Sometimes when I have prayed I didn't always feel that I was getting through, somehow I didn't get any confirming answer about the things that I was asking for. Later when I thought about it I realized that the Lord spoke peace to my mind concerning that particular matter. Sometimes our prayers are answered, not so much by a still small voice, or the prompting of the spirit upon our mind or hearts, but rather through other people. In other words, sometimes what we need can best be accomplished trough the natural means of God inspiring others to help us know or accomplish certain things. On the other hand there have been many other times when I have prayed for direction and received no answer at all. It was then that I realized that I must be patient, and continue to exercise faith and continue to pray morning and night about the matter until it became clear to me by the "Spirit" that it was right or wrong, whatever the case may be. As we exercise patience and "wait upon the Lord" He will in his own due time answer each and every one of the prayers if they are sincere and honest.

I'm not sure if it's appropriate to spell out the procedure of praying in this email, but I'll tell you what I do. First, I go to a private place where there aren't people walking around or milling about. A place where telephones, televisions or radios aren't a distracting factor. Then I kneel down and address God in a manner similar to the following: "Heavenly Father, I kneel before thee this night to thank thee for..." and then I begin to thank Him for all the blessings of my life. Every conceivable thing that I feel thankful for. I think that we all have a tendency at times to forget that we are speaking directly to our real Father, and that he hears what we say in our minds and knows what we feel in our hearts. He does so much for us. To begin without thanking him for our blessings would be thoughtless and inappropriate. Once that part of my prayer is complete, I ask Him for the things that I need, making sure that those things are not frivolous (for example, it might be fine for an innocent little child to ask the Lord for a bicycle because in this childlike innocence they don't know any better... but as an adult, asking for these kinds of things would be inappropriate since we can, through our own effort and expense acquire these material things. I make sure that my requests are sincere and meaningful. I speak to Him frankly about my needs and desires. I ask specific questions and I tell Him that I recognize that He knows all things and I don't, and that I am willing to be patient and allow His will to be done. But here is a particular point regarding His will that's important for which you ask in your email. As I conclude my prayer, I ask Him for forgiveness for past mistakes, faults, and transgressions. I Beg Him to help me live a righteous and Christ centered life so that I can be worthy of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I then conclude my prayer "In the name of Jesus Christ amen".

We end our prayers in this way because "there is one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus Christ". If you will pray in this manner and if you will do every single thing that you can do to learn what the right answer is from a logical standpoint before you approach Him, then He will reveal to you the thing that should be done if you are sincere.

Be patient, notice the sweet peaceful whisperings that come to your heart and mind. Notice the clarity of thought that you will feel toward those things that are right and the somewhat unclear and confusing response you will feel to the things that are not right.

Be faithful, patient, kind, Christ centered and righteous and you will come to learn the answers to your prayers.

I hope this is helpful to you.

Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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