Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery - Mighty Prayer in the Woods and Divine Answer from Heaven

Before receiving priestly ordination and baptism, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery went into the woods to seek knowledge and authority from God. Their souls were drawn out in mighty prayer as they earnestly sought the blessings of baptism and of the Holy Spirit according to the order of God. They desired to be followers of righteousness and to possess the knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God. In answer to their fervent prayers, the Lord answered them directly out of the heavens. While they were in a heavenly vision, the Lord manifested His presence and power to them, making possible their reception of the holy priesthood. This miraculous answer to prayer was foundational to the Restoration and demonstrated that the heavens were no longer closed to mankind.