Prayer Basics: Good Teachings

[MaidservantX]

In the April 2007 World General Conference, Elder Richard G. Scott gave an address on the subject of prayer. It is good to be reminded and also to realize what the concept of prayer and and answers to prayer -- what the concept is, as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I haven't even read through the whole talk yet, but here are some of my favorite insights I have culled from the beginning of the talk.

"Prayer is the source of comfort, relief, and protection, willingly granted by our loving, compassionate Heavenly Father . . . desperately we need His guidance . . . He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer."

"Prayer is most effective when we strive to be clean and obedient, with worthy motives, and are willing to do what He asks. Humble, trusting prayer brings direction and peace. Don't worry about your clumsily expressed feelings. Just talk to your compassionate, understanding Father. You are his precious child whom He loves perfectly and wants to help. As you pray, recognize that Father in Heaven is near and He is listening. 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."

"Often when we pray for help with a significant matter, Heavenly Father will give us gentle promptings that require us to think, exercise faith, work, at times struggle, then act. It is a step-by-step process that enables us to discern inspired answers."