Institute Lessons: Prayer and the Holy Ghost

Tonight the topic in institute focused on the Holy Ghost and Prayer. I LOVE these topics as I use them in everyday life and can definitely grow and learn in those areas. We went through a couple talks from Elder Bednar: Pray Always and Ask in Faith.

"Please notice the requirement to ask in faith, which I understand to mean the necessity to not only express but to do, the dual obligation to both plead and to perform, the requirement to communicate and to act."

I have learned of the importance of meaningful prayers and to follow up the prayer with action. Pressing Forward and not standing still.
I have a hard time understanding why people choose not to pray. The amazingly comforting feeling of being able to communicate with my Father in Heaven is such a great feeling. It helps so much and I notice the difference when I don't pray. I was asked advice on what I would do in a certain situation and my first thought was prayer. In all honesty I think my first thought when I struggle with something is turning to prayer. I just want to share my favorite scripture about prayer.

Alma 37: 36-37
36 Yea, and ^acry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy ^bdoings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy ^cthoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 ^aCounsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for ^bgood; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the ^cmorning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.