Prayer

I have been thinking about the amazing power of prayer recently. I enjoyed Mary's experience she shared about prayer (click here to read her comment if you haven't had a chance to yet) And have also had some recent great experiences with the power of prayer.

I have read and reflected on the Bible Dictionary's definition of prayer for years.

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7: 7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship... The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings. - Bible Dictionary

I love this definition for many different reasons, and want to hear your thoughts about it as well! Once we understand our relationship with our Father in Heaven, it becomes natural for us to call on him through prayer. I have found that this is true for myself, and I forget it at times. I can just pray to him and he will be there, what a wonderful blessing!

Also, I have come to understand the power of praying for others. As Seth and I had a pretty rough month of August, many close family and friends said they were praying for us and had put our name on the temple Prayer Roll. It hasn't been since my mission since I have felt that distinct strong power of other's prayers for me (and Seth). I know of it's strengthening and comforting power to lift another's soul during trials and afflictions/sickness.

So my question/thoughts I'd like to hear comments about.... what are some experiences you've had with prayer?
What are your thoughts about this communication tool we have with our Father in Heaven?
How has prayer helped strengthen your family and companionship with your spouse?
What's the most difficult part about prayer? How can we overcome those difficulties?


(And I tag Tim for the next week's thought/lesson)

Lets use this blog in a little different way . . .

Ever have one of those little personal revelation moments (As mary shared in the comments under the very first blog), or a little thought come to mine. Or you hear a good quote or idea and we could all benefit from it!?! Please do post . . . Let us know if you don't know how to post a comment or to post a new message. (mohartley@gmail.com or noesterle@gmail.com )

We also thought about whoever posts the lesson can "tag" the next person to post the weekly lesson. If the person you tag doesn't check the blog often or doesn't even know about it, you're in charge of really making sure they got the message. If they don't know how to post or anything, try having them email it to you to post it for them or explain how. . . . does that work? I don't think this whole thing should be an annoyance to anyone at all, so don't feel pressured! I've been trying to think of something to post for this week's little thought/lesson and it's a lot harder than I thought. But I will try to come up with something! Thanks for your support guys . . . we just need feedback and hope it kind of works in a covenient way to bring the family together since we all live so far apart!! Love you all!

Our First Week! August 24-30

Strengthening Families:
Our Sacred Duty
Elder Robert D. Hales
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=518f84d4a0a0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____

We are often instructed to strengthen our homes and families. That “No success can compensate for failure in the home.” I wanted to find some concrete things that we can DO to prepare our families and ourselves for this world.
Now the problem I see for myself is to not get discouraged after looking at this extensive list. I have discovered that a problem I have is I see weaknesses and areas I need to improve and get discouraged at how far I have to go and wallow in it. . . .consequently getting nothing done. Tyler is trying to gently help me see the flaws in this approach. I am going to pick several of these to focus on.
I want to fill my home with the hymns. Even though Ella is so young I believe she can still respond to the feelings of the spirit and music can be so powerful.
Also I have been struggling with holding regular family home evening since I got married. At college all I had to do was show up each Monday and we had great lessons and activities. As newly weds we would put off FHE with the excuse that each night was family night for us. Most nights of the week we would conclude the day snuggling while watching TV. We knew we should be having a lesson and beginning and ending with a prayer, etc but of course that rarely came to be. Now with Ella we tend to use the excuse that Ella is too little or Tyler is SO busy. I have decided there will ALWAYS be a reason not to hold family night……but as listed above it is so critical for our families.


Please help add to our lesson by posting a comment or two. I really hope we can use this blog to learn from each other.

Welcome to the Oesterle FHE Blog!

Nikki and I (Megan) were chit chatting away on gmail this morning and both expressing different concerns/frustrations the everyday Latter-day Saint experiences. One of which being how it is difficult to have a productive and worthwhile weekly Family Home Evening. We decided since most of our family is incredibly tech savvy and know how the blog thing works; we should have an Oesterle FHE blog.

The purpose of this blog: As an Oesterle extended family, participants will take turns to share a message in form of a post (spiritual thought, story, experience, etc) with all of us. We then can share our thoughts and replies or other insights to that post. We hope that we have at least one new post a week with a different message to enlighten all of us. We can each take turns so you would only post once in a while, or we can make it all open to do anything. We just want everyone to feel apart of it.

Let us know what you think! Many in our family have their own personal blogs, a list on the left are our linked blogs so you can just click and see how everyone is doing. I am excited for the opportunity we have to do something like this and I hope we all take advantage of it!

Welcome to the Oesterle Family Home Evening Blog!