The 8 Keys to Getting Answers to Prayers

[@joeshawcroft7121]

I agree with the list but also want to comment on worthiness. There was a time in my life that I was not worthy and I prayed for an answer to something. God answered and I was surprised. I was not expecting it due to my personal worthiness and activities. I prayed again a day later as I doubted the answer I got and unmistakably I got the same answer. I made the decision to act on it and it led me to a place to get help and eventually become worthy which I was not planning or expecting when I prayed. God had a plan and he was there when I decided to seek him. So yes, God will answer prayers to the unworthy especially if it leads them back to him and Christ. For those out there who might not think God will answer them because they feel unworthy, don't ever hesitate to pray because you feel unworthy. Don't wait until you feel worthy! Pray always! God hears and wants to lead us back to him and will do so if we let him. God bless!

[@rocksteadyras]

The intent was worthy! It lead you up!!

[@local_banker]

Awesome. Thanks for sharing. If you think about it, we aren’t ever really worthy - we just do our best, and even then not always 😃

[@nickschneider774]

An important point! He is obviously correct that we should always seek to be worthy of the things that we ask however only the evil spirit teaches men that they should not pray. And to be fair I don't believe he was insinuating that we shouldn't pray but simply that if we want answers to our prayers these are the steps we should diligently follow.

[@joeshawcroft7121]

@@nickschneider774 I don't believe he was insinuating it either. I think striving for worthiness is a hugely important criteria to understand greater mysteries of God and to receive greater knowledge. Maybe I should have clarified that. I just wanted to share my personal experience that even if we are unworthy, God will always act in ways to bring us to him and answer prayers if the outcome will get us to where we can repent and receive Christ's grace and mercy. The gospel is incredible.

[@nickschneider774]

@@joeshawcroft7121 Absolutely! There are a lot of scriptural examples of that principle. One of my favorites is actually in the parable of the Prodigal Son. It says that his Father saw him from afar, and that he ran out to meet him. That and the story of the one lost sheep in the same scripture are pretty clear statements that God does not only help us when we are worthy. Thanks for sharing!

[@elkehoelzle7195]

Thank you. I am a new convert to the The Church and catholics don't know at all how to pray. I never knew, but I am improving.

[@local_banker]

That’s awesome that you joined the church. We all are improving. It’s been almost 30 years for me and I’m still struggling with my prayers 😃

[@cynthiashores57]

We are all learning about the principles of the gospel - prayer, tithes, fasting, faith, repentance, and so on. If God were to only answer the prayers of the righteous then those who question even His existence would never come to believe in Him. I think that's the reason so many of us have a testimony - we receive answers to our prayers.

[@elkehoelzle7195]

@@local_banker thank you!

[@vidadvocate9522]

Wonderful. Keep praying; He loves to hear from and counsel with you. Remember, He loves you very much.

[@ToaRahkshi]

This spreadsheet idea is life changing for me. Know you impacted my life because of this. Thank you!

[@JoshSteimle]

Re: agency of others, I started to fill out my own spreadsheet, and like the video author, I recognized that there were some things I was praying for that, if they were answered the way a genie would grant a wish, would violate the agency of others. I wasn't sure what to do about that, but I then had the idea to instead of praying for something, like "I pray that our daughter who we adopted at 14 will join the Church and get sealed to us..." I can pray "I pray that our daughter will have experiences that help her want to join the Church and be sealed to us..." The benefits of praying like this are that; 1) it helps me see the Lord's hand in her life, rather than focusing only on the end goal, and 2) it helps me think about how I can facilitate experiences that will help her toward the ultimate goal. And of course, it helps me respect her agency and understand better how God works with all of us to help us make good choices while not violating our agency.

[@LiveHappy76]

Thank you for this nice comment!

[@gustavoabalos3783]

thanks to share your experience, I pray for your baby and family , God bless you!!!

[@cristig1437]

I have been praying for something for almost 20 years. I believe I have done all of these steps... I have been promised multiple times I am going to receive but its nearly impossible for me to wait this long without getting repeatedly discouraged. I will get my hopes up only to have them dashed over & over. I don't know what to do. 😔

[@eloiselovesdevi]

Thanks for this video. It can be hard to hear that we don’t know how to pray! It’s a lot easier to blame abc for our prayers not being answered, rather than to acknowledge our part in it. The story of Nephi building the boat always amazes me!! Thanks for teaching us, very important message!

[@dinocollins720]

Another fantastic video; thank you

[@TaladranWoW]

Great video and concepts I have not thought of before Being very, very specific is something I have had good success with as well. Another thing that has helped me is to thoroughly think about each topic before I pray about it. An example would be the decision to accept a new job or not. I first think about all of the alternatives, the benefits, the negatives, and what seems like the best choice to me before praying and expressing those thoughts to Heavenly Father. I think this goes along with DC 9:7 - "you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.". Being open to Gods will and being willing to act on it is so important, because I have definitely done the above process and received answers to prayers that were contrary to my initial logical conclusion.

[@jcollingridge5837]

I really loved this, so thank you very much! As I've been pondering the message of this video I'm reminded of one of the key components to prayer - fasting. The great thing about fasting is that it helps us in the facets of being humble, doing all that we can, and helping the needy. The Lord did say that some things do not come out except by prayer AND fasting.

[@neatuff5881]

I feel this is so true. My best friend fasts ALL the time for very specific things and her prayers are always answered in some way shape or form. I have learned so much from her example of prayer and fasting.

[@brettsellers2899]

I prayed today that you will continue to have the strength and power and spiritual uplift to continue producing these wonderful videos. I pray that the influence of your teachings will spread far and wide.

[@ensignj3242]

I have found that scripture study is essential to getting my prayers answered. I have to be consistent and meaningful study-feasting rather than nibbling the scriptures. Also I must have time to ponder. Plus, I must be humble. I have to make sure my life is in line with the gospel.

[@FromG2eminor]

The scriptures also teaches me what to pray for. Studying scriptures, to me, is part of praying.

[@alexmunro2640]

I have found that if I do not fully act on the answer and in a reasonable time I will not get answers to my prayers as readily the next time.

[@timmcclannahan8309]

God has been taking such Great care of me through what I am going through

[@cynthiashores57]

Eight important points to remember about our prayers: 1. Are you being specific? 2. Is it a righteous request? 3. Does it compromise someone else’s free agency? 4. Are you sufficiently humble and grateful? 5. Are you worthy to receive answers and blessings? 6. Have you done all you can yourself? 7. Are you helping the poor and needy? 8. Is it God's will?

[@dinocollins720]

Makes my day whenever I see a new video!!!

[@Cody_Wilkins]

This is implied in some of that but I’d add: Are you ready to be obedient to God no matter the answer He gives. Like Abraham and Isaac, can you say honestly, “I’ll do whatever you ask me to do. No matter what it is.”

[@avy8907]

Thank you for this video! There were some aspects to prayer and answers that I wasn’t aware I was missing. You helped remind me and explain why we need to be specific. Thank you!

[@JoshSteimle]

I love the spreadsheet exercise.

[@kimberlyolsen9416]

Thank you for this. Yes I have learned that when I get really specific in my prayers I can see the answer and often quickly. I also find myself praying generically and the answers are illusive. We do need to have real intent with faith.

[@proudLDS]

21:16 Keep your mind on God the whole time and pray slowly, think about every word you say before they even leave your mouth. It may seem simple but it's remarkable how quickly your mind can switch topics if you don't mean it and a prayer that isn't worth your attention will hardly gain a glance from God. Dont immediately leave try to hear God first, if you don't feel the spirit it's OK, press forward with faith and I've found that I'll receive an answer throughout the day then pray if that's the correct answer.

[@beccabowler2385]

I can’t thank you enough for this video. It’s just what I needed.

[@chvid2009]

Thank you. This is very helpful!

[@TanjaCrouch]

Wonderful insights; thank you. Can you share a copy of your spreadsheet? My husband and I think that’s genius!

[@traceymenzel7079]

Thank you

[@liza_lou]

Thank you for the video, it has been on my mind to pray with more purpose and intent. Something that I would add to my personal list is if I have acted on the revelation that I have already received in relation to a specific sought after blessing. Sometimes answers come in pieces and we cannot receive more instruction until we recognize and act on what he has already given us.

[@mariamejiacontreras8688]

Great video I will definitely do the chart and seek to be more humble. Heavenly Father has done many miracles this past year , and answered so many of my prayers. I can’t wait to have this better connection with my Father in heaven. Thank you I learned so much from your video’s 🙏🏼 😊

[@masher8421]

Such a great video.

[@divaden47]

I have never appreciated the importance of being specific in my prayers. Thank you for this.

[@kevinwhitcomb8986]

Thank you.

[@nickschneider774]

Great list! One thing that I always try to do is to think if my prayer is based on faith hope and charity. If it is not aligned with these three principles then it won't be answered.

[@LiveHappy76]

Thank you! :)

[@lylestephpewtress3011]

This is great! I may be not just knocking, but using a battering ram! I feel like time is passing by and I’m not getting any younger! LOL! My blunders are HUGE! It is like a shopping list! Thank, bless, ask for, pray that/for… And one more thing, maybe updating the timeline would be a good idea? Thanks for your enlightening work. And thank you to your family.

[@packman579]

If you have time could you please do a video on Ezekiel 39? Thank you!

[@raparker83861]

My experience is, I often need to assess my thoughts and actions and go through repentance inorder to have the Spirit guide me in my prayers. Like Enos remembering his fathers words regarding the nurture and admonition of the Lord, tepenting of his sins and then his prayers turned to the welfare of his family.

[@nicoleclement4477]

Thank you for this great video. I'm going to share it with my family.

[@darreneastman1108]

I guess that means God can’t take away the agency of the person that is praying So maybe when we pray to help us choose which direction to go he would be taking agency.Probably choose first then get direction if it was right or wrong? Some good points to think about thanks I like your show

[@EricLovesCHRIST]

God hears my prayers

[@marcosemiliobarrantes4855]

Maybe this is part of asking with faith but I would like to add to be bold when we ask for blessings as we pray. Without being disrespectful to God can be be bold. We have several examples from prophets praying this way. The Lord is anxious that we ask him for what we need. Can you think of a promise given more often than this through out the four gospels and 3 Nephi by Jesus Christ himself? "Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

[@sadams397]

Do you have a video on "Why do bad things happen to good people?"

[@ninawigginton2559]

I may be off the mark to the specific person you have this in mind for, but it reminded of gospel giant and author, John Pontius. He talks in his book, "Following the Light of Christ" about opposition in all things. God is constantly giving us opportunities to grow and overcome our weaknesses in the trials we face. His hope is that we include Him in overcoming those trials so that we become stronger through Him.

[@davidcoalkey6074]

One pattern of qualifying for the blessings of God in the scriptures comes from the story of Jacob in the Old Testament. After Jacob wrestled with the angle and prevailed he was given the new name of Israel. From President Nelson we recently learned that one of the meanings of the Name Israel is to let God prevail. This meaning may appear to stand in contrast with the fact that Jacob would not yield to the angle/God until he received a blessing. He did not let God prevail in that moment. The act of letting God prevail came much earlier when he was given the charge to find a wife to marry in the covenant. He was obedient and diligent in this. God prevailing in his life was the qualifier for him to be able to wrestle with him to obtain the blessing that he sought. Let us all strive daily to let God prevail in our lives so that when the time comes that we seek his blessings we are qualified for them.

[@kathyperrins8538]

I would be more interested in listening to this if I knew who “gospel lessons”. I like watching and listening to people who identify themselves.

[@SisterKiwi42]

There's a video posted a couple of months ago (3rd back in the videos list from this) about a gospel doctrine app that has him and two other brothers.

[@stefanylclark7419]

1. Gratitude for the answered prayers, identifying the answers and genuine thanking the Lord increases the likelihood that He will trust us with more revelation and answers, Trust in Him and confidence in our own ability to communicate with Heavenly Father increases over time as we align our will with Him, 2. Writing down answers assists in the process. 3. If the prayer pertains to obedience to fulfill ones authorized specific calling , mantle, or sphere of responsibility, the prayer is most often answered and quite quickly.

[@neatuff5881]

Said very well. Thank you.

[@jensenthom]

I have a question. When you talked about someone’s prayers inhibiting free agency in another one of God’s children, Saul in the New Testament saw converted by Christ himself and Alma the younger was converted by Jesus Christ and by the prayers of his father and the people, do you think that prayers of great faith can trump free agency or do you think this was a predestined calling for these individuals?

[@neatuff5881]

ooooh good question.

[@deborafontes2180]

Sorry about your daughter. Was the surgery a success? How old is she now? By the way, what is your profession? Thank you.

[@_SeeIt]

I struggle with phrases like; "do ALL you can", "try your BEST", "EVERYTHING"... these absolutes frustrate me. I don't see a situation ever in my life that I did Everything I could do. I could have slept 1 second less and devoted that to being better. The returns are diminishing but there is more that could be done, almost always. I imagine some will respond to this with words like, effort, desire of heart, worthiness is not perfections... and that is great, but those explanations are in direct conflict with words like "BEST, ALL, EVERYTHING" and those are words we use in phrases that surround worthiness. This negatively impacts my faith because know there is always more I could do so I must not be doing all I could do before I get help. Helps?

[@joeshawcroft7121]

Our best is never enough. That's the point. Ether 12:27; 2 Corinthians 12:9. There is no amount of work we can do or no distance we get to on the journey where the atonement and grace of Christ take over. Someone's best is WAAAAY different from another's at any point in time. My best 5 years ago was way different from my best today. And each day there is always MORE I could do. None of us can operate at 100% effort in all things all the time. Failure was built into the plan. Only Christ and His grace makes our efforts good enough. Daily striving to follow him and daily repenting is all we can do (in my opinion).

[@_SeeIt]

@@joeshawcroft7121 I appreciate that Joe, and if it is the case I wish those were the words used to describe how we can get answers to prayer rather than the absolute words, "all best everything," that we often hear, including in this video.

[@joeshawcroft7121]

@@_SeeIt I don't disagree. I think sometimes it isn't the words but how we interpret/perceive them to apply to us. God bless!

[@aleciacampbell5939]

Church does taught the prayer of Jabez

[@TheLovelyrosepetal]

I have a hard time actually sitting down and praying. My mind simply goes empty and I don't know what to say! Then after I say a half hearted prayer all of a sudden thoughts flow into my mind on what I could've or should have prayed about! Or I feel that I'm to casual and don't know how to be both respectful and know what to say, do you have any tips or advice?

[@Roylamx]

Rose Sohn; Yes! Keep trying! You know Jesus is there, he is listening, he loves you, he wants what is best for you and he knows who you REALLY are, from an eternal perspetive, and you can always trust that he loves you much more than you know and really wants everything that's best for you and your family and he does not judge you for your very feeble efforts in prayer! You know you are his child! Keep trying!!! Oh, and don't be too surprised wheen he answers your prayers with miracles too!

[@shaek6820]

Years ago… While I was learning to pray, my mind became clouded and I couldn’t think of anything to pray for., even though I had a lot on my mind. Then I had a thought, to ask Heavenly Father what I should pray for, And my mind was flooded with questions and insights to ask. The Scriptures teach that “angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost”. I Then learned that if I didn’t know what to pray for I could ask, and he would teach and instruct me. And…..sometimes we need to dismiss satan so we can have a more clear path of revelation to hear God.

[@joeshawcroft7121]

I'd say when you get those thoughts of what you could've or should have said, then pray again and say those things. :). Nobody ever said we can't say 2 prayers in a row. :) I remember President Nelson saying in one of his talks "Ask the Him to teach you how to pray." I thought that was powerful.

[@irokruok]

I have had a couple amazing prayers when I have first asked Father to know what I need to pray for. When the spirit directs your prayers, they'll be like nothing you have ever imagined coming from your own lips. I hope everyone can have this experience.

[@lylestephpewtress3011]

I KNOW beyond the shadow of a doubt I’m unworthy. My unworthiness is almost 67 years old! I can’t help anyone I love. I know He is there, I have a testimony, I know He hears and answers prayers. I just can’t get it right!

[@joeshawcroft7121]

Don't give up! Christ came for the unworthy. He is always fighting for our heart.

[@lylestephpewtress3011]

@@joeshawcroft7121 thanks Joe

[@jeffboothe2102]

👍🏿

[@rocksteadyras]

I actually think Nephi was a giant.

[@pagevpetty]

11:18 😂 11:25 🤣🤣🤣

[@sammygomes7381]

The first step is to pray to God as Christ did. CHhrist didn't pray to Mary or saints, but the Father anything else is idol worship.

[@leemccormack7179]

I don't quite understand why it said that Lehigh was not Jewish. Lehigh came from the tribe of Joseph. Joseph came from the tribe of Judah which should make him Jewish.

[@neatuff5881]

sorry this is a yr later but. Joseph and Judah were brothers. They both came from Jacob (Israel).

[@luvmyfamily4eternity]

Petty & so off the mark on your latest MBRush vid. You are monetized and he is not. You come across incredibly full of yourself, all knowing and prideful as you preach against it. Try a lil self reflection and take all your own words to heart.

[@Itspronouncednuclear]

Thank you