the answer is before my face

For a long time, I did not really understand prayer, answers to prayer, and revelation. Exactly how does it work?

"Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3

"For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory. And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom. Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations. And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught. For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man." Doctrine and covenants 76:5-10

This tells me that I can learn anything through prayer and revelation. The means of communication is more often fleeting thoughts in the mind than a grand visitation of God Himself. As I continue to strive to live His will, He will reveal more of said will. These revelations and answers will help me learn about anything important enough to me to learn about or do.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" 2 Peter 3:16

I've also found that answers come as I search the scriptures. God doesn't have to reinvent the wheel with each of His children, because He has been communicating with us since time began. Prophets recorded this communication for our benefit. To me this is fascinating--I pray, perplexed about a certain issue. Then, bam, the answer is before my face. I truly believe this promise.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5