Pray Always

So, read 1 Ne 3. Struck by the murmuring comments. A recent Sunday School lesson pointed out that though we often think of ourselves as Nephi/Sam, we are probably more like Laman and Lemuel. We murmur! I murmur! I have murmured as recently as today. Why? Stop it, silly. Be grateful. Have grateful prayers. Alma 37:37 "when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God." I can't link 37:37 without thinking of one of my favorites, 37:36 and the 4 things - elements of consecration: doings, goings, all thoughts, affections of our hearts.


Love v7 of course: similar faith to the brother of Jared's "thou canst do this". Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" 1 Corinthians 10:13 "but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." What is the way? Alma 13:28 "watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear." Could be choosing to put ourselves in a better situation, could be counseling, could be a friend, choosing to be accountable to someone, could be moving to a different state. Each situation is different, but there is a way, and we are in control of our destiny.

D&C 130 20-21 law upon which all blessings are predicated. That law. To get detailed, v20 seems to indicate there is 1 law for all blessings; v21 seems to indicate that each blessing is correlated with a specific law. I've heard it taught both ways. If there is one law that all blessings are predicated on, what would it be? Ask and ye shall receive - prayer, I would think. Maybe righteousness/worthiness? Not 100% sure, or maybe it really is just specific to each blessing.

Sometimes the thought crosses my mind: "you pray too much; you should try to figure out things more on your own." Nonsense! We should rely constantly on the Savior and recognize our own weaknesses. That isn't to say that I shouldn't try to think and figure things out and develop strength, but strength comes from the Atonement and is accessed through prayer. Then go to work and give it my all with the strength that I am given with a grateful heart.