One single prayer

Here is the Proof: 

"It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally." (vs.14)  Joseph Smith History

Though unsure of himself, the young Joseph Smith knelt in solitude in a wooded area near his home...

Sacred Grove, NY

  In this single attempt to pray to a God he had only heard about (at this point in his life) this young brave man uttered possibly the most powerful prayer in this dispensation. Unaware that this prayer alone would usher in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ...and all because this young man inquired of the Lord. 

 "After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction." (vs. 15) Joseph Smith History

Satanic powers and darkness are real.  

This is one thing we can learn from Joseph Smith's experience with prayer. Darkness is around us...and Satan's powers are indeed real. Satan knew before Joseph even entered the woods that spring morning that this young man would rock his earthly empire and with all of his power, Satan tried to stop him. In Joseph Smiths own words from  Joseph Smith History  

"It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me?"  (vs. 20) 

How often have these power of darkness combined against us? How often is it that the thought of prayer will enter our mind only to be buried by worldly distraction. Often occurring over and over again until eventually the moment has passed and the precious thought of prayer has been left behind. Days, weeks...for some, even months will pass...after that point, how could we pray to Him -- Our Father in Heaven.
Would he recognize my voice? 
Has he moved on and forgotten me? 
Would my problems even matter? 
I have questions...does prayer really bring answers? 
Satan places these thoughts of doubt in our mind because he has witnessed first hand the power of one single prayer and what can come from it.  He knows of our potential, just a he did Joseph Smiths, and he will do everything in his power to keep us from praying and remain in our lowly state of doubt and misery.

Light and Truth will always come from God. 

"But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound." (vs. 16 & 17) Joseph Smith History

Of course our prayers matter! This is another thing we can learn from that one single prayer of Joseph Smiths...Our Father in Heaven will never let Satan prevent us from praying. In our greatest moments of need, our Father will be there. Our earthly experiences can help us see why? Earthly mothers and fathers want to hear from their children...so why wouldn't a very loving Father in Heaven want to hear from His? Especially when they need him the most. 

 We should never be ashamed to pray. That moment when Satan has us in his grasp is the moment we should pour out our souls, pleading for relief. 

Prayers can be offered in silent thought, we can kneel, we can be standing or sitting-- Elder Russell M. Nelson made it a point that the "physical position is less important than spiritual submission to God". 

Our prayers might not be answered as quickly as we hope. The answer most likely wont come in the form of a great vision, but more so in the way of a thought or feeling. It may even be years later when we can look back on a difficult time and realize our pleas for help were answered, only we did not recognize it at that time.  It might not even be until that very moment when we are ready to sink into despair and abandon hope just as the young Joseph Smith described. It might come after we have soaked our pillows with our tears night after night (2 Nephi 33:3)   "For I pray continually...by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night...and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry." The answers will come! 

Relief will come!

Even Joseph Smith, a prophet of God, when he was being held in Liberty Jail he pleaded for relief...but the answer he received was "All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." 

Our Father in Heaven loves us and I am sure weeps with us when we crumble and feel at our lowest, yet he will not step in and hinder our growth. We should not be surprised by this, even loving mortal parents don't say yes to every request of their children. 

When God appeared to young Joseph that spring morning he called him by name and immediately introduced him to "His beloved son", our Savior Jesus Christ, and told Joseph to "hear him". 

Our father knows us. He wants us to return home to him...and our selfless, loving brother -- Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, has made it possible. 

He is the LIGHT and TRUTH that COMES FROM GOD. 

It is my testimony that God does indeed hear every prayer. Satan will do all he can to stop communication between our hearts and the heavens above. Keep praying! We are always worthy because Jesus Christ has paid for any mistake that would prove us unworthy. He lives for us so, that through him, we can always be close to our heavenly home.