Petitions of Faith - D&C 10:47-52

And I said unto them, that it should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers; Yea, and this was their faith—that my gospel, which I gave unto them that they might preach in their days, might come unto their brethren the Lamanites, and also all that had become Lamanites because of their dissensions. Now, this is not all—their faith in their prayers was that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should possess this land; And thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that whosoever should believe in this gospel in this land might have eternal life; Yea, that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be. And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people.

The phrase "their faith in their prayers" is mentioned 3 times in this scripture. This begs the question, what does it take to pray in faith? Aren't there many sincere prayers that are said that aren't answered according to the will of the petitioner? I have touched on this topic before. A prayer of petition isn't for changing the will of God, it is for ascertaining those things which are contingent upon our asking for them. Thus a prayer of petition might be best carried out by seeking His will. The phrase "nevertheless thy will be done" and "thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" should adorn our prayers if not literally, then at least in sentiment.

True faith defers all wisdom to God. We cannot see things from the beginning to the end like He can. And thus we must try to bend our will in line with His, not the other way around. Any perceived losses on our part will always be made right in the end. Thus a true prayer of faith seeks to learn the will of God by the Spirit, and then makes petitions in faith. Once the will of God is known, I believe it is only then that we can truly put faith in it. Exercising faith is not always easy.

Note this important petition of the ancients which was granted for us: "whosoever should believe in this gospel in this land might have eternal life". Now that's something worth having faith in!!!