when we wake up. Asking Him what we should wear that day. Thanking Him for every meal we eat. Chalking it up on the way to work or home for the day. We should always make time to talk to the Lord for everything. 
Even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the One who came from the kingdom of Heaven to earth, prayed. In Mark1.31-32, it says "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed." Christ knows the Father, for Jesus dwelt with Him since before the beginning of time. Yet even Jesus prayed to the Father, constantly keeping communication with Him. But what is an even better testimony is that Jesus prayed for us! Instead of having an angel come down and deliver a speedy message to the Father, Jesus prayed for people,"And the Lord said, 'Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.'" How encouraging this is! This is a great example of how Jesus Himself prayed to the Father to keep His relationship with Him and to support His fellow brethren.
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to build your relationship with the Lord through prayer. If you love Him, you will keep His commandments. But in order to know Him, you must commune with Him. Too many times people rely on the teachings of a pastor or the lesson from Sabbath school to help them know who their God is. To me, that's almost like me going to my boyfriend's best friend to learn what kind of person my boyfriend is. The Lord has left the lines of communication completely open and He allows us to come to Him freely to talk to Him. Isn't He a great God for such a thing! Let's take advantage of this opportunity and get to know the Savior today!


Blessings