The One Where I Prayed 100 Times

We had a solid p-day! When we finished writing our families, I stood up from my computer and went to pay for my time and printed sheets. I made eye contact with a lady on the other side of the internet café and smiled. I could just tell she was going to come up and ask me something by the way she looked at me. She got to me right as I finished paying and said, “I came looking for someone I can trust and the moment I saw you, I just knew you were who I was looking for. Can you help me with something?” I said, “Of course!” She began to explain all of these financial confusions and showed me a ton of registers and records of payments and said a TON of economic words I’ve never even heard before in Spanish (probably not in English either), and asked me to revise her account and figure out the problem. So I tried to see and understand but I just couldn’t, but I wanted to help so badly. Right then I remembered that my companion studied this before the mission. I directed this sweet lady to my dear companion to help her. After a few seconds, we realized that she can’t read and no one was willing to take a minute and help her. But she said when she walked by and made eye contact with me, she just knew we would help her. I just love little moments like that just prove that God’s hand is in EVERY DETAIL of our lives.

                We had zone conference and last minute, the assistants asked me to perform a musical number so since I didn’t have much time (or any really), I just did what I know and sat at the piano and used the piano cheater way and played, “Where Can I Turn for Peace” (because a little while ago Daniel sent me the chords: MVP) and I just sat and played and sang.

                We had exchanges and I went to Machali with Hermana Maestre! She’s so wonderful! She finishes her mission in 3 weeks. She is super nervous and was on the verge of tears as she told me how sad it is trying to accept the idea that she isn’t always going to be a missionary. She said, “I can’t even think about everyone here I am leaving. It makes it way too hard.” She gave me some good advice and felt better as she just talked it all out. Solid day.

Hermana Maestre

                Today was such a special day! It just felt special. Nothing big happened, but it just felt good. It’s probably because Dad is in Palmyra in one of the most special places in the world.

                We taught Anabel, investigator from Colombia, and it was a powerful short lesson. We have been praying for her to receive a spiritual experience and feel the need and desire to act and today in the lesson she said, “I heard a voice in my head tell me I should go to church. And I have to obey, so I’ll see you two at church on Sunday!” It was so special. I love this. Also we taught Juan the law of chastity and Caria couldn’t come with us, so we called a ton of members until Hermana Danya could come and it ended up being exactly what Danya needed. Like NEEDED. I learned that even though it was frustrating that Caria couldn’t come and it was hard calling so many people, but in the end, it all made sense. J

                Both my companion and I felt the need to fast for more investigators and teaching opportunities. I decided when I started my fast that in those 24 hours, I would say 100 prayers. So I subtracted the hours of sleep and rounded and figured that more or less I would pray 6 times every hour, or about once every 10 minutes. Wow I have never felt closer to my Heavenly Father. I have felt close to Him strongly for a few moments before, but never like this. I felt Him as a constant companion. I believe that prayer is a sacred privilege. So knowing that I would be opening up the communication line with Him every 10 minutes, I realized that I couldn’t think bad, or negative, or distracted thoughts because how can I think something negative when I am about to start a prayer?

                I also realized that because I would be talking to Heavenly Father so frequently, I could ask for direction and guidance in EVERY decision. I honestly felt like I “counseled with the Lord in ALL my doings” (Alma 37:37), and as I continued praying, I felt directed in all of my paths. But I didn’t always have a question to ask. I found myself thanking Him for so many things. I found myself praying for my companion as we taught. I prayed for the people we were teaching to understand our Spanish, to feel the power of the Holy Ghost, and have the desire to make corrections in their personal lives to become more like the Savior. I have to admit, it wasn’t easy to pray so much. I found myself getting tired of praying with the energy in my heart, but as I continued praying, I learned that spiritual energy isn’t fed with physical food. So the longer I went without food or water, somehow my spiritual energy increased. My prayers became less superficial and more heartfelt. Less repetitive and more personal. I learned how to listen as I prayed. I listened to the talks in church and prayed with questions and specific direction and I felt the power of Heaven illuminate my understanding.

                I literally felt someone beside me. I swear I could almost see the outline of a real person. It made me happy having someone with me constantly. Someone who understands me. Who watches me and calls my attention to important signs, words, and feelings. Most of all, I am grateful for a stronger habit of frequent prayers. I hope I continue praying like this without trying to reach a certain number. Today in one of my prayers (around number 60) I asked, “Father, does it bother Thee or annoy Thee that I keep calling Thy attention so many times and sometimes just to say I love Thee? Is it annoying that I ask about every little thing, every single person, and every TINY decision?” And then the congregation started singing “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” and one line struck deep within my heart. In Spanish the words are, “He lives to listen. And give attention to my complaints. He lives to encourage me and calm my anguish. He lives to help. And comfort my soul. He lives, my faithful friends. He always loves me.” And I felt so strongly that our little complaints and questions and sacred conversations no matter how small are the very reason why it is so glorious that He Lives!

A note my companion wrote me on her boogie board when we were planning our lessons. Love her:)