"A number of years ago, our family learned a meaningful lesson on gratitude that we have never forgotten.
"While I was serving at Brigham Young University–Idaho, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve "Apostles visited our home. Earlier in the day Sister Bednar and I had been informed about the unexpected death of a dear friend, and our immediate desire was to pray for the surviving spouse and children.
"As I invited my wife to offer the prayer, the member of the Twelve, unaware of the tragedy, graciously suggested that in the prayer Sister Bednar express only appreciation for blessings received and ask for nothing.
"Sister Bednar responded in faith to the direction she received. She
thanked Heavenly Father for meaningful and memorable experiences with
this dear friend. She communicated sincere gratitude for the Holy Ghost
as the Comforter and for the gifts of the Spirit that enable us to face
adversity and to serve others. Most importantly, she expressed
appreciation for the plan of salvation, for the atoning sacrifice of
Jesus Christ, for His Resurrection, and for the ordinances and covenants
of the restored gospel which make it possible for families to be
together forever.
"Our family learned from that experience a great lesson about the power of thankfulness in meaningful prayer. Because of and through that prayer, our family was blessed with inspiration about a number of issues that were pressing upon our minds and stirring in our hearts.
"The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts."
Truly, gratitude is a most redeeming virtue. As an added bonus, I found a sign of gratitude as I walked down the street with my parents today (see below). I am grateful for this special season of gratitude.
"Our family learned from that experience a great lesson about the power of thankfulness in meaningful prayer. Because of and through that prayer, our family was blessed with inspiration about a number of issues that were pressing upon our minds and stirring in our hearts.
"The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any, requests. Let me recommend that periodically you and I offer a prayer in which we only give thanks and express gratitude. Ask for nothing; simply let our souls rejoice and strive to communicate appreciation with all the energy of our hearts."
Truly, gratitude is a most redeeming virtue. As an added bonus, I found a sign of gratitude as I walked down the street with my parents today (see below). I am grateful for this special season of gratitude.
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