Today in Sacrament
Meeting I had the privilege to accompany the Ward Choir as they sang the hymn
“Joseph Smith’s First Prayer.” As they sang it, I was struck with the realization
that this really “twas the boy’s first uttered prayer.”
Joseph Smith was 14 years old, and grew up in a religious
home. But it was the era where the father always said the prayers. Joseph’s
family didn’t have a little chart that said whose turn it was for Family Prayer
or Scripture Reading. He went out into the woods that day to be alone, because
he didn’t want anyone to hear him — because praying aloud was so unfamiliar to
him.
Later in that same meeting I gave the Closing Prayer. Sure,
I’ve been praying my whole life — but I sat there through the meeting thinking
about the messages of the day and quietly praying for inspiration. Even after a
half-decade of praying both publicly and privately, there is still a moment of
pause to shift to that moment where you are conversing with God.
A few minutes later I
was in Primary (again for the piano), and adorable Hyrum Baird got up and gave
the prayer. Hyrum is 6-years-old, and he walked to the front, poised and
confident — not needing any help. And it was very obvious that this was not his
first uttered prayer either. This darling child prayed like he was talking to
someone he knew very well — maybe not as casual as a “friend”, but most
certainly a dear and cherished loved one.
The rest of the day, these thoughts stirred within me. I
looked at the stunning photograph one of my friends took in the Sacred Grove
and wondered what it was like on that day for Joseph so many years ago. I
thought about how hard it was for me when for 17 years during my marriage to
not be able to pray — and how truly blessed I am to be able to pray any time I
want to now. And I thought about how easily and comfortably I watched a
6-year-old speak to his Maker.
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