U.S. National Day of Prayer

Yesterday, on the National Day of Prayer. I wanted to study on the topic of prayer and did it today. In Psalm 46:1 it says: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

While I was studying the Gospel Topics section on “prayer”, it highlighted this verse, saying that as we draw closer to Heavenly Father through prayer, we recognize His answers and find that He is indeed our “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” That phrase, "a very present help," really resonated with me. I thought, "Wow, what a beautiful image of God in my present moment, ready to help."

Of course, being me, I immediately Googled "a very present help" and found the Manhattan mental health counseling’s definition: “being fully conscious of the moment, free from internal dialogue, often associated with stillness and peace, and sharper sensations.” Ahh stillness. ~Elder Bednar’s talk, “Be Still and Know that I AM God”…

Then I thought it is more than just realizing that God is ever present with me, but that His presence is what brings a feeling of stillness and peace to me.  This is made possible to us through our Savior Jesus Christ.  That we may repent and be worthy to come before Him and be present with our Heavenly Father.

It's funny, as I write this down, it feels a little jumbled, but in my head, it's so clear. Mostly, I just feel an overwhelming gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father. I know He hears me when I pray. I feel it. He loves me, He cares about what I'm doing, and He helps me to do good. I see His hand in my life all of the time. I feel so incredibly blessed to know of this love, and to know that it's all possible because of our Savior Jesus Christ. It's through His grace that we can even come unto the Father. 

…Theres more , but this is too long, so maybe for the next entry I’ll share what i learned from Elder Bednar’s video clip on “By the Prayer of Faith” in this weeks Come Follow Me. it makes a big impression on me.