The Power of Prayer

I had a harrowing experience the other day, but one that changed my life forever.

A couple days ago, I hit rock bottom. I had a darkness come over me that I couldn't shake. I struggled throughout my day, but could not escape a feeling of despair and dread. I prayed many times during the day, and felt the comfort of the Holy Ghost, but there was something very heavy about this discouragement.

That night I went for a walk. I couldn't think a coherent thought and felt like this darkness was going to consume me. As I was walking, I suddenly remembered that my family, at the suggestion of my father, had set up a group text. The idea behind it was that if ever anyone is in need of anything or is struggling with a particular trial, you ask your family members to pray on your behalf. The one contingency is that no questions were to be asked. All you needed to do was send a text requesting the family's prayers. You didn't have to share what you were struggling with or any other specifics. If you are on the receiving end of the text, you simply stop what you are doing and offer up a sincere prayer on your family member's behalf.

I wrestled with the idea of actually sending the request, because we had set it up back in January and no one had utilized it yet. I didn't want to be the first one to use it! I didn't want everyone to wonder what was the matter with me. I didn't want to admit that I needed help, but I also knew I needed help. So, I sent it, just a simple message asking for everyone to say a quick prayer for me.

Within moments of sending the text, I felt an incredible light fill my being. I could literally feel the faith of those saying a prayer for me. My mind cleared, a fog was lifted and I knew that everything would be okay. I felt impressed to return home immediately, and did so. I was guided by the faith of my loved ones.

I learned an incredible lesson about prayer that night; and that is that prayer is powerful! I can only imagine what it would be like for Heavenly Father to suddenly hear several prayers for one person all at the same time. It was prayer and the faith of those praying that brought me home and kept me safe.

I am so thankful for a loving family who took the time to pray on my behalf! I don't know what I did to be blessed with such wonderful people in my life, but I sure am glad I was sent to them and they to me!

I also want to testify that we have a Father in Heaven, who knows us and loves us, individually. He is aware of us and cares about our lives. There is nothing too small or insignificant to be prayed for. He is there. He hears you.

#prayer #religious #family #depression #faith #LDS #mormon #TheChurchofJesusChristofLatterDaySaints