Diamond had a young family that she cared about. She wanted them to learn about God, but for that to happen she had to relearn about God first. It had been years since her last prayer, she didn't even know how to start. She wanted to know again today that which she knew years ago. She cracked open the only bible left in the house determined to come back.
Within minutes I was sent to her door.
I came with my companion as two young people showing up out of nowhere, sharing things she had never heard of before and promising that she could know for herself. All she needed to do was read this book and pray.
Within minutes I was sent to her door.
I came with my companion as two young people showing up out of nowhere, sharing things she had never heard of before and promising that she could know for herself. All she needed to do was read this book and pray.
I was excited as we returned a few days later to share more of our message. We spoke of a gospel that blesses families, a loving Father in Heaven, and how he blesses us today. I saw her get excited. We finish our lessons by inviting the person we teach to pray. What followed was beautiful.
Diamond shared her separation from God and how she felt something missing. The relationship she treasured in the past was hard to find. I helped her find the words: "There isn't a connection."
These are the moments I truly feel alive. I told her:
"You don't have this connection right now, but God is eager to speak to you. The moment you were ready to seek, He sent us. I know His hand is stretched out reaching for you. He is ready to answer you prayers and bless you even more than before."
Diamond understood, but shared, "I feel like I don't know how to pray anymore." Every time she tried it just felt awkward. Diamond wanted to pray, but she didn't know how.
Here is what we taught:
Diamond shared her separation from God and how she felt something missing. The relationship she treasured in the past was hard to find. I helped her find the words: "There isn't a connection."
These are the moments I truly feel alive. I told her:
"You don't have this connection right now, but God is eager to speak to you. The moment you were ready to seek, He sent us. I know His hand is stretched out reaching for you. He is ready to answer you prayers and bless you even more than before."
Diamond understood, but shared, "I feel like I don't know how to pray anymore." Every time she tried it just felt awkward. Diamond wanted to pray, but she didn't know how.
Here is what we taught:
"Start simple. A prayer doesn't need to be eloquent. What matters most to God is that it comes from the heart. Start by addressing God. You can say Heavenly Father, Father in Heaven, or even just God.
"I start by thanking him for things. It reminds me of how much He loves me. I start to see how He has helped me in my life. It also gets me started going.
"Then I start to ask Him things. I ask Him to bless my family, to help me do something, or even a question.
"Always close a prayer by saying in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. If you feel stuck at any point in the prayer and don't know what to do next you can just close it like that.
"The only way to feel comfortable praying is to start praying. We will be here to help at any point if you need us. Will you say a prayer right now?"
There was a brief moment when Diamond mustered up the courage, and then she began to pray. It was one of the briefest prayers I have heard, but it was beautiful. Every first prayer, or first prayer in a long time rings with humble sincerity. She thanked God for sending her help, and asked him to help her as she learns.
I know that as we continue to help Diamond, she will reconnect her relationship with God. It will be stronger than ever before.
"I start by thanking him for things. It reminds me of how much He loves me. I start to see how He has helped me in my life. It also gets me started going.
"Then I start to ask Him things. I ask Him to bless my family, to help me do something, or even a question.
"Always close a prayer by saying in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. If you feel stuck at any point in the prayer and don't know what to do next you can just close it like that.
"The only way to feel comfortable praying is to start praying. We will be here to help at any point if you need us. Will you say a prayer right now?"
There was a brief moment when Diamond mustered up the courage, and then she began to pray. It was one of the briefest prayers I have heard, but it was beautiful. Every first prayer, or first prayer in a long time rings with humble sincerity. She thanked God for sending her help, and asked him to help her as she learns.
I know that as we continue to help Diamond, she will reconnect her relationship with God. It will be stronger than ever before.
