I fondly remember going to church when I was very young. I sat in a pew made of light-colored wood, with no cushions next to my father. We sang hymns. I remember hearing and listening to his clear baritone voice. He would take my finger in his hand and point to the words as we sang. This was how I learned to sing, trying to match my voice to his.
Before I could read very well, my father helped me with my first talk in church, which was in primary. He typed out scripture verses for me on a 3x5 card. Then with me on his lap, my finger in his hand, he pointed to each word, and after some practice I memorized the following:
5 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.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
James 1:5-6
My father taught me my first scripture and introduced me to living a spiritual life.
A spiritual life recognizes the world is rich with experiences and knowledge. That there are numerous sources of learning including books, classes, teachers, and even the internet.
Embracing a spiritual life involves acknowledging that the primary source of fundamental knowledge and genuine wisdom about reality comes from God, and subsequently living in accordance with this understanding.
My childhood and adolescence were different than Suzanne’s. I was nurtured and protected by two loving and committed parents. It wasn’t until I returned from my mission and was married that I was fully introduced to the world. I experienced setbacks. I was shocked by people’s behavior, some of which I had really looked up to. My behavior could have been better. I wondered about my life. What in life really was important.
While I grew up in the church, I felt at a crossroads. After some time, I remembered the verse my father taught me and what it meant.
If any of you need wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously, and God does not reproach, reprimand, or rebuke. If you ask, he will teach to you. As only he can.
This is God’s invitation to each one of us. I returned to prayer. My prayers became deeply personal. Sometimes I received and followed answers that were only confirmed later in life. Sometimes it was just a quiet and silent struggle. But deep inside I felt his presence which pushed me and still propels me on today.
It is common to feel confused and occasionally disheartened when observing and experiencing the conflicts and noise in the world. Various forces push us in different directions, leading to the belief that truth and joy is unattainable.
Inevitably we all pick our paths, choose our friends, and develop our own approach to life. Heavenly Father has not left us alone on this trek. He reaches out to us individually, one by one, and invites us to remember him, to talk with him, to ask him what is true.
The beating heart of a spiritual life is prayer: our personal dialogue with Father.
Regardless of the words we choose, be open and sincere. This means expressing our thoughts and intentions without embarrassment or self-consciousness. God knows us, and he loves us. Being sincere involves having faith in God to answer, and faith in ourselves to follow his guidance.
Remember the second part of the scripture?
That we pray in faith, fully committed. For without full intent, we can be like a sea wave, blown by the wind and tossed. See James 1:6
Jesus taught that we should “love the Lord our God with all our heart . . . and with all our mind . . .” See Mark 12:30
As we talk with Heavenly Father, we use the words that come from our “innerst inne” [Swedish] these are words that come from our heart.
Prayer engages our minds. We express love for God and commune with Him by meditating on His word. This includes reading scripture, reflecting on it, discussing its teachings, and contemplating the word of God as a basic part of our ordinary, daily life. God reveals himself to us in his scriptures and he speaks to us as we ponder them through our day and apply them to our lives. The scriptures are full of people like you and me, trying to make their way through life as best they can. We learn from their examples and the wisdom they received from God during their lives. As we do this, we keep a channel open to Heavenly Father through which he can teach, influence, and inspire us.
Just as physical activities like walking or running exercise the body, meditating on God’s word serves to fortify our spiritual well-being. This practice helps us understand our lives and align our actions with God.
David prayed,
7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou said.., Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; . . .
Psalms 27:7-9a
The heart of David’s psalm is his loving desire for one thing: to be in God’s presence; face to face, then and forever.
A third way to pray is contemplating God. When we look for him and seek his presence. We reach out to him and want to be with him, to see his face. This is kind of a foretaste or glimpse of eternal life. Jesus taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Matt. 5:8
There are so many moving parts to this world. No wonder the scriptures tell us to “Be still, and know that I am God:” Psalms 46:10a. The words “be still” can also be translated as be silent. This may not mean we should be quiet, but there are times when words are not enough.
Paul taught
We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Temples provide us opportunities to do this. As we seek God’s presence in our life, he transforms us.
Prayer is trying at times. When we feel no answer is coming, or God feels far from us. Just as Jacob wrestled with the Lord for a blessing, and Jesus asked for another way, our prayers and progress on this spiritual path is not easy. But God is there, and Jesus volunteers to yoke up together with us, to get us through. Don’t give up!
Life provides us so many questions about ourselves, what to do, and what to be. Without engaging God in forming our answers, we really can be like that wave of the sea. Pushed, pommeled, and driven by the latest wind having no harbor or true home.
I am blessed to have been introduced to this spiritual path, and prayer early in my life. I have not been perfect at it, yet I won’t give up. I have learned with perfect knowledge and confidence that my life is sweeter, richer, and more joyful when I am squarely on this path and pray.
You have the same invitation, we all do; Now Suzanne and I get to proclaim this to Laos! . . . If you ever lack wisdom, ask God, who provides liberally . . .
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