SMW 029: How to Use Your Prayers to Truly Build a Relationship with God || Niki Olsen

Niki Olsen, a mental health therapist, coach wife and mother of two, grew up with no spiritual guidance or knowledge in her life. At the age of 19, Niki converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but says she was mostly just going through the motions for many years after her baptism.   Several years ago, Niki decided she wanted to have a closer relationship with her Heavenly Parents, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost, so she started to dive in deeper in her study of the gospel.   Along the way, Niki developed an outline to help her pray with more intention. In this interview, Niki shares her personal pattern for prayer and how it has helped her gain the relationships with the Godhead she was seeking.   Niki’s journey shows how anyone, no matter where they start, can deepen their relationship with the divine and use Christ’s enabling power everyday in their life. Journal Questions Niki’s advice for someone who feels they are just “going through motions” but longs for a more connected relationship with our Heavenly Parents is simple–action. She said this during the interview, “Our Heavenly Parents cannot guide us without us acting. The spirit cannot continue to prompt us and build knowledge and reveal the mysteries of the gospel without us moving.” How are you feeling prompted to act? What can you do right now to take action in your spiritual life?   Have you ever considered writing out a prayer? If not, give it a try. You could write in a notebook or on your computer or just make notes on your phone. Notice if writing your prayer helps you feel more connected to God.   We hear all the time about creating balance in our life. Niki shared the thought that balance is doing the Lord’s will. Where are you feeling out of balance in your life? How could submitting your will to God help you feel more in balance? Episode Links Go to Niki’s website: nikiolsencoaching.com Follow Niki on Instagram: @nikiolsencoaching Follow Niki on Facebook: Niki Olsen Coaching Listen to Niki’s podcast: Meaningful Minutes with Niki Olsen Follow Spiritually Minded Women on Instagram: @spirituallymindedwomen Watch Spiritually Minded Women podcast episodes on YouTube