How Do You Make Prayer a Habit?

[MorningStar]

It's not difficult for me to remember evening prayer, but I am easily distracted in the morning. Our stake president shared how he would pray when he would put his shoes on in the morning and now he finds himself praying every time he puts his shoes on. :)

What works for you?

[Guest tomk]

This is very personal -- and one of God's "mysteries"

I don't believe it is something we should try and muster.

I believe God gifts it to us effortlessly as we seek to become more and more aligned with His will.

I spend my days with my heart "drawn out in prayer unto Him continually". Some who read that will think I am deluded, or a braggart, or a zealot. I am none of those things. I am full of weakness and imperfection.

But I testify that it is possible to pray continually in our hearts.

[skalenfehl]

When I roll out of bed, I usually land on my knees.

[MorningStar]

When I roll out of bed, I usually land on my knees.

When I roll out of bed, I sprint to the bathroom.

[Guest tomk]

I am the opposite.

I am really good about morning prayer ... terrible with nighttime prayer.

[Guest tomk]

I worry about praying "just because I think I'm supposed to"

I would really rather pray because I want to. Because I have desire.

[skalenfehl]

When I roll out of bed, I sprint to the bathroom.

Yeah...sometimes the bladder calls louder than the Lord.

It's easy enough for me to fall on my knees though and pour my heart out to the Lord in gratitude and report on my plans for the day. I tend to forget evening prayers, too, as Tom noted.

I really like Alma 37:36-37. I'm always praying to the Lord in my thoughts and discussing plans, hopes, dreams, etc. I seldom ask for what I need because I know that Father in Heaven already knows my needs. If I haven't yet done my hometeaching for the month or been to the temple, I just don't feel right about asking for things. My prayers usually involve around sharing my day, reporting my deeds and expressing much gratitude.

[MorningStar]

I worry about praying "just because I think I'm supposed to"

I would really rather pray because I want to. Because I have desire.

I do have the desire. But I have three loud boys who have lots of desires that interrupt me. One time my son walked in while I was praying (I was crying at the time). He asked, "Are you crying because you don't know what to pray for?" I said, "Uh huh ....." So he told me what to say. Lots of times they come screaming into the room and I tell them, "I'm praying! You'll have to wait!" And I try getting up earlier than them, but they have some kind of Mom's awake radar. How do they do it?

[Hemidakota]

Morningstar, here is an old article, which President Benson wrote years ago called, "How to Improve Prayers, Public and Private". The best part of the article, outline for prayer improvement.

Now, as a practical matter, I present in topical outline form only, with scriptural references, items that may help to improve our prayers, public and private. These items are presented in three parts:

I. How to Improve Our Communications with Our Heavenly Father

A. We should pray frequently.

·We should be alone with our Heavenly Father at least two or three times each day: ". . . morning, mid-day, and evening" (Alma 34:21) at night and in the morning (Alma 37:37). (Someone has said that when you wake up in the morning, the first thing to hit the floor should be your knees.)

·In addition, we are told to pray always. (Luke 21:34-36; 2 Ne. 32:9; D&C 61:39; 88:126; 93:49.) This not only shows we should pray frequently but also continually have a prayer in our heart. (Alma 34:27.)

·Even when the Lord's time was most in demand, he was not too busy to pray. (Luke 5:15-16.)

B. We should find an appropriate place where we can meditate and pray.

·". . . in your closets, your secret places, and in your wilderness." (Alma 34:26.)

·It should be free from distraction, i.e., in "secret." (Matt. 6:6; 3 Ne. 13:5-6.)

C. We should prepare ourselves for prayer. If we don't feel like praying, then we should pray until we do feel like praying.

·Be humble. (D&C 12:8; 112:10; 52:14; Alma 34:19; James 4:3-10.) Be not like the Pharisee who was condemned—not because he failed to live the outward commandments, but because he lacked humility in prayer. (Luke 18:10-14.)

·Our prayers will be vain if we "turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of [our] substance. . . ." (Alma 34:28.)

·We must forgive anyone against whom we have bad feelings. (Mark 11:25.)

·We should live to have the Spirit of the Lord, which will teach us to pray. (2 Ne. 32:8.)

·We should cultivate such a strong testimony that when we pray, we follow the example of Joseph Smith and have faith with "nothing wavering." (James 1:5-6; Moro. 10:4-5.)

D. We should develop a feeling that we are talking directly with our Father in heaven.

·". . . he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6.)

·"You cannot imagine an effective prayer without visualizing and feeling a personal God." (David O. McKay, Treasures of Life, Deseret Book, 1963, p. 308.)

E. Our prayers should be meaningful and pertinent.

·Do not use the same phrases at each prayer. Each of us would become disturbed if a friend said the same few words to us each day, treated the conversation as a chore, and could hardly wait to finish in order to turn on the TV and forget us.

·We should pray about our work, against the power of our enemies and the devil, for our welfare and the welfare of those around us. (Alma 34:20; 22:25, 27.)

·We should counsel with the Lord pertaining to all our activities. (Alma 37:36-37.) Some of us are afraid to ask the Lord about certain matters for fear he will give us an answer we don't want to hear.

·We should be polite and grateful enough to give thanks for all we have. (Ps. 107:17-21; Philem. 4:6; D&C 78:19; 59:21.) As the Son directs, we should count our many blessings and give thanks for our calls in the Church. Ingratitude is one of our great sins.

·We should make known our needs (Philem. 4:6; Alma 7:23), so long as it is not because of pride or for selfish reasons. (James 4:3). Sometimes we have not, because we ask not. (James 4:2.) Think of all the revelations that came to the Prophet Joseph Smith because he was willing to ask the Lord about certain matters and needs.

·We should ask for strength to overcome. (Alma 31:31-33.)

·We should pray for the inspiration and well-being of the President of the Church, the General Authorities, our stake president, our bishop, our quorum president, our home teachers, etc. Our exaltation depends to an extent upon the inspiration of our leaders.

·We should pray for mercy. (Alma 34:18.)

·Many other suggestions could be made; but with the spirit of prayer, we will know what to pray. (Rom. 8:26.)

F. After making a request through prayer, we have a responsibility to assist in its being granted.

·We should listen. Maybe while we are on our knees, the Lord wants to counsel us. In addition to asking and thanking the Lord for things, we might well stay on our knees long enough to report for duty and ask him if he has any marching orders for us.

·"Sincere praying implies that when we ask for any virtue or blessing, we should work for the blessing and cultivate the virtue." (David O. McKay, True to the Faith, Bookcraft, 1966, p. 208.)

II. How to Become More Effective in Praying in Behalf of a Group

A. For whom do we speak?

·As the prayer is in behalf of a group, the prayer should, in general, express the thinking, the needs, and the desires of the group—not so much those of the individual.

·Prior to praying, some thought should be given to the nature of the group and its needs and desires.

·Prayer should be loud enough for the entire congregation to hear.

·All in the audience should audibly say "amen" after the prayer. This shows we agree with the prayer and are a part of it.

B. The language of prayer.

·Our language should be meek, yet it should edify. (D&C 52:16.)

·Since the prayer is in behalf of a group, it should be phrased in terms of "our," "we," etc., instead of "my," "I," etc.

·As with any prayer, it should be addressed to our Heavenly Father. The Lord set the proper example in saying, "Our Father which art in heaven." (Luke 11:2.) There is no need for flowery descriptions. We are just reverently calling him by name before we begin talking to him.

·"Thy," "thou," and "thine" should be used so proper reverence can be shown.

·We should always end by asking in the name of Jesus Christ, but not "Thy name," etc. (John 16:24-26.)

C. Of whom should we think when we pray?

·Too frequently we may think of how we sound to the audience rather than concentrating on communicating with our Father in heaven. It then becomes merely another talk to the audience. It lacks sincerity. It may not even be considered by our Father in heaven. (James 4:3.) We do not feel the spirit of prayer. As said by Shakespeare's Hamlet, "My words fly up; my thoughts remain below. Words without thought never to heaven go."

·Sometimes the so-called "good prayers" are called upon to the exclusion of the humble but less articulate members. But the Lord expects all to qualify to pray in meetings. (D&C 19:28.)

·We must consciously tune ourselves spiritually to our Heavenly Father so we actually feel we are talking to him.

D. Our public prayers need not be everlasting to be immortal.

·We are advised not to multiply many words (3 1 Ne. 19:24) and to avoid vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7).

·An invocation should set the spiritual tone of the meeting, and the benediction should leave the people on a high spiritual plane, because they have been present when one has talked with God. It is the feeling rather than the length which determines a good public prayer.

E. We should assist others in preparing for public prayer.

·We should teach them to pray privately. Offering frequent vocal prayers gives experience in forming phrases and adds to confidence.

·We should provide experience in small groups where they will be more comfortable—family prayer, group meetings, quorum meetings, home teachers prior to visits, etc.

·We should teach that an effective public prayer depends more on the feeling of the individual than the words he uses. Therefore, developing a spirit of prayer through a proper life can best qualify a person to give a meaningful public prayer. Without this, the prayer becomes hollow and does not inspire.

III. How People Will Be Blessed by Praying More Meaningfully

A. Meaningful private and public prayers provide necessary prerequisites so we can lead our people back to our Heavenly Father.

·Inspiration comes from prayer. (D&C 63:64.)

·Inspiration is essential to properly lead. (D&C 50:13-14.)

·We must have the spirit of inspiration whether we are teaching (D&C 50:13-14) or administering the affairs of the kingdom (D&C 46:2).

·If we do our part in preparation and work and have the Spirit of the Lord, we can be led, though we do not know beforehand what needs to be done. (1 Ne. 4:6; Alma 17:3.)

·Therefore, we should always pray, especially prior to commencing the work of the Lord. (2 Ne. 32:9.)

B. Challenge each person present:

·To be alone with God at least twice a day and have more meaningful communication;

·To be prepared to offer more effective public prayers; and

·To teach, inspire, and motivate others to do the same. [How to Improve Prayers, Public and Private by Ezra Taft Benson]

[Hemidakota]

Morningstar, here is an old article, which President Benson wrote years ago called, "How to Improve Prayers, Public and Private". The best part of the article, outline for prayer improvement.

Now, as a practical matter, I present in topical outline form only, with scriptural references, items that may help to improve our prayers, public and private. These items are presented in three parts:

I. How to Improve Our Communications with Our Heavenly Father

A. We should pray frequently.

·We should be alone with our Heavenly Father at least two or three times each day: ". . . morning, mid-day, and evening" (Alma 34:21) at night and in the morning (Alma 37:37). (Someone has said that when you wake up in the morning, the first thing to hit the floor should be your knees.)

·In addition, we are told to pray always. (Luke 21:34-36; 2 Ne. 32:9; D&C 61:39; 88:126; 93:49.) This not only shows we should pray frequently but also continually have a prayer in our heart. (Alma 34:27.)

·Even when the Lord's time was most in demand, he was not too busy to pray. (Luke 5:15-16.)

B. We should find an appropriate place where we can meditate and pray.

·". . . in your closets, your secret places, and in your wilderness." (Alma 34:26.)

·It should be free from distraction, i.e., in "secret." (Matt. 6:6; 3 Ne. 13:5-6.)

C. We should prepare ourselves for prayer. If we don't feel like praying, then we should pray until we do feel like praying.

·Be humble. (D&C 12:8; 112:10; 52:14; Alma 34:19; James 4:3-10.) Be not like the Pharisee who was condemned—not because he failed to live the outward commandments, but because he lacked humility in prayer. (Luke 18:10-14.)

·Our prayers will be vain if we "turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of [our] substance. . . ." (Alma 34:28.)

·We must forgive anyone against whom we have bad feelings. (Mark 11:25.)

·We should live to have the Spirit of the Lord, which will teach us to pray. (2 Ne. 32:8.)

·We should cultivate such a strong testimony that when we pray, we follow the example of Joseph Smith and have faith with "nothing wavering." (James 1:5-6; Moro. 10:4-5.)

D. We should develop a feeling that we are talking directly with our Father in heaven.

·". . . he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Heb. 11:6.)

·"You cannot imagine an effective prayer without visualizing and feeling a personal God." (David O. McKay, Treasures of Life, Deseret Book, 1963, p. 308.)

E. Our prayers should be meaningful and pertinent.

·Do not use the same phrases at each prayer. Each of us would become disturbed if a friend said the same few words to us each day, treated the conversation as a chore, and could hardly wait to finish in order to turn on the TV and forget us.

·We should pray about our work, against the power of our enemies and the devil, for our welfare and the welfare of those around us. (Alma 34:20; 22:25, 27.)

·We should counsel with the Lord pertaining to all our activities. (Alma 37:36-37.) Some of us are afraid to ask the Lord about certain matters for fear he will give us an answer we don't want to hear.

·We should be polite and grateful enough to give thanks for all we have. (Ps. 107:17-21; Philem. 4:6; D&C 78:19; 59:21.) As the Son directs, we should count our many blessings and give thanks for our calls in the Church. Ingratitude is one of our great sins.

·We should make known our needs (Philem. 4:6; Alma 7:23), so long as it is not because of pride or for selfish reasons. (James 4:3). Sometimes we have not, because we ask not. (James 4:2.) Think of all the revelations that came to the Prophet Joseph Smith because he was willing to ask the Lord about certain matters and needs.

·We should ask for strength to overcome. (Alma 31:31-33.)

·We should pray for the inspiration and well-being of the President of the Church, the General Authorities, our stake president, our bishop, our quorum president, our home teachers, etc. Our exaltation depends to an extent upon the inspiration of our leaders.

·We should pray for mercy. (Alma 34:18.)

·Many other suggestions could be made; but with the spirit of prayer, we will know what to pray. (Rom. 8:26.)

F. After making a request through prayer, we have a responsibility to assist in its being granted.

·We should listen. Maybe while we are on our knees, the Lord wants to counsel us. In addition to asking and thanking the Lord for things, we might well stay on our knees long enough to report for duty and ask him if he has any marching orders for us.

·"Sincere praying implies that when we ask for any virtue or blessing, we should work for the blessing and cultivate the virtue." (David O. McKay, True to the Faith, Bookcraft, 1966, p. 208.)

II. How to Become More Effective in Praying in Behalf of a Group

A. For whom do we speak?

·As the prayer is in behalf of a group, the prayer should, in general, express the thinking, the needs, and the desires of the group—not so much those of the individual.

·Prior to praying, some thought should be given to the nature of the group and its needs and desires.

·Prayer should be loud enough for the entire congregation to hear.

·All in the audience should audibly say "amen" after the prayer. This shows we agree with the prayer and are a part of it.

B. The language of prayer.

·Our language should be meek, yet it should edify. (D&C 52:16.)

·Since the prayer is in behalf of a group, it should be phrased in terms of "our," "we," etc., instead of "my," "I," etc.

·As with any prayer, it should be addressed to our Heavenly Father. The Lord set the proper example in saying, "Our Father which art in heaven." (Luke 11:2.) There is no need for flowery descriptions. We are just reverently calling him by name before we begin talking to him.

·"Thy," "thou," and "thine" should be used so proper reverence can be shown.

·We should always end by asking in the name of Jesus Christ, but not "Thy name," etc. (John 16:24-26.)

C. Of whom should we think when we pray?

·Too frequently we may think of how we sound to the audience rather than concentrating on communicating with our Father in heaven. It then becomes merely another talk to the audience. It lacks sincerity. It may not even be considered by our Father in heaven. (James 4:3.) We do not feel the spirit of prayer. As said by Shakespeare's Hamlet, "My words fly up; my thoughts remain below. Words without thought never to heaven go."

·Sometimes the so-called "good prayers" are called upon to the exclusion of the humble but less articulate members. But the Lord expects all to qualify to pray in meetings. (D&C 19:28.)

·We must consciously tune ourselves spiritually to our Heavenly Father so we actually feel we are talking to him.

D. Our public prayers need not be everlasting to be immortal.

·We are advised not to multiply many words (3 1 Ne. 19:24) and to avoid vain repetitions (Matt. 6:7).

·An invocation should set the spiritual tone of the meeting, and the benediction should leave the people on a high spiritual plane, because they have been present when one has talked with God. It is the feeling rather than the length which determines a good public prayer.

E. We should assist others in preparing for public prayer.

·We should teach them to pray privately. Offering frequent vocal prayers gives experience in forming phrases and adds to confidence.

·We should provide experience in small groups where they will be more comfortable—family prayer, group meetings, quorum meetings, home teachers prior to visits, etc.

·We should teach that an effective public prayer depends more on the feeling of the individual than the words he uses. Therefore, developing a spirit of prayer through a proper life can best qualify a person to give a meaningful public prayer. Without this, the prayer becomes hollow and does not inspire.

III. How People Will Be Blessed by Praying More Meaningfully

A. Meaningful private and public prayers provide necessary prerequisites so we can lead our people back to our Heavenly Father.

·Inspiration comes from prayer. (D&C 63:64.)

·Inspiration is essential to properly lead. (D&C 50:13-14.)

·We must have the spirit of inspiration whether we are teaching (D&C 50:13-14) or administering the affairs of the kingdom (D&C 46:2).

·If we do our part in preparation and work and have the Spirit of the Lord, we can be led, though we do not know beforehand what needs to be done. (1 Ne. 4:6; Alma 17:3.)

·Therefore, we should always pray, especially prior to commencing the work of the Lord. (2 Ne. 32:9.)

B. Challenge each person present:

·To be alone with God at least twice a day and have more meaningful communication;

·To be prepared to offer more effective public prayers; and

·To teach, inspire, and motivate others to do the same. [How to Improve Prayers, Public and Private by Ezra Taft Benson]

[utcowboy]

Thanks Hemi, that should come in handy for everyone :)

[Tough Grits]

Night prayers are easy for me, because I have SO much to thank Heavenly Father for during the day. It is my last peaceful moment with Him, before I close my eyes and go to sleep.

Also, night prayers with the kids are easy for me. We always read a book or two before bed. Saying a prayer just comes naturally after we close the book. Of course, after prayer, comes all the hugs and kisses before I leave the room!!!!

The hardest thing for me, are prayers in the morning.

But luckily I have found something that works for me and the kids.

When we get in the car in the morning (on the way to school), and everybody is strapped in, we bow our heads and say a prayer. That has really worked for us.

In fact, my son actually thought we should say the prayer whenever we got into the car...not a bad idea!!

I just do what works for me. I have learned to stop comparing myself (most of the time) to others or to what I think a perfect mom would do. I am over all that (for the most part). I have too many other things to worry about!!!!!

[pam]

When I roll out of bed, I usually land on my knees.

Have you tried straightening your legs out before you get up?

[MorningStar]

I suppose I could pray in the bathroom. I go there a lot lately.

[Tough Grits]

Have you tried straightening your legs out before you get up?

[skalenfehl]

Have you tried straightening your legs out before you get up?

That makes me fall on my face.

[Still_Small_Voice]

I suppose I could pray in the bathroom. I go there a lot lately.

I am sure there are a lot of mothers that lock themselves in the bathroom because that is the only way to get some time away! :)

[MorningStar]

I am sure there are a lot of mothers that lock themselves in the bathroom because that is the only way to get some time away! :)

So true!

[skalenfehl]

Hey, us dads use that trick too, especially with bored teenagers with nothing better to do than ask dad to chauffeur them around town.

Fortunately I have a walk in closet beyond my master bath that I can hole up in when I want to be really alone. Great place for solitude and supplication.

[Abraham]

When prayer becomes meaningful and not drudgery then you will wish you could pray all the time, and not just iin your heart, which has its own merits. Whey one receives pure, unequivocal revelation then you will see that the Lord wants to be on your side. If you are not there yet, change something in your prayers, like the time spent speaking, time spent listening, and find out how the Lord speaks to you. I went to Utah for a blessing and my best friend, in the blessing, spoke slowly, deliberately, carefully, with poignancy, I felt the spirit. When I came home, I was asked to minister to someone. I began to speak slowly, carefully (you get the point), and the Spirit yelled in my ear, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" The message was that I don't receive inspiration that way. I, in the most positive sense of the word provoke the Spirit and speak boldly and NEVER use the word "might. As in, I bless you that you might be healed or get a job or whatever. Might = Maybe = Perhaps = COULlD = DOUBT = NO FAITH!!!! I also never qualify my blessings be saying (and this is admittedly arguable) contingent on the person receiving the blessing's faith. In my humble opinion, if you don't have the faith to proclaim with power and humility the will of the Lord, then don't shuffle it back on the person by saying in essence, "Oh, just in case the blessing does not take place it is on your faith not my blessing." Too wimpy in my book of revelation(s).

Oh, about prayer. It is about personal revelation. When you see the light it is like getting a testimony, or falling in love, hard to describe but very real. Realize that one must affect the blesssings of prayer that the brethern speak about.

Best of blessing and hearing (think of this "the thoughts of your heart")

Abraham

[Hemidakota]

I for one, use prayer to invoke the Holy Ghost to check my daily status... :)