The Fastest & Surest Answer To Prayer

Aug 2010 Issue

By Krista Ralston Oakes
The apostle Paul described his experience with “a thorn in the flesh,” from which he prayed for relief. This prayer was not answered as he had hoped. We can all relate to having a sincere prayer answered “no,” or “not now.” We understand that all prayers are answered in accordance with the timing and the good will of the Lord, who knows and loves all – and sometimes that requires patience or a willingness to see things in a new way.
Instead of removing Paul’s affliction, the Lord replied: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul later testified that he would glory and take pleasure in this and many other infirmities “for Christ’s sake, for when I am weak, then I am strong.” (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-12). Paul recognized the opportunity to use his gained strength as a source of strength for others:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also boundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope of you is steadfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation (2nd Corinthians 1: 3-7).”

As we experience suffering and tribulation in our lives, we have the opportunity to use these experiences to be “partakers…of the consolation” of others. I have been the grateful recipient of much relief during periods of tribulation, from mentors who have endured similar suffering, and who chose to be “partakers…of the consolation.”

As I have tried to follow their examples, I have experienced great joy – and the fastest, surest answers to prayer.

I felt particularly impressed while listening to a General Relief Society Conference talk by Julie B. Beck. Sister Beck said, “We also have the opportunity to assist the Lord by providing relief for others, which is the greatest, fastest solution to loneliness and hopelessness and a sure way to obtain the companionship of the Spirit. All we need to do to start offering relief is get on our knees and ask, ‘Who needs my help?’” (Julie B. Beck, “What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable,” 2007 General Relief Society Conference)

I remembered Sister Beck’s admonition one day after completing my morning prayers, and I offered a quick but sincere addendum: “Who needs my help?”

Within minutes after rising from my knees, the phone rang. The caller was someone who had just received a cancer diagnosis similar to one that I had received years before, and a mutual friend suggested that I might be able to help her. We only chatted for a while, and I hoped that our conversation would provide the caller with some relief.

Generous gratitude was expressed at the conclusion of the phone call. But as I hung up the phone I felt happier myself. I remembered more words of Paul, “that I might be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me (Romans 1:15).”

There was another addendum to my morning prayer — one of gratitude for the counsel of inspired leaders, and for such a quick response to that simple question, “Who needs my help?”

As I have continued this practice I have yet to receive a “no” or “not now” answer to such prayers. Instead, these are the prayers that have been consistently and quickly answered by the Lord. Opportunities are always revealed.

Maybe the phone won’t always ring right away. Maybe the “who” is someone already close to us instead of a new person crossing our path. Maybe the help is small and simple enough to seem inconsequential in our view (although many great things happen through the small and simple). But I believe that my will is better aligned with
His when I prayerfully seek an opportunity to be an instrument in His hands, and I have gained confidence that such prayers will always be answered in the affirmative, that we may “bear…one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).