"One of our Senior Sister missionaries in the Canada Toronto West mission where I was mission president from July 2004 through August 2007 has gone on another mission. Her name is Trudi Smith and she is now serving in Australia. Recently she wrote the following concerning answers to prayers:
'On monday, Preparation-day, we drove out to the state park and drove all the way through the park and saw nothing (this is where we saw the 2 kangaroos before). I suggested to Sister Lee that we take one of the little dirt roads through the park, so we did. We saw some beautiful scenery and some beautiful birds but no Kangaroos. I told Sister Lee, 'When we had prayer we didn't ask Father to let us see Kangaroos!'
She said, 'You are right,' so we had another prayer. About two minutes later two large kangaroos almost ran over us.....Well not really, but they were only 8-10 feet in front of our car. As we continued to drive we saw 8 more.'
The Lord will reward us even in small things when we ask in faith. "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you." "
-Alan (LDS Bishop)
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"As a young man I didn't understand much about prayer...only that we have a loving Heavenly Father who is interested in us and wants us to pray to him. Over time and years of experience my prayers have become much more sincere and meaningful. I communicate in prayer 'as one man communicates to another' but with much more humility and caution; recognizing that He does hear me. I understand now he He is the Living Water from which we will never thirst; that I can go to him for comfort, direction, answers and blessings that I seek. I know he hears and answers me and that his answers are personal to me. My relationship with him, my understanding of His ways, have been strengthened; and now I know that it will only get better if I continue to pray."
-Rod
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"There have been many instances where I knew that Heavenly Father heard and answered my prayers, but I think the most important ones haven't been when I'm in danger, when I lost something, or any other incredibly dire circumstance such as that. Rather, I understand Heavenly Father's love for me when he answers the prayers that are pleas for comfort, guidance, or simply me expressing some concern I have and feeling instant peace. These moments constantly show me that Heavenly Father hears and answers every prayer, no matter how small."
-Krystal
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"For me understanding that when I pray I am praying to an all knowing and all-powerful God allows me to be completely honest with my feelings, desires, hopes, and needs. I learned a while ago that prayer isn't just a humdrum activity that should be done morning and night. For me prayer has allowed me to talk openly with a being that loves me unconditionally and knows my intentions even when I can't articulate things. To be able to have open communication with my Gods (Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ) allow me to progress forward in the Lord’s plan when the world seems to be falling backwards. I know that prayer is the communication highway for me to receive personal revelation, promptings, and to feel the Lords love he has for me individually. Christ lives and he listens and answers my prayers."
-Heather
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"Prayer has been a consistent source of comfort in my life. With its fair share of curveballs, life as a college student is far from easy. Some days I feel great about who I am. However, there are days I do not. That being said, daily prayer to my Father in Heaven has kept me more consistent in the way I feel about myself. I’ve discovered that God answers the majority of my prayers through the actions of others. He comforts me through caring friends, roommates, family members, random strangers, and (of course) through the Holy Spirit. I’m sure life’s curveballs will continue to frustrate me through failed relationships, slow processes of learning, and the trials that unexpectedly turn my life upside down. However, I know God holds me to be of great worth. Thus, he comforts me whenever I ask Him."
-Graden
Feel free to send in your own testimony/stories about prayer to: hislovingarmsblog@gmail.com.
Prayer has helped come to know who my Father in Heaven is. It has been the beginning of my testimony and keeps it alive, in addition to keeping me focused on what really matters. It has helped me reach the One who has known me the longest and Who can help me with all my problems. Prayer has been the best way for me to come to know who my Father in Heaven is.
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