What can we learn about prayer from the First Vision?

October 9, 1:31 PMLDS Church ExaminerGreg West

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 On a beautiful, clear spring day in the year 1820, a 14-year old boy went out in the woods near his home near Palmyra, New York.  His purpose? To ask the God of Heaven which Church he should join.  The young man's name was Joseph Smith.  Raised in a family of humble means and circumstances, he lacked the sophistication that comes from education.  Yet he believed the promise he read in the scriptures, as recorded in James chapter one, verses five and six.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..."

Joseph knew that he lacked wisdom and that he desired truth with all his heart.  He knew that God possessed all wisdom and truth.  Faith was the essence that could unlock God's mysteries.  Joseph had faith in the promises that morning as he went to pray.  Having been raised in a small home with many siblings, the opportunity to pray in private was probably rare, unless one repaired to the woodlands.  Although he had prayed many times in his heart, Joseph chose to pray out loud on this occasion.  He related that it was the first time in his life he had ever done so in a private prayer. 

In a transcendent moment when foreordination and individual agency connected, Joseph Smith exercised faith and prayed in accordance with God's will and timing.  In so doing, God responded to his faith and opened the heavens.  This event initiated the dispensation of the fullness of times--a time foreordained by Jehovah in which all powers and authorities from every previous gospel dispensation would be brought into one.  This dispensation was to be a final, triumphant one that would prepare the earth for the Second Coming.

Joseph saw a pillar of light that was brighter than the sun.  The light descended upon him and he beheld two Personages standing above him in the air.  One of these Personages spoke to him, called him by name, gestured to the other and stated, "This is My Beloved Son.  Hear Him."  God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith on that ocsasion and spoke to him.  When Joseph asked his question, he was told to join none of the churches that were in existence in his day.  He was told that they were all corrupt and that they taught doctrines of men.  He was told that the creeds upon which those systems of belief were founded were "abominations" before God.  He was commanded expressly to "go not after them."  He was promised that, at some future time, the fullness of the true gospel would be made known unto him.

This encounter, which latter-day saints refer to as the "First Vision," provides us with a number of important points regarding prayer.  First, effective prayer requires some degree of preparation.  Joseph prepared himself by reading the Bible and meditating on his problem.  He tried his best to work out the answer for himself.  He attended church meetings of several denominations and spoke with the members and clergymen of these sects.  He used reason and the resources at his disposal to attempt to come to a conclusion. 

Second, while seeking knowledge from the Bible, the aforementioned passage in James moved him strongly.  He later said that this passage of scripture came into his heart so forcefully that he was preoccupied with it for sometime afterward.  Answers to our questions can often come to us through the scriptures as God touches the "eyes of our understanding" so as to see and comprehend the things of the Spirit.  In this case, the understanding that came was an invitation to approach God directly.

Those who are indoctrinated by their education and their pride will tend to compare scripture against their creeds.  If the creeds of men didn't teach that there would be no more revelation from God, no more angels, visions, prophecies, etc., simply reading the Bible would inform them that these things can and do occur when faith is present.  The creeds, which God said were an abomination, are a deterrent to faith and discourage any expectation of personal revelation.  Joseph had no such learning. Often, God has chosen young men to be his prophets: Samuel, David, Daniel, Nephi, and others.  Perhaps this is because their faith is still unspoiled by the false "filters" of secular learning and priestcraft.

Third, when Joseph resolved to make the attempt, having prepared himself to exercise faith, he encountered opposition.  A dark power attempted to block him praying.  In this situation, the Adversary knew what was about to occur.  If he could only forestall this prayer, if he could prevent it from taking place, perhaps the entire Restoration might be aborted before it could be brought forth.  Joseph exerted all his strength to overcome this power.  When he felt that he could no longer do so, it was in that moment that the light appeared above him and he was delivered.  The lesson here is that we can expect opposition when we wish to commune with God through prayer.

It seems, when we have an important need to discuss with our Heavenly Father in prayer, the phone rings, the baby cries, the FedEx man rings the doorbell, or some other distraction can appear.  The more important the need, the greater the distraction will be.  When that happens, we need to persist and persevere. 

Fourth, praying vocally helps us focus our thoughts.  It is a conversation with God that we seek.  Many religions have pre-written or memorized set prayers that give comfort and help individuals approach God.  Latter-day saints also have some prayers that are always said exactly the same way.  These are generally reserved for ordinances like baptisms, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, and other ceremonies.  In personal prayer, we find that one can speak from the heart, without eloquence of speech and God hears our prayers and answers them, often in a very direct way. 

God is our Heavenly Father.  Whether one is Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, or Christian, he hears our prayers.  He loves each of us because we are his children.  He wants us to come to him and learn of him.  Inasmuch as we connect with him and learn light and truth from him, untainted by man's philosophies, we will come closer to a unity of faith.  In particular, he has reiterated in modern times that, if we will pray in the name of Jesus Christ, special blessings will come unto us. 

"Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you..." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:64)

A non-Christian may understandably take issue with this approach.  Nevertheless, out of all the religions of men that exist today, only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claims that the heavens are still open and that God speaks today.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ and find that the promises are true.  Joseph Smith prayed in the name of Jesus Christ.  It is not by "hearsay" that we know of God's existence.  We are witnesses that personal revelation and answers to prayers can come to you. 

We encourage all of God's children who are curious to make the attempt.  Even if you do not choose to convert to Mormonism or another Christian faith, at least give it a try.  Pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ for those things you stand in need of.  You will find there is power in doing so.  You will find that your effort will be recognized and blessed.  You can try this on your own, in your room, in your garden, in your own "sacred grove," or anywhere else you can be alone.

Fifth, God answers prayers in his own time.  Sometimes the answers to our prayers come immediately.  Sometimes they come after some time passes.  It depends, in part, on what we ask.  If we ask for God to reveal his existence to us and we are humble and sincere, the answers can come with startling immediacy.  If we ask to know of the truth of the Book of Mormon or of some particular teaching, it might take us some time to study and ponder it out in our minds.  If we pray for world peace, we may find that it will take some time, but we also can discover that God can bring us a personal peace that blesses our lives.

Answers to prayers can come as impressions in the mind or wisps of "pure intelligence" as Joseph Smith called it.  Sometimes it comes as a confirmation to a decision we have made.  Sometimes answers come as a voice speaking audibly, in inspired dreams, in visions.  Sometimes the answers come when a particular passage of scripture "leaps off the page" at you and leaves a strong impression on the mind.  Sometimes the words of a sermon or the advice of a friend may contain the answer we're seeking.   There have been and there will continue to be incidents in which angelic messengers bear heavenly instructions to those who need them.  In the economy of heaven, God doesn't send an angel when a prophet can do the job.  Likewise, he doesn't send a prophet if your parents or a friend can deliver the message, sometimes unwittingly.

When someone tries to pray for the very first time, it is often intimidating.  It is a great thing to approach God in prayer.  We should be humble, yet at the same time confident that God loves all his children.  That includes you.  Your speech doesn’t have to be flowery or fancy.  You might wonder, “What should I say?”

It is always appropriate to thank God for the things for which you are grateful: health, friends, family, or whatever you feel in your heart.  You can ask God to provide for specific needs.  If you are a student, ask him to help you with a tough class or exam.  If you are a parent, ask for protection for your children.  Pray for strength to do what is right.  Pray for strength to resist temptation to do wrong.  If you’re having financial difficulties, ask God for his help and listen for inspiration.

Listening is an often overlooked part of prayer.  When you ask for something, pause and listen.  Listen not only with your ears, but with your thoughtful attention.  Very often, inspiration comes to us through our own thoughts.  Answers come and you’ll know the right way to choose.  You’ll feel good about it. Act on those promptings and you will see that things will work out. 

Regular prayer, morning and night can bring great blessings into our lives.  Showing devotion to God in this manner gives us multiple opportunities to draw inspiration into our daily life.  Take confidence.  When the Lord spoke to Joseph, he called him by name.  God knows your name, too.  He is not a stranger unless you want him to remain one.  Prayer can bring his power and comfort into your life.  It’s worth giving it a try. 

 For more info: Visit http://lds.org/jesuschrist