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Mighty Prayer - what is it?

I am beginning to study this, in depth.

What exactly is mighty prayer?

How is it different from normal, everyday prayer?

How do I do it?

How do I prepare for it?

NightHawk

it what Prayer Mighty

Great topic Nighthhawlk, I think Mighty Prayer is a Power-Prayer, a prayer with real Faith not a repetition or a tradition we 'must' do. A prayer that will reach to Heaven rather than the ceiling. A strong and faithful prayer where we pour all our feelings, desires and burdens to Heavenly Father. A prayer just like Enos.
Elder Neal Maxwell said something really good about Prayer:

"Petitioning in prayer has taught me, again and again, that the vault of heaven with all its blessings is to be opened only by a combination lock. One tumble falls when there is faith, a second when there is personal righteousness; the third and final tumbler falls only when what is sought is, in God's judgment - not ours - right for us. Sometimes we pound on the vault door for something we want very much and wonder why the door does not open. We would be very spoiled children if that vault door opened any more easily than it does. I can tell, looking back that God truly loves me by inventorying the petitions He has refused to grant me. Our rejected petitions tell us much about ourselves but also much about our flawless Father" (New Era, April 1978, p.6).

Mighty Prayer - what is it? Studies Doctrine Mormon

Yes, I see mighty prayer as this type of prayer also.

Everything that I have read so far has agreed that this is a good definition of it.

I just haven't really found any information about how to reach this state.

NightHawk

it what Prayer Mighty

Preparation for meditation could be one way, the calming breathing, the pure focus, the absolute quiet or solemn music. Not to say "getting in the mood" -- that doesn't seem to me the right frame of mind. But truly preparing for powerful communication with Deity.

And, in the scriptures, those who wrestle with their spirits in mighty prayer are often praying for DAYS and ... don't a lot of them end up sort of unconscious?

Fasting, of course, and in humility.

I've also read, from a completely unlikely source, that being open to the Spirit is simply NOT being CLOSED. We, too often, close ourselves off from the Spirit because our minds are too scattered and cluttered with other things.

In my opinion, of course.

Roz

it what Prayer Mighty

Excellent point. I hadn't thought about that.

Someone recently noted on a mailing list where I am active, that they don't fold their arms when praying. Folding the arms is, in "body language" a form of defense, or protecting the heart. I have thought about that a bit, and can understand it.

I have tried, in personal prayers, to open up my arms holding them out. It is psychologically uncomfortable at the moment, as I grew up in the Church, but I do find that I feel different that way.

Another point about the body language thing is that there are many instances in scripture and even in more recent LDS historical writings, where people pray with their hands upraised and eyes open. I guess that this is to signify reaching and looking for their Father.

I find this very difficult, as my arms get tired quickly, and my hands start to go numb.
8)

NightHawk

Mighty Prayer - what is it?

Although traditional, I always liked the clasp of hands in a cup shape rather than flat palms pressed together.

Mighty Prayer what it

Yes, I have seen a picture or painting (?) of the early days of the Church when they used to pray with their hands upraised and eyes open. I think this is a very interesting thing.
Personally guys, I think that Heavenly Father listens to our hearts, so whether we fold our arms or not or whether we raised our hands or not it doesn'rt make a difference in the sincerity of our prayers.it does make a difference in the body language but how many people may raise their hands and speak beautiful words and their hearts are not sincere and far from God like JesusChrist said?...now, it doesn't mean that a person is going to have the attitude of 'whatever' when they're praying *rolling eyes*. Common sense and respect to Heavenly Father is a must!.

Oh yeah, I bet mine too

In what ways do you feel different?

Mighty Prayer what it Mormon Doctrine Studies

When I pray with my arms outspread (on top of my bed), I usually hold my hands in a cup shape.

I have seen a photo of a high priest blessing the sacrament in the early 1900's with his arms raised. The same place has some anecdotal evidence that this was common. I don't know why there was a picture, I found that quite odd.

I tend to agree with you, although I know some "fundamentalists" who claim that the act of holding our hands up is a form of physical signal.

What I see about it is that these physical acts (raising the hands, etc) change our attitudes by changing our body language. Maybe I should say they can change us.

Which leads to:

I don't know if I can explain it. I actuall feel as if I am putting more of myself into it. When I am feeling rebellious, or just miserable, I can't even force myself to do this. It is like I have to really want to pray to assume any of these positions.

Now, one additional thing that suddenly came to mind. There is a very interesting book online about experiencing the mighty change of heart. I am not sure how much I agree with a lot of what the author says, but he does include a few testimonies of people who have had the experience.

A couple of them explained that as they experienced the "mighty change" or the baptism of fire, they assumed an even more humble position, feeling almost forced into laying on their stomachs with their hands outstretched, in an attitude of supplication. This happened when they reached a point of abject contrition, similar (in type, not intensity) to what Alma experienced.

Personally, I can't imagine myself assuming that position. But then, who knows? Maybe that is the position that our spirits naturally desire when we strongly feel the presence of the Lord.

NightHawk