Topic

Prayer

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in prayer and its powerful effects. Prayer is an opportunity to communicate with our loving Heavenly Father. Because He loves and cares about us, He wants us to talk with Him regularly. Through prayer, we can tell God anything. We have the opportunity to thank Him for the blessings He provides and ask for anything we stand in need of. Members of the Church believe it is important to address God in a reverent manner, to show our respect for Him.

Members of the Church typically begin prayers by addressing our Father in Heaven. Then, they give Him thanks and ask for whatever they may need. They close by saying “in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Prayer, combined with faith, has many purposes. If we have questions about discerning truth, we can ask God to help us know for ourselves. We can also offer prayers for the sick or afflicted or ask for help with a particular assignment.

When we communicate with God through prayer, He often communicates back to us in the form of revelation. He sends the Spirit to give us thoughts and feelings directly from Him. Answers to prayers may not come in the timing we expect, but God promises that if we pray with faith, and if our will aligns with His, then we will see answers to our prayers when the time is right. When we treat prayer as a sacred experience and pray frequently, we will grow closer to God and feel His presence more in our lives. This collection of talks discusses prayer and how we can make our prayers more humble, more sincere, and more effective. Revelation will come when we seek God and do His will.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Dale G. Renlund December 3, 2019

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf November 11, 2003

Wendy W. Reese | September 12, 2023

Life can be uncomfortable, but prayer, service, and temple attendance can help us find true comfort in the Savior.

devotional 2023

Mark L. Pace | March 16, 2021

Mark L. Pace explains how Christ's sheep still hear His voice by the power of the Holy Ghost. Daily gospel habits help us create change.

devotional 2021

Bonnie H. Cordon | February 4, 2020

Sister Bonnie H. Cordon uses stories to illustrate the power of prayer. Though prayer requires work, as we ask of God, He answers our prayers.

devotional 2020

Christopher E. Crowe | July 2, 2019

Professor Chris Crowe uses experiences from his own life to teach that prayer is our key to navigating toward the future.

devotional 2019

Bruce D. Porter | December 4, 2012

Prayer is a sacred gift. When we ask ourselves, "Did you think to pray?" we ought to reflect on the sincerity and power of our communication with God.

devotional 2012

Michael Flaherty | March 15, 2011

When he discovered the power of stories, Michael Flaherty used his love of teaching and of God to build a film company devoted to spreading good.

forum 2011

Marilyn W. Berrett | June 8, 2010

Marilyn W. Berrett teaches that through earnest prayer we can access the powers of heaven and commune with our Heavenly Father.

devotional 2010

Cheryl C. Lant | September 9, 2007

Prayer is a tool for comfort, peace, guidance, testimony, and forgiveness. How are you using prayer to access the powers of heaven?

devotional 2007

Joseph Fielding McConkie | December 12, 2006

We can find answers through seeking the Holy Ghost, asking the right questions, and knowing how to proceed when we don't receive answers.

devotional 2006

Bart J. Kowallis | October 14, 2003

"In our communion with God we must ever be careful not just to talk but to listen. We must listen for His Spirit to guide and teach us."

devotional 2003

Joseph B. Wirthlin | January 21, 2003

We can develop a closer relationship with God by improving our prayers. All we must do is come before Him with a broken heart and contrite spirit.

devotional 2003

H. Burke Peterson | July 16, 2002

When we sin, we build a wall of stones around us, making it difficult to hear spiritual impressions. As we remove the stones, we gain guidance from God.

devotional 2002

Clayton S. Huber | February 5, 2002

God hears and answers prayers. As we strengthen our relationship with God, we will pray more naturally and more easily submit to God's will.

devotional 2002

President Thomas S. Monson, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Thomas S. Monson | April 26, 2001

There are four things we can do to make room for the Savior in our lives: labor to learn, strive to serve, think to thank, and pause to pray.

commencement 2001

Marvin J. Ashton | November 10, 1992

Sometimes, when we pray and cry out to our Heavenly Father, answers do not come easily or as expected—but He reminds us that He is there for us.

devotional 1992

George R. Hill III | November 3, 1991

George R. Hill shares insights into how both the “scientific method” and the “revelation method” can help us discover truth.

devotional 1991

J. Bonner Ritchie | June 25, 1991

To improve our eternal relationships, we must take sweet counsel from the Lord in prayer and with others in councils.

devotional 1991

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | September 30, 1990

To bring down the power of heaven, we must learn the principle of waiting upon the Lord through real prayer, righteous living, and fervent listening.

devotional 1990

Truman G. Madsen | November 8, 1983

Our theology is derived from prayer—we pray to God whom we know, and we must do so with our whole souls, with faith, sincerity, and love.

devotional 1983

H. Burke Peterson | March 2, 1980

God always answers our prayers but often not in the way or timeframe we would like. As we exercise patience and faith, our relationship with Him will grow.

devotional 1980

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | August 20, 1974

The Christian message is powered by words. When we call upon God, we need not only the right words, but the right heart to be effective.

devotional 1974

Hugh B. Brown | October 8, 1967

There comes a time in your life when you are faced with something you cannot do on your own, and then you learn to really talk to your Father in Heaven.

devotional 1967

Spencer W. Kimball | October 11, 1961

If we really have a testimony of God, we will want to sincerely thank Him, repent, and plead for His help through earnest prayer.

devotional 1961

Marion G. Romney | May 13, 1959

The scriptures give us a guide to meaningful prayer. Sincere, reverent communion with God, with a willingness to accede to His will, is always answered.

devotional 1959

Harold B. Lee - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Harold B. Lee | July 6, 1956

To access the spiritual power we need to meet life's challenges, we must make ourselves pure. Sincere prayer purifies and strengthens us.

devotional 1956

Thomas L. Martin | October 30, 1951

Thomas L. Martin humorously describes the main events of his life and highlights how the hand of the Lord worked to help him reach all his righteous goals.

devotional 1951