How to Say a Mormon Prayer

Children and adults learn to show reverence, humility and respect to Heavenly Father while praying in the LDS church.

Prayer is a direct line of communication with God the Father, according to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church). It is a way of expressing gratitude to Heavenly Father, seeking guidance from Him and asking for additional blessings. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to pray privately, as a family and sometimes publicly in church meetings. They pray directly to Heavenly Father in the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Instructions

1. Fold your arms, bow your head and close your eyes. This body language shows humility and respect to Heavenly Father. It also helps you to maintain a reverent, or quiet, attitude during your prayer and minimizes distractions. Kneel on the floor if you are praying privately. If you are praying at a church meeting or family gathering, you will stand.

2. Pray sincerely. Don't repeat meaningless words over and over. Use your prayer as an opportunity to communicate directly with your Heavenly Father.

3. Begin your prayer by addressing God directly. Say "My (or "our" if you are praying on behalf of a group of people at a meeting) Father in Heaven," or simply "Heavenly Father." This begins your conversation with Him.

4. Use formal pronouns, such as thee, thou and thy when you pray. Members of the LDS Church pray very formally to show respect for their Heavenly Father. For example, rather than saying "Thank you for all you've given me," say "I thank thee for all thou hast given me."

5. Thank Heavenly Father for the blessings you enjoy in your life. Acknowledge His hand in your life and show your appreciation for it. Take a moment to express your gratitude for any specific blessings or fortunate events that have occurred in your life recently.

6. Ask Heavenly Father for continued blessings. Seek His guidance and help with decisions you are facing. Ask him to help you overcome challenges, such as poor health or financial trouble. Pray for family members or friends who may be in need of blessings as well. Always ask for these things and be prepared to receive the answers according to His will.

7. Close your prayer in the name of the Savior, Jesus Christ. LDS prayers end with the saying "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." Because the Savior is the advocate with the Father, members of the LDS church pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ.

References

• LDS.org: Prayer