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 For some prayer may simply mean
saying the “Our Father,” or blessing a meal at supper time.
For others it can be a meditating experience where petitions
are offered, reflections experienced, and answers received.
Prayer is Our Connection Back to Heavenly Father
Prayer is consider one of the greatest blessings we will have
during our journey in mortality. Prayer is “...sincere,
heartfelt talk with our Heavenly Father” (Gospel Principles
41). Prayer has been taught and practiced since the beginning
of time, affects all of our thoughts and actions, and will
bring us closer to God than anything else we can do as humans.
We are instructed to pray whenever we feel the need to do so,
and always “with a sincere heart, with real intent.” The times
we don’t feel like praying are likely the times we need it the
most. All prayers should be directed to God the Father, only,
and can be done in silence or out loud as we feel prompted. We
are directed to have personal prayers each morning and night
(as a minimum), while having a prayer in our hearts at all
times. We are also directed to have prayers as a family each
morning and night. In addition, we are admonished to have
prayers before eating as an individual or as families. All
Church meetings and events should begin and end with prayers.
The Method of Prayer
A prayer is best accomplished by addressing Heavenly Father,
expressing feelings from the heart as if to “confide in him,”
asking forgiveness, giving thanks, praying for others, and
expressing love for Heavenly Father and for his son Jesus
Christ. The highest and most reverent language possible should
always be used. In all instances of prayer, Christians are
asked to avoid “vain repetition” and ask for and submit
themselves to God’s will, understanding that God knows what is
best for us. All prayers should be ended in the name of Jesus
Christ.
Prayer position should always be that which invokes humility
before God and limits distractions. A humble position for many
is on bended knee with arms or hands folded.
The Six Keys to Effective Prayers
Six key things stand out when considering prayer: 1)
conducting personal prayers morning and night (at a minimum);
2) praying to our Heavenly father exclusively; 3) using the
most reverent language possible; 4) always ending prayers in
the name of Jesus Christ; 5) avoiding meaningless words and
repetitions; and 6) the emphasis on praying as a family. The
following explains each one:
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Personal Prayer
Praying with a group, even with family, is very different than
praying by one’s self alone. It is the difference between
having a family dinner and having one-on-one time between a
parent and a child. One-on-one time has a special spirit
associated with it, where intimate conversation and special
feelings can be expressed. The same goes for prayer, where our
Heavenly Father wants to hear from us personally whenever
possible.
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Praying to Heavenly Father Exclusively
Praying to Heavenly Father exclusively is something that may
be foreign to some Christians. Although the principle of
intercessory prayer is biblically sound and comforting, why
not direct all of our prayers directly to our Heavenly
Father—the source of all life. He is our Father, our God, and
the deity to whom all prayers should be directed. When Jesus
taught his disciples to pray, he addressed his Heavenly Father
and set the perfect example for all of us on prayer. He did
not invite anyone to pray to him. He always deferred to the
Father—always! Praying to our Heavenly Father exclusively also
avoids confusion with children.
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Using the Highest Language in Prayer
As a child and young adult I gave little thought to the
language of prayer, the formulas were set or I was free to
chat with whomever I chose. I grew up voicing my prayers
silently or out loud in a casual language, since this was most
comfortable to me. Over time I found the practice of using a
“higher” language in prayer to be more reverent. I was
accustomed to saying “you” and “your” when addressing Heavenly
Father, but over time using “thee” and “thou” gave my prayers
more meaning. Language is powerful. I was showing greater
reverence and respect. My love and awe for my Heavenly Father
grew, as did my feeling of closeness and of having a deep
personal relationship. I came to understand, along with my
family, that language can enhance prayers and the spirit
behind prayers.
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Ending Prayers in the Name of Jesus
Christ
Jesus Christ said: "...I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). When we
pray to the Father we do so in the name of His only Begotten
Son so that our prayers will find access to Him, allowing us
to come unto the Father through Jesus Christ. The prophet Alma
declared "...there is no other way or means whereby man can be
saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and
the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and
righteousness (Alma 38:9). For this reason we always close our
divine communication in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ.
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Avoiding Vain Repetitions in Prayer
As a Catholic I can remember reciting congregational prayers
and communal proclamations during the course of the liturgy,
or Mass—much of which is repetitive. I remember reciting the
Nicene Creed and the Mystery of Faith over and over. I
remember hearing the Eucharistic prayers being recited by the
priests, and of the constant repetition—perhaps to the point
of being meaningless at times when our minds might wander. In
pondering this I am reminded of the counsel from Jesus as
recorded in Matthew 6:7: “But when ye pray, use not vain
repetitions…”
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Praying as a Family
Finally, there is the practice of praying together daily as a
family. What better way to know what is in the hearts of our
children, and to share with them what is in our own hearts as
parents. I cannot imagine laying myself down to sleep without
having prayed together as a family.
God Answers All Prayers
The genuine prayers of the faithful are always answered, but
not always in the way or timing we desire. We are to accept
the influence of the Holy Ghost, which often manifests itself
with warm comfortable feelings of confirmation, to understand
the answer to our prayers. We are counseled to do all we can
to bring about that which we desire and not ask God to do all
of the work. God is not our butler; he is our Heavenly Father,
and he has given us power to make things happen. Finally, we
must be ever aware that answers to prayers frequently come
through other people.
Conclusion
Prayer is a divine form of communication with our Heavenly
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, that provides peace and
revelation to the truth seeking Christian. While we are
encouraged to pray always, the way in which we pray can make a
big difference in the spiritual experiences we have in prayer.
Doctrinal
Study: Divine
Communication: Prayer
Download the
Sword Series™ essay on Prayer |
