The Work of Prayer

In closing his letter to the saints in Colosse, Paul mentioned one of his missionary companions from that city: 

Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
--Colossians 4:12

Prayer done right is work. Effectual prayer entails effort, albeit spiritual effort, but effort none the less. The Book of Mormon prophet Enos "wrestled" before the Lord in his mighty prayer (Enos 1:2) When I read the words that Ether prayed as he asked for help in lighting the barges he had built to cross the ocean to the promised land, I hear him struggle with great effort to beseech God for a blessing. When Jesus knelt with the Nephites to pray with them, He "groaned within himself" as He began his prayer, indicating the tremendous effort He exerted as He prayed for His people.

God approves of work, and He Himself also works. He rested on the seventh day from the work of creation (see Genesis 2:2). Isaiah prophesied God would do a "marvelous work and a wonder" (see Isaiah 29:14), which work and wonder we see today in the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the true Church of Christ, and the gathering of Israel. God works in us and through us (see Ephesians 3:2, Philippians 2:13, Colossians 1:29). He works constantly, and He expects me to work as well.  

Prayer is a good work, but it is nevertheless work.

Open the Door to Closeness

The Apostle Paul counseled the saints in Colosse:

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
--Colossians 3:17

Gratitude is a key element of prayer. It is not just common courtesy. It opens my eyes to all I have already received, reminding me of all God has already done for me, strengthening my faith and increasing my patience. 

The instruction in this verse is to give thanks by Christ, meaning giving thanks from His perspective. In other words, what would Jesus be thankful for in my situation? I learn to see things the way the Savior sees them, which draws me closer to my Father in heaven and to my Savior. 

One of the most important results of prayer is to draw closer to God, and gratitude is the door I open to gain that closeness.

Unlocking the Windows of Heaven

As the Apostle Paul wrapped up his letter to the saints in Philippi, he counseled them:

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
--Philippians 4:6

In the popular parlance of today, he might have said, "Let go and let God. Do not be anxious about anything. Just let God know what you need and trust Him to take care of you in His way and in His time. And be thankful in all things. Be grateful for what you have and what you get, always trusting the Lord to give you His best."

According to Paul's instructions, I am to let God know of my requests. In other words, Heavenly Father expects me to ask Him for things. So, what should my prayer requests to the Supreme Being be about? 

Nephi testified, "I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss" (2 Nephi 4:35). How do I avoid asking "amiss?" Amiss means to be wrong, in appropriate, not quite right. So, how do I ensure that my requests are correct and appropriate so God will give liberally to me?

The answer is personal revelation. When I take the time during prayer to focus my mind and listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, God will lay upon my heart the very things for which I should ask. He will tell me exactly what He wants to give me. He will not, however, force His blessings upon me. He waits for me to exercise my agency and request the favors He has prepared for me. When I ask, I turn the key to unlock the windows of heaven through which God can pour out magnificent blessings (see Malachi 3:10).