"Our efforts to repent, and the marvelous gift of forgiveness, can come only through our relationship with God." p. 106
"We pray that we might make the necessary changes .... These heartfelt communications with our Heavenly Father, spoken in the name of His Holy Son, are at the very center of our repentance and forgiveness." p. 106
"Money, influence, power, and fame mean a lot in the world, but they will not bring the gifts of heaven." p. 107
ACKNOWLEDGING OUR SINS TO GOD
"When our actions have offended God, we go to Him first and throughout the journey of repentance." p. 107
CRYING UNTO THE LORD
"We must realize that we begin to receive the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives through our prayers." p. 108
"We come willing to offer our whole soul to God". p. 109
OFFERING OUR WHOLE SOUL TO GOD
"Offering our whole soul means that we do not hold back." p. 109
"We don't pity ourselves..." p. 109
"Rather, we come boldly to the throne of God -- sincerely, honestly, with real intent." p. 110
"...there is tremendous power in praying vocally." p. 110
"We show our Heavenly Father our true intent as we anticipate and plan for our communications with Him." p. 110
Neal A. Maxwell: "The submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar." p. 111
LANCE
After sacrament meeting one Sunday, Lance had the thought that he would schedule time to really talk to Heavenly Father at least once each week. He'd still pray like he normally did, but he wanted to plan time that would be free from distraction so he could just talk to his Father, undisturbed.
Lance decided to worship at the temple every Friday afternoon after classes. This coming Friday, Lance scheduled to do initiatories for 1/2 hour and then decided to go to the Celestial Room to pray and meditate for another 1/2 hour or so.
The first week Lance did this, he felt kind of awkward. His prayers are never longer than a minute or two, so he wasn't sure what it would be like to plan for a 1/2 hour prayer in the Celestial Room. Lance's initiatory session ended, so then he made his way upstairs to the Celestial Room. He found a chair near the corner and sat down. He looked around the room and was impressed with the reverent atmosphere. He had been to quite a few temples and had always admired the craftsmanship and beauty of each Celestial Room. The chandelier hanging in the middle of the room seemed particularly bright today as the sun's rays reflected and refracted off the crystals.
Lance bowed his head and prayed. Before he knew it, 10 minutes had passed as he said his "amen". He sighed and inhaled deeply, smiling.
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