How Can I Make My Prayers more Meaningful: Studying Great Prayers Found in the Scriptures

In trying to make my own prayers more meaningful, I decided to study some of the great prayers from the scriptures and also what modern prophets and apostles have said. When I face challenges or questions that really require sincere prayer, I have found that if I incorporate each of the 5 ideas listed below, I feel the Spirit of the Lord with me in much greater abundance.

Examples of Powerful Prayers from the Scriptures

Examples of Prayers	Dedication of Kirtland Temple D&C 109	Nephi (2 Nephi 4)	Brother of Jared Ether 2 & 3	Modern Prophets & Apostles
1.    Expressions of Gratitude	1 Thanks be to thy name, O Lord God of Israel, who keepest covenant and showest mercy unto thy servants who walk uprightly before thee, with all their hearts—			Each prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs resolution, as well as ample expression of gratitude for specific, recognized blessings. E. Scott Fourth, it is an opportunity to express thanksgiving and gratitude to our Creator. It is important that we frequently say: “We thank Thee … , “ “We acknowledge before Thee … ,” “We are grateful unto Thee …”  Faust
2.    Requests for forgiveness		My heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.  18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.	2 Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee. 3 O Lord, look upon me in pity, and turn away thine anger from this thy people, and suffer not that they shall go forth across this raging deep in darkness.	Second, it is a sincere confession of sin and transgression and a request for forgiveness. E. Faust Asking that Thou wilt forgive our arrogance, pass by our sins, be kind and gracious to us, and cause our hearts to turn with love toward Thee. Pres. Hinckley
3.    Acknowledging our dependence on Him		20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.	2 Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; 3 O Lord, look upon me in pity.	Third, it is recognition that we need help beyond our own ability. E. Faust
4.    Testimony that God has all power, love, and knowledge, and that He will answer our prayers		20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.  21 He hath filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.  22 He hath confounded mine enemies, unto the causing of them to quake before me. 35 Yea, I know that God will give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God will give me, if I ask not amiss;	2 We must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires. For we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens. 4 And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, 5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.	Prayer is a humble acknowledgment that God is our Father and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  As we pray we should think of our Father in Heaven as possessing all knowledge, love, understanding, & compassion. E.Faust He confides in the certainty that His answer will come when most needed. E. Scott Thou who art the governor of the universe, Thou who art our Father and our God, whose children we are, we look to Thee in faith in this dark and solemn time. Pres. Hinckley

Examples of Powerful Prayers from the Scriptures (cont.)

Examples of Prayers	Dedication of Kirtland Temple D&C 109	Nephi (2 Nephi 4)	Brother of Jared Ether 2 & 3	Modern Prophets & Apostles
4.    Asking for Specific Blessings, acknowledging that His will be done	10 We ask thee to assist us, thy people, with thy grace, in calling our solemn assembly, that it may be done to thine honor and to thy acceptance;  11 And in a manner that we may be found worthy, in thy sight, to secure a fulfilment of the promises which thou hast made unto us. 12 That thy holy presence may be continually in this house;  13 And that all people who shall enter ... the Lord’s house may feel thy power.  15 And that they receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost. 22 And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power - Many more are listed	31 O Lord, wilt thou redeem my soul? Wilt thou deliver me out of the hands of mine enemies? Wilt thou make me that I may shake at the appearance of sin?  32 May the gates of hell be shut continually before me, because that my heart is broken and my spirit is contrite! ...that I may be strict in the plain road! 34 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh;	19 O Lord, in them there is no light; whither shall we steer? And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them; therefore we shall perish. 4 Touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels	A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. E. Scott An important element of all of our prayers might well be to follow the pattern of that prayer in Gethsemane: “not my will, but thine, be done.” By this, then, we acknowledge our devotion and submission to the overriding purposes of the Lord in our lives.  --James E. Faust
5.    Acknowledging that we have kept the commandments	2 Thou who hast commanded thy servants to build a house to thy name in this place [Kirtland].  3 And now thou beholdest, O Lord, that thy servants have done according to thy commandment. 5 For thou knowest that we have done this work through great tribulation; and out of our poverty we have given of our substance to build a house to thy name, that the Son of Man might have a place to manifest himself to his people.		18 The brother of Jared cried unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me...

Other prayers to study: Jesus’ Intercessory Prayer, 

How Can I Make My Prayers More Meaningful? Gratitude, Express Faith, Acknowledge Dependency

To those within the sound of my voice who are struggling with challenges and difficulties large and small, prayer is the provider of spiritual strength; it is the passport to peace. Prayer is the means by which we approach our Father in Heaven, who loves us. Speak to Him in prayer and then listen for the answer. Miracles are wrought through prayer.     --Thomas S. Monson Apr 2009

Bible Dictionary - Prayer:

·         As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part.

·         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 God is already willing to grant but 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.

1.    Express gratitude for specific, recognized blessings

a.     You can also learn from him by carefully studying the exceptional public prayer he offered at the conclusion of the October 2001 conference for Father’s children throughout the world.   Study that prayer, and you will find that there are no vain repetitions, no posturing to impress others, as sometimes occurs. Each prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs resolution, as well as ample expression of gratitude for specific, recognized blessings. --Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007

2.    Testify to the Lord that you know He loves you and has the power to answer your prayers

a.     Study that prayer, and you will find that there are no vain repetitions, no posturing to impress others, as sometimes occurs. He combines simple words eloquently. He prays as a humble, trusting son who knows well his beloved Father in Heaven. He confides in the certainty that His answer will come when most needed. --Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8–11

b.     Each of us has problems that we cannot solve and weaknesses that we cannot conquer without reaching out through prayer to a higher source of strength. As we pray we should think of our Father in Heaven as possessing all knowledge, understanding, love, and compassion.   --James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002

3.    Acknowledge your dependency on Him and your inability to solve the problem as well as He can

a.     First, prayer is a humble acknowledgment that God is our Father and that the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. Second, it is a sincere confession of sin and transgression and a request for forgiveness. Third, it is recognition that we need help beyond our own ability.  --James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002

b.     Discerning and accepting the will of God in our lives are fundamental elements of asking in faith in meaningful prayer. However, simply saying the words “Thy will be done” is not enough. Each of us needs God’s help in surrendering our will to Him.  “Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other” (Bible Dictionary, “Prayer,” 752–53). Humble, earnest, and persistent prayer enables us to recognize and align ourselves with the will of our Heavenly Father. The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing. Every sincere prayer is heard and answered by our Heavenly Father, but the answers we receive may not be what we expect or come to us when we want or in the way we anticipate. --David A. Bednar, “Ask in Faith,” Ensign, May 2008

                                          i.     

4.    Ask that His will be done

a.     I recognize that, on occasion, some of our most fervent prayers may seem to go unanswered. We wonder, “Why?” I know that feeling! I know the fears and tears of such moments. But I also know that our prayers are never ignored. Our faith is never unappreciated. I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father’s perspective is much broader than is ours. While we know of our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential. If we pray to know His will and submit ourselves to it with patience and courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time. --Russell M. Nelson, “Jesus Christ—the Master Healer,” Ensign, Nov 2005

b.     An important element of all of our prayers might well be to follow the pattern of that prayer in Gethsemane: “not my will, but thine, be done.” By this, then, we acknowledge our devotion and submission to the overriding purposes of the Lord in our lives.   --James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002

How Can I Make My Prayers More Meaningful? Ask Specific Questions, Pray Aloud, and Act

1.    Pray with Sincerity and acknowledge obedience

a.     “I wonder if we can ever really fathom the immense power of prayer until we encounter an overpowering, urgent problem and realize that we are powerless to resolve it. Then we will turn to our Father in humble recognition of our total dependence on Him. --Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8–11

b.     “[Mother would] call on the Lord with perfect confidence when special blessings were needed.” In her prayers, she would speak to the Lord of her covenants with Him, “almost reminding the Lord that we had paid our tithes and offerings, that the desired blessing was, as nearly as we could judge, a righteous desire, that we were serving in our various callings to the best of our ability, and that now we were laying hold on the Lord’s promises. I can’t communicate the sincerity and the fervor of those pleas. Or the sincerity of the way she lived. … Because my mother had no doubts about the Lord’s reality and his ability to answer her prayers, I haven’t either. … This is a very personal thing to talk about and I don’t very often, because it’s hard to do without sounding overconfident. But I would be scared to death to try and undertake something without asking for the Lord’s help, so I always pray for that help, and I’ve never failed to get it.”   --“Dallin H. Oaks: The Disciplined Edge,” Ensign, Apr. 1981, 37

c.        Pray to Him when you are discouraged, because I testify that He does hear our cries for help. In his insightful discourse on prayer, the prophet Zenos observed, “And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity” (Alma 33:11). --James E. Faust, “Welcoming Every Single One,” Liahona, Aug 2007, 2–6

d.       Jeremiah counsels us to pray with all our heart and soul.  Enos recounted how his soul had hungered and that he had prayed all the day long.  Prayers vary in their intensity. Even the Savior “prayed more earnestly” in His hour of agony.  In times of great personal hurt or need, more may be required than mere asking. The Lord said, “You have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.”  Blessings sought through prayer sometimes require work, effort, and diligence on our part.  For example, at times fasting is appropriate as a strong evidence of our sincerity. When we fast we humble our souls, which brings us more in tune with God and His holy purposes.  --James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002, 59

2.    Pray for specifics – Ask the right question

a.     A key to improved prayer is to learn to ask the right questions. Consider changing from asking for the things you want to honestly seeking what He wants for you. Then as you learn His will, pray that you will be led to have the strength to fulfill it.   Each prayer is tailored to its purpose, with a clear statement of what needs resolution.  --Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8–11

b.     Fifth, it is a privilege to ask Deity for specific blessings.  --James E. Faust, “The Lifeline of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2002, 59

c.     Elder Nelson said it not only was it important to pray for the right thing, put it was important to pray for the specific, right thing.  (Grandpa quoted)

d.     "It seems to me that there is a great power in the Church--in all of us--that is untapped because we are always setting about to do things in our way, when the Lord's way would accomplish much greater returns. And then, when we don't know what to do or think, or what would be the Lord's way or will, we don't ask. Why don't we talk to our Father? In specifics? About real problems? As often as we would with our earthly father if he were nearby? Improvement Era, May 1970

3. Pray aloud

a.    “At least every morning and every night, we should find a place that is free from distractions and kneel in humility and commune with our Heavenly Father. Although sometimes we may need to pray silently, we should make an extra effort at times to pray vocally (see D&C 19:28; 20:51).” --Gospel Topics, Personal Prayer LDS.org

b.    “I wonder if we can ever really fathom the immense power of prayer until we encounter an overpowering, urgent problem and realize that we are powerless to resolve it. Then we will turn to our Father in humble recognition of our total dependence on Him. It helps to find a secluded place where our feelings can be vocally expressed as long and as intensely as necessary.” --Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 8–11

c. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, 11/20

I Hear Him by Making Quality Time to Pray Vocally

As Joseph did, I believe it is important for us to pray out loud. It is basic to what God intends for us in our communication with Him. He invites a conversation, if you will, and wants so much to “hear us.” We should make every effort to let Him hear us—literally.

The scriptures occasionally talk about the Lord speaking, and they sometimes describe His voice. Sometimes it is a soft voice. Sometimes it is a loud voice. But it is always a penetrating voice. It is always a voice that captivates and engages the whole soul. For me, to say out loud the words of my prayer is to make it crisp and almost visible. Prayer takes on a meaning and a life that is not quite the same when I am just thinking words or mumbling a bit. When we communicate clearly to Him, we can expect to “hear Him” more clearly in return.

If you wait until midnight, when you are exhausted, and then say your prayers, it might be only a half-hearted effort before you tumble into bed. Consider moving that prayer up to earlier in the evening, when you are alert and attentive and can make it more powerful. Prayer time ought to be quality time, not just time that happens to be left over when everything else is done—the last gasp of the day, so to speak.

4. Listen and Ponder

a.    President Gordon B. Hinckley observed: “The trouble with most of our prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the telephone and ordering groceries—we place our order and hang up. We need to meditate, contemplate, [and] think of what we are praying about and for.”2 --Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley (1997), 469.

5. Act
Please notice the requirement to ask in faith, which I understand to mean the necessity to not only express but to do, the dual obligation to both plead and to perform.  Joseph’s prayer was not simply, “Which church is right?” His question was, “Which church should I join?” Joseph went to the grove to ask in faith, and he was determined to act. 

6. A common element in many of our prayers is a request that the missionaries will be led to individuals and families who are prepared to receive the message of the Restoration. But ultimately it is my responsibility and your responsibility to find people for the missionaries to teach. Missionaries are full-time teachers; you and I are full-time finders. And you and I as lifelong missionaries should not be praying for the full-time missionaries to do our work!  If you and I would truly pray and ask in faith, if we would pray with the expectation to act and not just to express—then the work of proclaiming the gospel would move forward in a remarkable way.

7. Such a prayer of faith might include some of the following elements:   Asking for courage and boldness to open our mouths and share the gospel with our family and friends.  Entreating Heavenly Father to help us identify individuals and families who will be receptive to our invitation to be taught by the missionaries in our homes.  This same pattern of holy communication and consecrated work can be applied in our prayers for the poor and the needy, for the sick and the afflicted, for family members and friends who are struggling, and for those who are not attending Church meetings.  --David A. Bednar, “Ask in Faith,” Ensign, May 2008, 94–97