PRAYER & HAPPINESS

WHY PRAYER WORKS

As many of you know, or maybe you don’t, I am a member of the LDS Church, and have been for five years. Within our faith we believe that one 

is able to communicate to God through prayer, and in return, He answers us in many different ways. 

For me, prayer has become a habit that I have had to make. Growing up with little 

exposure to any one religion, I never had that kind of relationship with my Father in Heaven. That being said, I often limit myself by attempting to do things all on my own and without divine guidance. 

This being said, when I seek out the help of my God, I see how He works to answer my prayers. I should also add a disclaimer that these answers do not always come promptly after I have communicated with Him, and they may not even come in this life alone, some answers are waiting for me in the Heavens, but when they do arrive, they are nothing but extraordinary, even the simplest of things. 

So why am I sharing this? 

Well, I had an experience that has helped me realize why it is important to have a relationship with God. 

Through this I have learned that He loves each and every one of us without condition, with our flaws, our sins, our strengths, our weaknesses, our burdens, our triumphs, and even in moments when we feel as if we may not deserve it,

 HE LOVES US. 

& is so willing and ready to pour that love out to us, 

but we must also be doing our part and seek it. 

College is tough guys. It is so weird going to a new place, being surrounded with new people who have different personalities than you, and learning to live on your own without your family to rely on. 

ITS HARD OKAY. 

But anyway, this leads me to my little experience. 

I was just having one of those “my life sucks, feel sorry for me, I want to come home, who am I, I have no friends, 

and my wardrobe is a mess” kind of days. 

Dramatic much? Yes, but you know what I mean. 

So what does any freshman in college do?  Text their mom of course. 

Our conversation was short, encouraging words were said, but at the end of our texts, my mom encouraged me to seek out my Heavenly Father’s help through prayer. 

At this point, I was being stubborn. Not thinking that doing that would help me anyway, I had forgotten about the advice she had given me. 

However, a few days later, when I was feeling crummier than before, I decided to let go of that thing called pride, and I reached out to my Father in Heaven. 

Within moments, He gave me an answer. 

While I had been searching for new experiences and friends, and it just wasn't working out too well, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself instantly becoming good friends with some new girls who lived down my hall. 

In the few minutes we had met, they had already lifted my spirits. 

This may sound silly, but I know they were my answer. 

& I totally know that some answers to prayers simply come through people. 

If this wasn’t enough of an answer, I received a text from my mom that same day, which reads:

“Happiness is triggered by music, surrounding yourself with happy people, being spiritual, giving to others, providing service, and laughing. Happiness decreases anxiety and depression, and makes you physically more happy. Lets be happy.” 

I think all along, I was just looking for that happiness. 

I don’t think it was any coincidence that these two things happened on the same day. 

I think my Heavenly Father was simply telling me it is time to be happy. 

& sometimes this comes by CHOOSING to be happy, something I have had learned. 

I am so thankful for small moments like these. I am grateful to humble myself at times at reach out to God and ask for His help. I know that He knows me best, and each and every one of us, and is willing to give us exactly what we need.