the beauty of prayer

Matthew 6:9-13; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 11:2-4

There is so much in this part of the gospels. The Lord's prayer is beautiful and delightful to recite. However, considering the different version given by these three apostles, it seems it is a pattern and 'not designed for verbatim repetition.' McConkie That would be considered vain repetition frowned on in Matthew 6:7. From it we learn to address the Father formally and with all the dignity, praise, adoration, reverence, and respect He deserves.  "The special language of prayer follows different forms in different languages, but the principle is always the same. We should address prayers to our Heavenly Father in words which speakers of that language associate with love and respect and reverence and closeness." Dalin H. Oakes, Ensign, May 1992, 16

We are to ask forgiveness, express gratitude, acknowledge the power of God, seek His will, and ask for the blessings we need. Even though Heavenly Father knows what we need before we pray, we still need to pray. Asking, seeking, knocking, and following His commands are crucial to our spiritual progress; they show our humility before our Lord. Heavenly Father will give all we need if we ask. But sometimes we confuse needs with wants. Sometimes Heavenly Father understands that our heart's desire is not good or right for us and does not bless us with it. "And whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you." 3 Nephi 18:20 That is why we must seek His will and be submissive to it.

For years I desired to have more children (I have 7 now). After my initial years of frustration and failure as a mother, I learned to love raising children and teaching them in our little home school. But I could not see the future. A few years ago, my health broke down. If I had been the mother of several more little children, I would have been unable to care for them. True, I am mostly better now but with a lingering weakness. While this too may go away in time, it does limit my activities somewhat. I had the opportunity of sitting with my granddaughter, Gracie, for 2 weeks in January. Although it was wonderful, and I was willing to continue for the duration of Tax season, I was too weak to do a proper job. I was exhausted and in terrific pain from lifting and chasing after her. Finally, I could see God's wisdom in not granting my desire; it was not right; it was want not need. I will never get over my desire for more children even now in my late 40s, but I am content that God was correct in His will for me. Bittersweet, yes, but also beautiful.