reserves the decision-making power

In the Book of Mormon we read that the Savior directed, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which Is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” (3 Nephi 18:20.)


This is one of the most significant and distinctive insights given to us in all of the scriptures. Even though we may ask in faith for something, unless it is right for us, God reserves the decision-making power to himself. A perfect, loving, and omniscient Father would do just that. Thus, in addition to having faith, we need to ask for that which is right. This same tonal truth appears in modern revelations. The Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name, it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you.” (D&C 88:64.)

Clearly, the Lord reserves the right to determine that which is best for us, lest we ask for something in our spiritual naiveté that would not conform to the will of God. Nephi, the prophet, understood the importance of precision and propriety in prayer. He knew from happy experience that God would give liberally to him if he, Nephi, prayed in such a way that he “ask not amiss.” (2 Nephi 4:35.)

Thus we see the importance of what a modern prophet has told us. President Joseph F. Smith asserted that spiritual growth includes “the education of our desires.” Our task is to come to that point in our progress where our very desires are right in the sight of God. When we arrive at that point, we will have the “mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16.) From those with the “mind of Christ” will come perfect prayers.

Continuing to speak of strategic things, we must have the Spirit with us, so that the Holy Ghost prompt us to pray for that which is right. Nephi advised us that the Spirit “teacheth a man to pray.” (2 Nephi 32:8.) There is, therefore, a definite connection between our righteousness and our capacity to draw upon the Spirit so that we will ask for what we should ask for. The Lord told Joseph Smith in 1831, “And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus, and it shall be done. But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask….” (D&C 50:29-30.)



Neal A. Maxwell, “What Should We Pray For?,” Prayer. Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, UT. 1978. P.44, 45