Lesson topic

I am giving the lesson in RS this sunday. I'm the fourth sunday teacher, which means that I get to give the lesson out of the Conference Ensign. All of the selections for the lessons so far have been wonderful. This past conference was wonderful so what can you expect to have a lesson on, but something wonderful.

The lesson this month is Pres. Bednar's talk "Pray Always".
In the talk, Pres. Bednar lists three principles that will help our prayers become more meaningful.
Principle #1- "Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings". As he explains this principle, he states that prayer is communication between our Heavenly Father and His children (us). We are God's children. When we understand that, we can speak to Him more naturally as we speak to our earthly parents. I love how Pres. Bednar likened prayer to the creation of the world. He said :"The patterns used by God in creating the earth are INSTRUCTIVE in helping us understand how to make prayer more meaningful". As with the creation of the earth, everything was first spiritual. Everything was created spiritually before it was created physically. Just like our days, we need to create the spiritual part of our day by having our morning prayers. This helps to create the foundation for our day and allows us to thank our Father in Heaven for our blessings of the day and to ask for help and forgiveness with our shortcomings.
Principle #2-"Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude". The story he shares about his wife and family is so touching. A General Authority was staying with the Bednar's. At this time, the Bednar's had learned about an unexpected death of a dear friend of theirs. Sister Bednar was asked to offer the prayer. The Apostle had suggested that she "express only appreciation for blessings received and ask for nothing". That would have been so hard to do, especially after such tragic news. She showed great faith and did as she was counseled and asked to do. "pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all things"-Mosiah 26:39
Principle #3- "Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart". "Petitioning Heavenly Father for the blessings we desire in our personal lives is good and proper. However, praying earnestly for others, both those whom we love and those who despitefully use us, is also an important element of meaningful prayer." The Savior was the perfect example of praying for others when he offered His Intercessory Prayer. He prayed for His Apostles and for the saints..."I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which thou has given me; for they are thine..."-John 17:9
Do our loved ones hear us pray for them? Do they feel the power that comes through our sincere prayers for them? As we pray we can be guided by the spirit what to offer in our prayers. We can have that connection with our Father in Heaven.