Union-Bulletin

It is the right and privilege of every one of us to have communication with our Father in Heaven.

This communication is called prayer. How beautiful are the words of this Hymn titled, "Did You Think to Pray?" As I read and ponder these words, they powerfully touch my heart.

Did You Think to Pray?

"Ere you left your room this morning, Did you think to pray?

In the name of Christ our Savior, Did you sue for loving favor as a shield today?

When your heart was filled with anger, Did you think to pray?

Did you plead for grace, my brother, That you might forgive another Who has crossed your

way?

When sore trials came upon you, Did you think to pray?

When your soul was full of sorrow, Balm of Gilead did you borrow At the gates of day?

Oh, how praying rests the weary!

Prayer will change the night to day.

So when life gets dark and dreary

Don't forget to pray."

The Savior taught us to pray and set an example for us all. I love to open the scriptures and read the words of the Savior. I would like to share a few that have helped me, as it relates to prayer.

The 14th Chapter of Matthew records the Savior's going to the mountain to pray, after he has sent away the throng. He felt a need to be alone where he could concentrate and communicate with his Father. We too need to separate ourselves from the noise and busyness of our daily lives and find a quiet place, undisturbed, to pour out our souls to Him.

In Luke 22 He demonstrates the power and efficacy of prayer when He states, " I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." He knows that at times our faith will falter. When you feel your faith faltering, remember the Savior's prayer in your behalf.

In the Book of Mormon in third Nephi, the Savior instructs us to "watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation." In our day-to-day lives we can know that we can approach our Father in Heaven in prayer whenever and wherever we are. Also, that we can keep a prayer in our hearts continually.

When we listen to and ponder both the words of this hymn and the words of our Savior, we can be encouraged to pray more and with real intent. Daily personal prayer will help us develop a much closer relationship with our Heavenly Father, and will give us courage and strength to face the challenges of life. It will help us put in perspective who we are, and can bring real meaning into our lives.

From my youngest years of my life to present, I have experienced the blessing of prayer. It has richly blessed my life and the life of my family. I invite all of you to experience these blessings as you approach your Father in heaven. He is only a prayer away.

Daniel W. Leonard is 1st counselor of the Walla Walla Washington Stake Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Pastors in the U-B circulation area who want to write a column should contact Catherine Hicks at 509-526-8312, or by e-mail at catherinehicks@wwub.com.