1 John 5:14-15

14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:

15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

On 21 September 1823, a little more than three years after the First Vision, the Prophet Joseph Smith prayed to know his standing before God. Moroni was sent to answer his prayer. Joseph said of the event, “I had full confidence in obtaining a divine manifestation, as I previously had one” (JS—H 1:29). Joseph’s experiences had taught him that God heard his prayers. Joseph had obeyed the Lord’s counsel and had been steadfast in his testimony—continuing, despite persecution, to affirm that he had seen a vision. He had grown in confidence that God “giveth … liberally” (James 1:5) to those who ask. (Spiritual Confidence, Liahona, Dec 1994 pg25)

We are so blessed that Joseph Smith caught on the first time, he received his testimony of prayer the first time. It was a big answer but none the less, Joseph Smith believed what God told him, he had confidence that God would answer his prayer the second time and the third and so forth, What if Joseph Smith would have questioned his answer, or thought that his first prayer was a lucky shot and God will not be there for him again.

Has prayer ever worked for you? I know that our prayers are answered, I have had my prayers help me in all areas of my life. I wish that I could be like Joseph Smith and get it the first time that Heavenly Father hears our prayers, but still many, many answered prayers later I sometimes don’t get it, I have let my confidence slack and think maybe Heavenly Father will not be there for me this time, that I might have to handle things alone. I testify that has never been the case, I have never be left alone before when I have sought out the Lord, he has always been there, my first prayer and my thousandth prayer. Keep your confidence in Jesus Christ
Believe him! He is there, every time.

I love you,
Sister MaryAnn Jensen