Saying prayers

[Rice]

I have an issue in that I get so nervous saying prayers out loud.

My missionaries always asked me to, but I would suddenly go blank and get too nervous to do it.

I know that eventually I will just need to get up and do it - and it won't be anywhere as bad as I imagine it.

When I pray silently, I almost always end up rambling and going off on tangents, that I don't want to do in front of other people.

Any tips?

[notquiteperfect]

First, I think a lot of people get nervous praying in front of others so you're not alone. I suggest taking this in steps -

1st month - with missionaries at home

2nd month - with visiting/home teachers

3rd month - in Gospel Principles class

4th month - in RS/PH

5th month - Sacrament Mtg

You can adjust the timeline but I think you need to have goals to work towards. There's someone in my ward who was baptized nearly 2 years ago and still won't pray in RS. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone at some point. Remember, too, that you're talking to Heavenly Father and no one remembers what you say anyway.

[Guest]

One thing I appreciated growing up Catholic... I have prayer books...

I started off praying from formulaic prayers: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. We thank thee for <the lesson we received today/the food we are about to eat/this wonderful day/etc.>. We ask thee to <bless us/guide us/keep us safe/etc.>, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.".

Same thing over and over - so when I get asked to pray, I just think of one thing I'm thankful for and one thing I'm asking - and fill in the blanks.

English is not my first language so when I veered off from the formula, I stutter and have long pauses while I translate my prayer in my head to English...

After a while, I started to get "zoned in" when I say prayers, I close my eyes and I don't even notice anybody around me anymore and my prayers became more of what I truly feel at that moment.