For We Know not What We Should Pray For – Sunday, September 8, 1940
It is probable that there are many these days who find refuge in prayer who have not so frequently or so earnestly prayed before. It would seem that this might be more surely true the nearer we approach the scenes of violence and horror in other lands. It is regrettable that circumstances so terrible should be required to bring men to their knees, but it is also fortunate that at such times, and at all times, we have a way of approaching our Father and our God – a way of unburdening our own hearts – and an assurance that our prayers, whether they are spoken or silently expressed, are heard and considered.
Some men foolishly suppose that because they don’t receive all the things they pray for, prayer is futile. Others, in their attempt to rationalize the universe, suppose that prayer is helpful because of the psychological effect it has upon the one who prays rather than because of any help that comes from an outside source. Let all such take comfort in this manner of rationalization — if they can find any in it. But the kind of prayer that really enables a man to walk serenely through all of the hazards and uncertainties of life with unwavering confidence and assurance, is that prayer in which a man knows that he is talking to his Father in Heaven as literally as if he were talking to his father on earth. Until one can do this there is much that he does not and cannot understand about prayer. Those who have been fortunate enough to have a loving father, and those who have been fortunate enough to have cherished children of their own, can come closer to an understanding of prayer, perhaps, because they have learned to know that there is nothing a child could ask such a father that he would not give that child nor do for him if it were possible and if it were for the child’s own good.
We can approach our Father in Heaven with this same assurance. Likewise, a devoted parent would not be disposed to give to one of his children something that would hurt or do injury to another child. This we should also remember when we pray – not to ask for that which rightfully belongs to someone else or which would unjustly hurt or work to the disadvantage of others, because all are the children of God and are cherished in His sight, even as are the children of an earthly father. These concepts may help some to a better understanding of the meaning of prayer. To quote from the record of scripture: “Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers. (Thus saith the Father of all men)- I know thy heart, and have heard thy prayers.” (Doctrine and Covenants 112:10-11).
September 8, 1940
Broadcast Number 0,577