I have since had lots of thoughts and no posts, rather I've been keeping notes on my thoughts (as they usually come when I can't blog) and saying I will get to those posts later, I guess later has to come eventually so here it is.
Since the new year (literally January 1, 2015), my testimony of prayer has grown and solidified into a foundation stone. Which I wasn't expecting because I never doubted prayer, I always trusted in it and believed its power. But I guess there is always room for growth (a lesson for another time). With Wade's birth circumstances (more details at quarterinchsteele.blogspot.com or wadetolkiensteele.blogspot.com), I know that there is no way we could have made it with the love of Heavenly Father and all those who prayed for us and of course the hospital staff, doctors, nurses, NICU, etc.
Along with the newfound knowledge of prayer with Wade's situation, I taught the lesson "Pray Always" in Relief Society and I just can't help but have prayer on the mind all the time. The thought that came to me (after my lesson of course) is this: "Since life is a learning experience, perhaps something we can add to our prayers (maybe at the end of the day) is a 'what I learned today' section. Just like parents ask their children what they learned/did in school that day, I imagine God is just as interested in our learning progression here on earth."
The actualization of the realization of how much prayer has shaped my life is almost overwhelming. Besides my parents (who I know prayer for me, my family and my brothers by name) I have also come to feel and realize all the others who prayer for me and not just in times of trial or need. My other family members, my friends, my church leaders and ward members to start. And then there are those who pray for the sick or in need of comfort, those who pray for hospitals, missionaries, and military. And I've come to understand in a new light that the world needs prayer of all kinds. Personal, family, general, private, public, priesthood blessings, food blessings, prayers in the heart, and glances toward Heaven.
All communication with God is heard, all prayer has power. I am a daughter of God and He loves me, He wants to talk with me, and I love Him and will come to Him with my joys, sorrows, needs, and thanks as I would my earthly parents.