Prayer Acknowledgment Or Acceptance

Prayer Acknowledgment Acceptance - Mormon Doctrine Studies - Posted: 16th Jan, 2007 - 9:29pm

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15th Jan, 2007 - 1:01am / Post ID: #

Prayer Acknowledgment Or Acceptance

Prayer Acknowledgment or Acceptance

Is there anything in the doctrine / scriptures that says God will acknowledge or accept prayers not said in the typical fashion taught by the Church? An example is this: If a man in let us say a remote island prays to a stone idol, because that is what he understands to be god, does Heavenly Father also acknowledge that prayer? What about a person of another religion who learns of a method of prayer from our missionaries and then chooses to carry on in their own form of prayer - whatever that may be, is this still acceptable by God?

Keep in mind I am looking for scriptures or quotes by the Brethren and NOT merely opinions.



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15th Jan, 2007 - 3:24am / Post ID: #

Acceptance Acknowledgment Prayer

In the case of praying to stone idols, I think the scriptures answer that best: it's unacceptable to God. I'm not going to list all these references, as there are many. The question is, if this idol worshipper has ever heard of God and the gospel? Does he believe that this piece of stone is God?

There are a lot of references regarding the proper form of prayer, but nearly all come down to this: if it is sincere, it is acceptable to the Lord.

QUOTE
Our prayers can take many forms. They can be sung, wept, whispered, or exclaimed. Prayers can be 'thought" when time and circumstance do not permit them to be said aloud. Prayers can be as short as one word-"Help!"-or as long as Enos's prayer (see Enos 1), which lasted all day long and into the night. Prayers can be petitioned silently while driving a car, riding a bus, during an exam, in a doctor's office, or wherever we are and need our Heavenly Father. The need for prayer can come at any time, and when it does, remember with whom you are talking. Prayer is precious and powerful!

Sister Dwan J. Young shared her testimony of prayer:

"The important thing to remember is to pray often, talk to Heavenly Father, seek his counsel so that he can guide you. When you draw near to Heavenly Father in prayer, he will draw near to you. You need never feel alone again. I testify to this" (Ensign, Nov. 1985, p. 92).

Church curriculum: 31382, The Presidents of the Church, 34: Prayer, Precious and Powerful, Objective, 171
https://library.lds.org/

QUOTE
The Church is true and provides for all of our spiritual needs, but non-Christian faiths teach many truths too. We should seek out these areas of shared truth, because they too are bridges to communication. B. H. Roberts said, "While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is established for the instruction of men; and is one of God's instrumentalities for making known the truth yet he is not limited to that institution for such purposes, neither in time nor place. God raises up wise men and prophets here and there among all the children of men, of their own tongue and nationality, speaking to them through means that they can comprehend; not always giving a fullness "¦ of the gospel of Jesus Christ; but always giving that measure of truth that the people are prepared to receive." (See Brigham H. Roberts, Defense of the Faith and the Saints [Deseret News Press, 1907], 1:512-13.)

R. Lanier Britsch, "Latter-day Saints and Eastern Religions: A Few Thoughts on Bridge Building," New Era, Oct. 1975, 6 www.lds.org

QUOTE
One of the great experiences we can have is to hear what are often the first vocally uttered prayers of people who are trying to bridge the chasm between themselves and God. Their words are often unpolished, and they have not yet learned the more effectual forms of prayer revealed in our dispensation. But their desire is genuine, their feelings poignant, their words plain and precious. Often the power of the Holy Ghost is manifest in great strength.

I had one such experience with an elderly sister who lived just outside the city of Baltimore, Maryland. As a stake missionary, I had been called to assist two elders in teaching and fellowshipping her. My soul was stirred as I listened to her sincere prayers to know what she should believe and do.

After she was baptized, I was privileged to bestow upon her the gift of the Holy Ghost. As I pronounced the words "receive the Holy Ghost," she raised her hands in the air and loudly declared, "Praise the Lord." The declaration momentarily startled me, and I paused to make sure everything was all right. At that point the Spirit whispered to me that this was simply her way of expressing her joy. She had finally felt the two-way communication with God that all of us seek. I closed my eyes and pronounced a blessing upon her, knowing that a bridge between this dear sister and her Father in Heaven was now being built.

Jonathan Stephenson, "Personal Communication with God," Ensign, Sept. 1993, 8 www.lds.org

QUOTE
(2 Ne. 26:24-33) The Lord doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation... ...He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him.


16th Jan, 2007 - 9:29pm / Post ID: #

Prayer Acknowledgment Or Acceptance Studies Doctrine Mormon

I think so. I think God answers prayers to a lot of people regardless of who they think god is. I do not have that great understanding of God's person, personality, and experience and he answers my prayers. He helped the Isrealites and it is clear to me at least that they did not understand God all that well. I agree with the above posts that it is the sincere and intent that God is looking for. I personally think that God understands more then just mormonisms in regards to prayer. I am not sure if you can find any quotes that would say different.




 
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