There is something really special about being prompted to pray on someone's behalf. There have been a couple times in my recent past when I've been with dear friends who were drowning in their own suffering. I didn't know what to say to help them find peace. I knew how much they were loved, and I could see how bright their future was, but I didn't know how to convey this to them. Words about Heavenly Father and our Savior's Atonement made them retreat into their own pain (if it had any effect at all), but I knew that true comfort could come only from their Lord.
And then my Heavenly Father asked me to pray. As promptings often do for me, it came like a pinprick to my subconscious... sort of like when someone unexpectedly calls your name from across the room while you're focusing on something else.
We got down on our knees, side by side, and stayed quiet for a moment. And in that moment, the feeling in the room changed. It was as if we were in an office with our Heavenly Father, and He was waiting for the conversation to start. And when I opened my mouth, the Holy Ghost whispered to my mind and heart the words that I needed to say. I felt so close to my Father. I could feel His tremendous compassion, peace, and light encircle my heart. I could feel the blessings of my baptismal covenant as I represented my Savior by praying for and in behalf of someone else.
And by the time our prayer came to a close, I think that my friends could feel peace too. There were no more tears. There was no more tension. They were very still. In one case, when I began to end the prayer, my friend asked me to continue because of the beautiful spirit that was present. In the other, we didn't move after the prayer ended, appreciating the feeling that lingered with us like the last echoes of music in a concert hall. In both cases, the spirit touched their hearts enough to bring them a humble desire to receive their Father's comfort; and not only did it bring all of us closer to our Father, but it brought us closer together. I am reminded of the scripture that says "where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:19-20).
Our Heavenly Father loves His children so much. He does everything He can to help them. And it is His Spirit that can touch their hearts and bring them hope. It is the Atonement of His Only Begotten Son that can cleanse them. But when I was baptized, I made a covenant with my Savior to keep His commandments, remember Him always, and take His name upon me; as His servant, I represent Him and participate in His wonderful work to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Everyone who has been baptized and confirmed does the same.
I am so grateful for the opportunities that I have to serve my Heavenly Father as well as those I love. I'm so grateful that I can learn from all the wonderful people around me and be a part of their lives. I find that as I draw closer to Heavenly Father, I cannot help but love all of His children; His love deepens my friendships. I testify that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is real, and I promise that our Heavenly Father speaks to His children everyday.
