I listened to the BYU Women’s Conference yesterday. One part in particular stood out to me. It was when one of the sisters told how she used to get distracted when she was praying and would often find her thoughts wandering. This bothered her that she had difficulty focusing while in prayer and made her question her sincerity to Heavenly Father. She continued to tell how one day, after much effort and deliberation, she realized that her wandering thoughts in prayer where actually her prayers being answered. It was one way she was hearing Him in her life. She said that realization changed her life and her focus and confidence in prayer.
When this sister described her struggle with thoughts during prayer, I could totally relate! I knew exactly what she was talking about. I, too, have often struggled in the same way – being concerned that maybe my heart wasn’t in the right place while in prayer etc. It had never occurred to me, however, that I should give any place to my wandering thoughts as actual direction from my Father above. But after hearing that sister share her experience, and contemplating it now, it makes perfect sense. Why wouldn’t He be directing and inspiring your concerns while in prayer with Him?
We have been counseled to pour our whole hearts out unto the Lord, share with Him everything – every thought, desire, fear, concern … all of it. It only makes sense that these wandering thoughts are what are most on my mind during these moments of prayer. I can’t wait to examine them while in prayer for answers and solutions to my concerns. To see if I really can hear Him in this way.
I really love the genius of my Heavenly Father. I love His design of this earth and mortal existence. Even when my heart is sorely troubled, when I can step back from it just enough to glimpse it from an eternal perspective, my heart swells with love for all of it! There is so much growth and learning in every little piece of it. Yes, it hurts at times, but that pain will be short lived while the development will play into the eternities. I feel so blessed to be here, alive, present and active in my own personal growth and life. We are so loved by our Heavenly Father! He is far more than amazing!
Forever grateful!
