Inquire

I like to see people ask questions. But I love seeing people ask the hard questions. Questions about life, death, commandments, polygamy, prophets, church, tithing, authority, etc. These show people are thinking and they want the truth. God likes it when we ask the hard questions in prayer. It shows humility on our part and leads us to the truth. But when we ask, it shouldn't be in an insouciant manner. We need to ask with real intent, nothing doubting. If we do, the simple promise is we will receive the wisdom we previously lacked (James 1:5-6). 

Examples of people asking the hard questions lay all over the standard works. "Will a man rob God?" "Which is the great commandment in the law?" "Why stand ye gazing up into heaven?" "Why weepest thou?" These questions lead to answers. These answers lead to truth. Truth leads to God. 

Joseph Smith grasped the importance of asking God the right questions at an early age. He grew up in a time of great religious confusion. Many churches claimed to be God's and continued to tell others the same. Joseph's father affiliated himself with the Methodist church. His mother went to the Presbyterian church. Which left Joseph at the crossroads of theological opinion. He wanted God. He wanted the truth. So he went out and found Him. 

In Palmyra, New York, Joseph Smith resorted to a quiet grove of trees to offer up to God the desires of his heart. In this grove Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father appeared in a glorious vision. Jesus Christ informed Joseph Smith that non of the churches currently existing were right. Joseph soon became a key instrument in the hands of the Almighty to restore the truths that were carelessly lost over centuries of darkness. Through Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ restored the privilege of saving ordinances. Ordinances such as baptism and the sacrament. 

Jesus Christ offered us a unique promise while he taught on the Mount. "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened". Notice that ask, seek and knock are all action verbs. When we act in faith God rewards us.

When we ask in prayer it shows humility to God. He knows all things. He has all power. We submit to Him to receive guidance, protection, information, light, truth. Without Him we can do nothing. With Him all things are possible (Mark 10:27). I personally enjoy kneeling to pray because it is a physical manifestation to God that I submit to His will. Apparently, in Old Testament times some were known to pray prostrate. I may give it a shot. Why not?

I'll close with a praise-- "Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice (Psalm 141: 2).

I love you, take care now!