Difference between revisions of "Prayer"

Revision as of 15:53, 21 January 2008

Prayer is a significant part of the lives of members of the Mormon Church. Spencer W. Kimball wrote in a message [1]sent to all of the members of the Church, “When should we pray? The answer: pray always.” Prayer is the best way of communicating with and gaining wisdom and strength from God.

The Bible Dictionary put together by the Mormon Church explains how prayer makes this possible,

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7:7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings. We pray in Christ’s name when our mind is the mind of Christ, and our wishes the wishes of Christ—when his words abide in us (John 15:7). We than ask for things it is possible for God to grant. Many prayers remain unanswered because they are not in Christ’s name at all; they in no way represent his mind, but spring out of the selfishness of man’s heart.[2]

A prayer should have four basic components. The prayer should begin by addressing Heavenly Father. Next we should thank Heavenly Father for the things we have. Members are encouraged to be specific and remember that everything we have is given to us by Heavenly Father. The next part of a prayer should be to ask Heavenly Father for things that we need. 3 Nephi 18:20 explains how we should ask for blessings, “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.” The last part of a prayer is to close in Jesus’ name.

Amulek, a Book of Mormon prophet taught that we should "[C]ry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save. Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him. Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks. Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening. Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies. Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness. Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them. Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase. But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness. Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you" (Alma 34:18-27).

Members are reminded that they can receive real answers from Heavenly Father, and that answers to prayers may come in many different ways; such as having a feeling of peace, having a thought that comes to the mind, or having other special feelings such as warm feelings in our hearts. Answers to prayers may also come through events that occur in our lives. As prayers are given more often and more sincerely it will be easier to discern when they are being answered.