Have you ever prayed for something, absolutely sure that it is the right thing and gotten no for an answer? I am sure that most of us have experienced that from time to time. It can be difficult to know what to do in times like these. You may feel hurt or that it is unfair that you can not have or do the thing that you want so badly. You may decide to ask again or to do what you want to anyway. The best thing to do is to pray that you may feel good about this decision and be able to have peace with it.
When I think of the times that I have struggled with the answer I have received, I know that the Lord knew what was right for me. I have not always prayed to have peace with the decision. There were times when I went ahead and did what I wanted to, and I honestly had some very difficult times as a result. I do not think of those times as punishment for doing the wrong thing, rather I know that the Lord wanted to prevent me from going down that path.
I also bring to mind the story of Martin Harris and Joseph Smith and the first pages of the manuscript. They were told no three times before the Lord allowed Martin to take the manuscript home. The pages were stolen and Joseph lost the ability to translate for a time. This lesson taught me to accept a negative answer for what it was, and to move forward.
The times that I have accepted the Lord’s will in my life and moved forward have led to greater peace and happiness. In the Bible dictionary under prayer it says:
“Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them.”
When I first read this statement, it really changed my outlook on prayer. I began asking the Lord what I should do, instead of telling Him what I wanted Him to do. I still pray to ask for blessings, but I know that the Lord will answer my prayers the right way, which is not necessarily my way. I also pray that I might have the peace I need to accept His will in my life.
I have found that these simple changes in my attitude have brought a greater sense of peace. I know that the Lord truly knows what is best for me, and if I feel differently I pray for peace and understanding. The understanding may not come for years, but the peace comes more quickly.
Related Articles:
“A House of God”
Using Personal Prayer to Listen to the Lord
General Conference: “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer”