“But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint;” 2 Nephi 32:9
When I read this scripture today the word “faint” jumped out at me. When someone faints, they suddenly drop out of consciousness. It is jarring and drastic. While I am sure there are people who have stopped praying in that way—praying one day and not the next—there is another definition of the word faint that I think is more applicable.
A faint whisper, a faint chance, a faint hope. To be faint is to be weak, slight, lacking in strength or enthusiasm. It is half-hearted and cowardly.
Are our prayers sometimes faint? Are they half-hearted because we are in a hurry or tired. Perhaps they lack enthusiasm because we don’t really have the faith that we are being heard or that our prayers will be answered. Maybe we think that God has better and more important things to do than listen to our little, seemingly insignificant payers.
President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Never forget who you are… You are in very deed a child of God… He is your Eternal Father. He loves you. You can go to Him in prayer. He has invited you to do so…What a wonderful thing this is. He is the Greatest of All. He is the Creator and Governor of the universe. And yet He will listen to your prayer.” (Stand True and Faithful,” 93; Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, Ch.6)
Meditation and Journaling Prompt: How are your prayers lately? Are they faint? Are you praying with vigor?
Call to Action: Set aside a time today, outside of your usual prayer routine, to kneel and pray OUT LOUD, fervently, with strength of heart and vigor to your Father in Heaven. If you aren’t sure what to pray about, just speak with Him as if He were your best friend who came to visit.
Mindfulness Tip: Every time you are at a red light today, start counting your breaths. 1 in, 2 out, 3 in, 4 out etc. When you get to 10, start over.
