Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.
-Saint Augustine
Utah is know as the beehive state because of the work ethic of the early Mormons. It is still prevalent even today.
What I take from Augustine's quote is that we should put all of our faith in The Lord as we put all of our energy into our work ethic. Because to pray and put forth little to no effort is to effectively wish for something without working to make our desires a reality.
Nephi prayed for release from his bonds and his prayer was answered.
17 But it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, according to my faith which is in thee, wilt thou deliver me from the hands of my brethren; yea, even give me strength that I may burst these bands with which I am bound.
18 And it came to pass that when I had said these words, behold, the bands were loosed from off my hands and feet, and I stood before my brethren, and I spake unto them again. 1Nephi 7:17-18
I have always thought that God gave him the extra strength needed. And that we all may enjoy the same power if we pray as though everything depends on God as we put forth all the effort towards our goal as if everything depends on us.
There are times when we are helpless and can't put forth any effort but I believe The Lord understands us in those moments and gives us what we need before giving us what we want.
And sometimes I believe we may be denied what we want is because The Lord has something better in mind. Which has been very much true in my own life.
Another example of faith is Meshach, Shadrach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. They had no strength or effort they could excercise outside of their faith but because the put all their energy into their faith it was sufficient for The Lord. They were blessed with a miracle for their faith.
But despite all our prayers we may not receive a blessing or a miracle that would otherwise save our lives. Sometimes our prayers are denied not because of a lack of faith but because however strange or tragic it may be, The Lords will stands against our desires.
But Jesus even prayed the the bitter cup may pass him by but He still finished His prayer by saying nevertheless Thy will be done.
Jesus is making it known what He is praying for, that even though He prays to avoid His gruesome fate, His prayer that Thy will be done superceeds the will of Christ for the will of The Lord.
Jesus didn't get what He wanted for Himself, He got what The Lord wanted for us all.
