Prayer is a primary form of communication between God and His children. Since the earliest of times, men and women have called upon God for help and direction.[1] As we learn the true relationship we each have with God, namely that He is our Father and we are His children, prayer becomes natural and even instinctive on our part.[2]
“Prayer is a form of work,”[3] and it takes work to pray with real intent, real desire, and real meaning and feeling behind our words. Some have called this deeply engaging type of prayer “mighty prayer.”[4]
Mighty prayer, though, is more than just words. In fact, it’s not necessarily the length of our prayers that matters but the strength of them. And the strength of our prayers increases as we pray fervently and often. Mighty prayer also includes listening with genuine intent to act on what we hear. Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said this: “Our prayers can be—and should be—living discussions with our Heavenly Father.”[5]
Think of that—a living discussion with God! Some might ask, “Is that really possible?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” The heavens are not closed. The scriptures teach, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”[6]
In a sermon titled “The Throne of Grace,” Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon said: “True prayer is an approach of the soul by the Spirit of God to the throne of God. … True prayer is not a mere mental exercise, nor a vocal performance, but is deeper far than that—it is spiritual commerce with the Creator of heaven and earth.”[7]
As we approach the throne of God through mighty prayer, we can enjoy living discussions with Him.
Mighty prayer leads to learning, healing, and miracles. Mighty prayer leads to direction, answers, and connection with God.
May we each strive to pray with our might, seeking for living discussions with the living God. As we do so, we can rest assured that He will hear our prayers and that He will answer us according to His timing and tender love.
[1] See Moses 5:4; Genesis 4:26.
[2] See Bible Dictionary, “Prayer.”
[3] Bible Dictionary, “Prayer.”
[4] Enos 1:4.
[5] Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 118.
[6] Matthew 7:7.
[7] Charles Spurgeon, “The Throne of Grace,” The Spurgeon Center for Biblical Preaching at Midwestern Seminary, spurgeon.org.
January 26, 2025
Broadcast Number 4,976
The Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
Conductor
Mack Wilberg
Organist
Richard Elliott
Host
Derrick Porter
Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
Ludwig van Beethoven; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Look to the Day
John Rutter
Sinfonia, from Cantata no. 29 (“We Thank Thee, God”)
Johann Sebastian Bach; Arr. Robert Hebble
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
John B. Dykes; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Our Prayer to Thee
Joseph Parry; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Redeemer of Israel
Freeman Lewis; Arr. Mack Wilberg