I remember sitting in church as a kid and hearing all the testimonies on prayer. People talked of miracles, and answers to questions they’d been pondering. As a kid, I decided to test it out and try for myself. I knew I wanted to one day be on that stand, sharing my testimony.
In the weeks to come, I lost my favorite stuffed animal. Now, when you are young, that feels like the worst thing that could possibly happen. When in reality, it is far from. After asking everyone in my family if they had taken it, a thought popped into my head… and I knew exactly what I needed to do.
I found a quiet, private place in my home and I prayed harder than I ever had before. After waiting in reverence I decided to once again search for my missing friend. A few minutes went by and a thought popped into my head, “It’s in the dress-up box.” I immediately ran to my mom and told her where she was. My mom didn’t believe me, but I was so sure! Upon opening the box, there she was, right on top.
That is where my whole prayer journey started. Over the next few years, it only grew. I prayed daily, prayer became my personal cellphone to heavenly father. Trouble with boys, I prayed. Fun times with my grandparents, I prayed.
There were moments in life that I felt heavenly father had abandoned me. Losing my grandma unexpectedly was one of them. I prayed so hard for peace, comfort, and love. I found myself pulling away from God. Being angry, sad, confused and mad.
At the moment it felt as if I’d been abandoned, but in reality, He was there holding me up the entire time. Sometimes we find ourselves pulling away from Him, but He will never leave you. He will always be by your side if you are facing hardship, or sadness, or joy.
Prayer changed my outlook on life. It changed the way I see others. I am a more accepting person because I felt how accepting heavenly father was/is of me. There is nothing I go through in life that I don’t include my heavenly father in.
He was there for me as a child, and he’s there for me now. His love is never-ending. No matter what hardships you are facing in life, He is there. That’s something I find incredibly powerful.
Prayer has changed me, has it changed you? I’d love to know your thoughts on prayer and the stories or advice you have to give. The incredible thing about prayer is that it can be different for everyone. We all have our own unique relationship with God or a higher power.
All my love,
Talesha