Sweet Home Ellabama : Week 46: More Than A Grocery List

This week I met a 10 year old boy named Patrick. Total goofball, little chunky guy. He is a mormon, but his mom doesn't go to church and his dad lives in Oklahoma. We asked him what he knew and he exclaimed, "I don't care what anyone says, I know The Book of Mormon is true!" Shocked, we asked him how he knew. "I prayed about it and was filled with a happy feeling! It made me want to sing 'doo da doo da do yaaaa!'"

hahah how great is that! So simple. So pure. So real. That is prayer. God is our father. He loves us, knows us, and wants the best for us. He wants to talk to his kids. He wants to answer our questions. He wants us to feel the reality of His presence and love.

When I was 9 years old, I learned God was real as I was watching National Treasure at a friends house. As cheesy as can be, I was nervous sick knowing Nicholas Cage was about to steal the Declaration of Independance. In a desperate manner I simply prayed that God would comfort me. The moment I opened my eyes I felt completely calm. I still remember that peace 11 years later.

But to someone who isn't "religious", prayer is a funny thing. We talk to a God we've never seen before and tell Him about our lives. We mention what we are grateful for, what we need, and ask questions. It can be beautiful when we are filled with feelings of peace, joy, and understanding, because this teaches us God is real. On the other hand, sometimes it feels like we are speaking to a wall, leading us to believe there is no God at all. So how do we pray in a way that will teach, lift, and transform us?

The answer comes in Moroni 10:4-we must speak to God sincerely, with the intentions of acting on what we learn, and with the belief that God exists. As we do so, our prayers turn from nonsense to reality. We gain a new sense of who we are and what life is all about.

I've learned that prayer is more than a grocery list. Instead of brainlessly repeating myself or demanding things from God, I've learned to be open and honest. When I think about what I say, then listen and wait to feel His love and answers, my days are truly turned from night to day. I know truth can only be found through prayer. I am only in Alabama because I've prayed to know if this church is true, and I know for a fact that it is.

Love always,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen

the 2 cutest blonde girls I've ever met!! they loved what we taught them so much that they knocked on every neighbors door and introduced us!! SO precious!