Daily Thoughts

In the Book of Mormon I read about how they kept the law of Moses but looked forward with steadfastness unto Christ until the law would be fulfilled.  2 Nephi 25:24-25 " And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments."

In the Old Testament we read that Solomon was told that the Lord would give him anything he asked for. Instead of asking for wealth or a long life for himself, he asked for wisdom and understanding so that he could rule the people righteously.  Because of his unselfishness in his request, the Lord not only gave him the wisdom that he asked for but also the wealth and honor that he had not asked for.  Often the Lord works in this way.  When our hearts are unselfish in wanting to help others, the Lord blesses us.  1 Kings 3:5-14 "In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.  And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.  And now, O Lord my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude.  Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.  And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment;  Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.  And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days."

A scripture with a thought booklet tells us that when we pray we should not use vain repetitions.  Do we get into the habit in our prayers of just saying the same things day after day to the point that we're not even paying attention to what we're saying?  Or do we pour out our hearts to God, thanking Him for things we're grateful for and petitioning Him for things we need?  Do we communicate heart to heart with our Father or just rattle off meaningless words we're not even listening to?  Prayer can be an empty ritual we unthinkingly do out of habit, or it can be our lifeline to our loving Heavenly Father. Matthew 6:7 "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."