Brigham Young University (BYU) is operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the “Mormon Church.” As part of their undergraduate coursework, BYU students take multiple Mormon religion classes.
Some of these students have shared their thoughts, insights, and reflections. We invite you to take a look at their epiphanies and discoveries as they delve into the scriptures.
Mormon Thoughts: Vertical
I have always had a testimony of the gospel of Christ. I have always trusted in the fact that we have a Heavenly Father and a Savior who suffered for the sins of the world. But seeing that I am human, I am bound to have doubts. I have never doubted the spirit I feel when I am in my church meetings, or bearing my testimony, or whatever it may be. I have never doubted that my Savior lives or that I have a loving Father in Heaven. My doubts have to do with my identity as a daughter of God.
When I first had these doubts, I didn’t see it as an issue that dealt with my value as a daughter of God. In my mind, I doubted that Heavenly Father heard my prayers. Out of all the people on this earth, how could Heavenly Father possibly hear the prayers of an insignificant, lowly Californian teenage girl when there were so many other people who may have needed His attention more than I did? I never felt like there was someone listening on the other end when I said my prayers.
I have been blessed with an amazing life, and I have my family, my health and friends who love me. Compared to other people who I have come in contact with, I haven’t had any majorly difficult trials, so I felt like Heavenly Father had more important things to do than listen to me. I felt so tiny.
This past week my Book of Mormon teacher said something that really struck me. He said that too often we look horizontally for answers instead of looking vertically first. Horizontally meaning asking parents, leaders, friends and others for their opinion as opposed to going vertically first, meaning going to Heavenly Father in prayer when you have questions. This statement struck a chord with me. I realized that I hadn’t really given Heavenly Father a chance for me to feel like He was listening because I had stopped praying. It’s a work in progress, but I’ve made a goal to work toward.
I’ve decided that I want to approach my Father in Heaven with everything. Every little thing. I want to feel like I am His daughter and that He cares about my little problems. It’s my fault that I haven’t been approaching Him in prayer, so I’m working on it. Like I said it’s a process, but little by little as I pray I can see just how much He loves me.
