What is the primary purpose for communicating? The answer is also the primary purpose for praying.
The primary purpose for communicating and for praying is to seek understanding. Let’s take prayer for example, many times when we pray we try to convince the Lord to see things our way. That is called praying or communicating for agreement.
We pray for our Father to bless us with certain things (better job, new car, a new friend, wife or husband.) And when He doesn’t respond the way we want, we become angry, frustrated, claim that things are not fair, that the heavens are closed, or that we gave the Lord a chance but He didn’t come through etc.
The Gospel Principles books explains that until we fully live the gospel it’s not possible to receive a remission of sins. Let that sink in for a moment. When Charles shared that concept with me a couple of weeks ago it really got me thinking. So many folks that I counsel with and so many in the world don’t understand why their lives are so difficult. They are frustrated with how things are going and they can’t see that they are their own worst enemy.
Consider the person who asks for a blessing because they are having an anxiety attack. After listening to all the things going wrong, it is revealed that this person has been staying up all night discussing the gospel and other things and not getting sufficient sleep. So here is what we have:
Person A: May I have a blessing?
Person B: Sure. Why do you want a blessing?
Person A: Because I haven’t been treating my temple (body) very well and I’m not getting sufficient sleep?
Person B: Okay, what’s going on.
Person A: I can’t think clearly, my studies aren’t going well, I lack energy, focus, and confidence. Without some kind of help I’m going to break down.
Person B: Let’s make sure I understand, you want a blessing to cover the consequences of breaking the Word of Wisdom and abusing your body?
Person A: That’s right, can you help.
This is not an uncommon event within the church.
In order to receive the promises of D&C 82:10 we have to actually do what He says, otherwise we have no promise.
