Why Pray?


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People of Faith rarely ask this question. However, many others often ask if there is any value in prayer.
Every ancient and modern text, used as a basis for religious worship, states the importance of prayer. PrayerCircle.Church is a non-denominational religion based website dedicated to the act of prayer. Specifically, the repetition of your prayers. Human prayer circles have been used for as long as recorded history, most probably even longer, to increase the beneficial impact of individual prayers.
The idea of a prayer circle is simple; if saying your prayer once is a devout plea, then having your prayer repeated is even a more powerful plea.
Here are a few references to prayer from humanity's major religious texts:

The power of prayer is unlimited and immeasurable within the universe. Every religion has some form of prayer. For some, prayer is the first line of defense. For others, prayer is the final appeal. Those who pray know the value of prayer.

Join our prayer circle! Modern electronic communication has allowed us to contact thousands, if not millions, of 'like minded people.' Many are willing to pray for and with you. We have constructed an online means to allow your prayers to be repeated by our established prayer circles. Imagine people and electronic devices all over the world solenmly repeating your prayer. The internet and our 'Prayer Circle Organization' makes repeating your prayer as easy as visiting our website. Just type your prayer into the "SUBMIT" form and indicate how many times you would like it to be repeated. We will take it from there and have your prayer electronically distributed and multipled by our 'prayer repeaters.' You can watch the number of times your prayer is repeated from our website.

Holy texts Prayer Verses

Prayer is the way in which we communicate with God.
Experience the power of prayer!


Below find quotes from the Holy Books of Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Mormonism:

CHRISTIANITY:

That if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.- John 5:15
if my people, will humble themselves and pray, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. - Ephesians 1:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. Jeremiah 29:12
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. - Job 22:27
You will pray to him, and he will hear you, and you will fulfill your vows. - John 17:15
Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. - Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Matthew 5:44
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Proverbs 15:8
The prayer of the upright pleases him. - Psalm 17:6
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea. - Psalm 141:2
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Psalm 4:1
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. - Luke 11:2-4
The LORD hears the prayers of the righteous. - Matthew 6:9-13
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. - Romans 8:26
By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. - Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. - Thessalonians 5:17
pray continually, - Timothy 2:8
pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. - John 1:9
Prayer is both marvelous and mysterious.
Psalm 34:15: "The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry."

What Does It Mean to Pray with Faith?
Daniel 9:18: "We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy."
John 5:14: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."
James 5:16: "Prayer is powerful and effective."
Prayers work!
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. - Thessalonians 5:16-18
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. - John 5:14
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. - Colossians 4:2
Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. - Jeremiah 29:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. - Romans 12:12
The Lord is near to all who call on him, - Psalm 145:18
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. - Matthew 6:6
Be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. - Peter 4:7



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JUDAISM:

From the Talmud
Always let a man test himself: let him pray - Quote n° 4374 : Talmud , Judaism

Tefillah: Prayer
Prayer is an integral part of everyday life.

Observant Jews are constantly reminded of God's presence and of our relationship with God, because we are continually praying to Him. Our first thoughts and words in the morning, even before we get out of bed, is a prayer thanking God for returning our souls to us. There are prayers to be recited just before enjoying a material pleasure, such as eating or drinking, or just after them, such as after eating or drinking or after buying new clothes or ordinary household items; prayers to recite before performing any mitzvah (commandment), such as washing hands or lighting candles; prayers to recite upon seeing anything unusual, such as a king, a rainbow, or the site of a great tragedy; prayers to recite whenever some good or bad thing happens; and prayers to recite before going to bed at night. All of these prayers are in addition to formal prayer services, which are performed three times a day every weekday and additional times on sabbaths and festivals. See Jewish Liturgy.

The Need for Prayer

Many people today do not see the need for regular, formal prayer. "I pray when I feel inspired to, when it is meaningful to me", they say. This attitude overlooks two important things: the purpose of prayer, and the need for practice.
One purpose of prayer is to increase your awareness of God in your life and the role that God plays in your life. If you only pray when you feel inspired (that is, when you are already aware of God), then you will not increase your awareness of God.
In addition, if you want to do something well, you have to practice it continually, even when you do not feel like doing it. This is as true of prayer as it is of playing a sport, playing a musical instrument, or writing. The sense of humility and awe of God that is essential to proper prayer does not come easily to modern man, and will not simply come to you when you feel the need to pray. If you wait until inspiration strikes, you will not have the skills you need to pray effectively. Before starting to pray regularly, many find that when they want to pray, they do not know how. They do not know what to say, or how to say it, or how to establish the proper frame of mind. If you pray regularly, you will learn how to express yourself in prayer.
When you say the same prayers day after day, you might expect that the prayers would become routine and would begin to lose meaning. While this may be true for some people, this is not the intention of Jewish prayer. As said at the beginning of this discussion, the most important part of prayer is the introspection it provides. Accordingly, the proper frame of mind is vital to prayer.
The mindset for prayer is referred to as kavanah, which is generally translated as "concentration" or "intent". The minimum level of kavanah is an awareness that one is speaking to God and an intention to fulfill the obligation to pray. If you do not have this minimal level of kavanah, then you are not praying; you are merely reading. In addition, it is preferred that you have a mind free from other thoughts, that you know and understand what you are praying about and that you think about the meaning of the prayer.
The Talmud states that it is permissible to pray in any language
Even liberal Judaism is increasingly recognizing the value of Hebrew prayer. It seems that fifty years ago, you never heard a word of Hebrew in a Reform synagogue. Today, the standard Reform prayer book contains the text of many prayers in Hebrew, and many of the standard prayers are recited in Hebrew, generally followed by transliteration and an English translation. Some Reform rabbis read from the Torah in Hebrew, also generally followed by an English translation or explanation.
Most of our prayers are expressed in the first person plural, "us" instead of "me", and are recited on behalf of all of the Jewish people. This form of prayer emphasizes our responsibility for one another and our interlinked fates.
Formal prayer services are largely a group activity rather than an individual activity. Although it is permissible to pray alone and it fulfills the obligation to pray, you should generally make every effort to pray with a group.
A complete formal prayer service cannot be conducted without a quorum of at least 10 adult Jewish men; that is, at least 10 people who are obligated to fulfill the commandment to recite the prayers. This prayer quorum is referred to as a minyan (from a Hebrew root meaning to count or to number). Certain prayers and religious activities cannot be performed without a minyan. This need for a minyan has often helped to keep the Jewish community together in isolated areas.
A berakhah (blessing) is a special kind of prayer that is very common in Judaism. Berakhot are recited both as part of the synagogue services and as a response or prerequisite to a wide variety of daily occurrences. Berakhot are easy to recognize: they all start with the word barukh (blessed or praised).
According to Jewish Law, a person must recite at least 100 berakhot each day! This is not as difficult as it sounds. Repeating the Shemoneh Esrei three times a day (as all observant Jews do) covers 57 berakhot all by itself, and there are dozens of everyday occurrences that require berakhot.
Yet in a berakhah, the person saying the blessing is speaking to God.



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ISLAM:

From the Quran:
"Prayer is the Pillar of the Religion."
"Prayer is the Ascension of the Believer."
"Prayer is the Key to Paradise."
"Prayer is conversation with Allah."

"Verily I am Allah: there is no god but I: so serve thou Me, (only) and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise." (Taha, 14)
"By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new)." (an-Nur, 37)
"Establish Regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt." (al-Ankabut 45)
"Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds. Except the Companions of the Right Hand. (They will be) in Gardens (of Delight); they will question each other And (ask) of the Sinners: "What led you into Hell-Fire?" They will say: "We were not of those who prayed; Nor were we of those who fed the indigent; But we used to talk vanities with vain talkers; And we used to deny the Day of Judgment Until there came to us (the Hour) that is certain." (al-Muddaththir 38-47)
The Quran orders people to perform prayers with the verses above and tens of similar verses and it shows them the bad results of not performing prayers.
"Verily I am Allah: there is no god but I: so serve thou Me, (only) and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise." (Taha, 14)
"By men whom neither traffic nor merchandise can divert from the Remembrance of Allah nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity: their (only) fear is for the Day when hearts and eyes will be transformed (in a world wholly new)." (an-Nur, 37)
"Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to thee, and establish Regular Prayer: for Prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubt. And Allah knows the (deeds) that ye do." (al-Ankabut 45)

Following are the Verses of Qur'an regarding obligatory Prayers (Salat), Fasting, Zakat and Hajj
Verses regarding Prayers (Salat):
1. [2:3-5] who believe in the unseen, observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity. And they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you, and with regard to the Hereafter, they are absolutely certain. These are guided by their Lord; these are the winners.
2. [2:43] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down.
3. [2:45] You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent.
4. [2:153] O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (salat). Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.
5. [29:45] "Observe the Salat (Contact Prayers) for it prohibits evil and vice."
6. [15:98-99] "You shall glorify and praise your Lord and be with the prostrators, and worship your Lord until you attain certainty."
7. [35:29-30] "Surely, those who recite the book of God, observe the Contact Prayers and are charitable both discreetly and openly can hope for an investment that never loses. He will recompense them generously and will multiply His blessings upon them. He is Forgiving, Appreciative."
8. [29:45] "You shall recite what is revealed to you of the Scripture, and observe the Salat (Contact Prayers), for the Salat prohibits evil and vice. But the remembrance of God is the most important objective. God is aware of all that you do."
9. [20:14] "I am God, there is no other God but Me, you shall worship Me and observe the Salat (Contact Prayers) to commemorate Me."
10. [4:43] "O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) while intoxicated, till you ( so that you ) know what you are saying."
11. [5:6] "O you who believe, when you observe the Salat (Contact Prayers) you shall wash your faces, wash your arms to the elbows, wipe your heads and wash your feet to the ankles."
12. [6:162-163] "Say, "My Salat (Contact Prayers), my worship practices, my life and my death, are all devoted absolutely to God alone, the Lord of the universe. He has no partner. This is what I am commanded to believe, and I am the first to submit."
13. [23:2] Successful indeed are the believers; who are reverent during their Salat (Contact Prayers)."
14. [2:43] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down.
15. [2:150] "Wherever you go, you shall turn your face (during Salat) towards the Sacred Masjid; wherever you might be, you shall turn your faces (during Salat) towards it."
16. [2:238] "You shall consistently observe the Salat (Contact Prayers), especially the middle prayer, and stand before God in submission."
17. [3:39] "The angels called to him as he was standing praying in the sanctuary: "Allah gives you good news of John; a believer in the word of God, honorable, moral, and a righteous prophet."
18. [4:102] "When you are with them, and lead the Salat (Contact Prayer) for them, let a group of them stand with you and let them hold their weapons, and let them stand behind you as you prostrate. Then, let the other group that has not prayed take their turn praying with you, while the others stand guard and hold their weapons."
19. [22:26] "We appointed Abraham to establish the Shrine: "You shall not idolize any other god beside Me, and purify My shrine for those who visit it, those who live near it, and those who bow and prostrate."
20. [48:29] "Muhammad-the messenger of God, and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but kind and compassionate amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek God's blessings and approval."
21. [29:45] "You shall recite what is revealed to you of the Scripture (the Quran), and observe the Salat (Contact Prayers)."
22. [3:113] "They are not all the same; among the followers of the scripture there are those who are righteous. They recite God's revelations through the night while prostrating."
23. [16:98] "When you read the Quran, you shall seek refuge in God from Satan the rejected."
24. [4:102] " ...... then when they have performed their prostration (fa iza sajadu) let them fall to the rear and let another group come that has not worshipped yet and let them worship with you ......"
25. [2:239] "Under unusual circumstances, you may pray while walking or riding. Once you are safe, you shall commemorate God as He taught you what you never knew."
26. [18:27] "You shall recite what is revealed to you of your Lord's Scripture (the Quran). Nothing shall abrogate His words, and you shall not find any other source beside it."
27. [56:74] "You shall glorify the name of your Lord, the Great".
28. [87:1] "Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High".
29. [73:20] Your Lord knows that you meditate during two-thirds of the night, or half of it, or one-third of it, and so do some of those who believed with you. GOD has designed the night and the day, and He knows that you cannot always do this. He has pardoned you. Instead, you shall read what you can of the Quran. He knows that some of you may be ill, others may be traveling in pursuit of GOD's provisions, and others may be striving in the cause of GOD. You shall read what you can of it, and observe the contact prayers (Salat), give the obligatory Charity (Zakat), and lend GOD a loan of righteousness. Whatever good you send ahead on behalf of your souls, you will find it at GOD far better and generously rewarded. And implore GOD for forgiveness. Allah is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
30. [50:40] "During the night you shall glorify Him, and after prostrating."
31. [11:114] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) at both ends of the day, and during the night. The righteous works wipe out the evil works. This is a reminder for those who would take heed.
32. [17:78] You shall observe the Contact Prayer (salat) when the sun declines from its highest point at noon, as it moves towards sunset. You shall also observe (the recitation of) the Quran at dawn. (Reciting) the Quran at dawn is witnessed.
33. [62:9-10] "O you who believe, when the Salat is announced on Friday, you shall hasten to the commemoration of God, and drop all business. This is better for you, if you only knew. Once the prayer is completed, you may spread through the land to seek God's bounties, and continue to remember God frequently, that you may succeed."
34. [2:143] "We appointed the Qiblah which you formerly observed only that We may know those who follow the messenger from those who turn back on their heels."
35. [2:149] "Wherever you go, you shall turn your face (during Salat) towards the Sacred Masjid. This is the truth from your Lord. God is never unaware of anything you all do."
36. [2:144] "We have seen you (O Muhammad) turning your face about the sky (searching for the right direction). We now assign a Qiblah that is pleasing to you. Henceforth, you shall turn your face towards the Sacred Masjid."
37. [17:110] Say, "Call Him GOD, or call Him the Most Gracious; whichever name you use, to Him belongs the best names." You shall not utter your Contact Prayers (Salat) too loudly, nor secretly; use a moderate tone.
38. [7:31] O children of Adam, you shall be clean and dress nicely when you go to the masjid. And eat and drink moderately; Surely, He does not love the gluttons.
39. [4:43] O you who believe, do not observe the Contact Prayers (SALAT) while intoxicated, so that you know what you are saying. Nor after sexual orgasm without bathing, unless you are on the road, traveling; if you are ill or traveling, or you had urinary or fecal-related excretion (such as gas), or contacted the women (sexually), and you cannot find water, you shall observe Tayammum (dry ablution) by touching clean dry soil, then wiping your faces and hands therewith. GOD is Pardoner, Forgiver.
40. [4:101] When you travel, during war, you commit no error by shortening your Contact Prayers (salat), if you fear that the disbelievers may attack you. Surely, the disbelievers are your ardent enemies.
41. [4:103] Once you complete your Contact Prayer (salat), you shall remember GOD while standing, sitting, or lying down. Once the war is over, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (salat); the Contact Prayers (salat) are decreed for the believers at specific times.
42. [4:142] The hypocrites think that they are deceiving GOD, but He is the One who leads them on. When they get up for the Contact Prayer (salat), they get up lazily. That is because they only show off in front of the people, and rarely do they think of GOD.
43. [5:6] O you who believe, when you observe the Contact Prayers (salat), you shall: (1) wash your faces, (2) wash your arms to the elbows, (3) wipe your heads, and (4) wash your feet to the ankles. If you were unclean due to sexual orgasm, you shall bathe. If you are ill, or traveling, or had any digestive excretion (urinary, fecal, or gas), or had (sexual) contact with the women, and you cannot find water, you shall observe the dry ablution (Tayammum) by touching clean dry soil, then rubbing your faces and hands. GOD does not wish to make the religion difficult for you; He wishes to cleanse you and to perfect His blessing upon you, that you may be appreciative.
44. [5:55] Your real allies are GOD and His messenger, and the believers who observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they bow down.
45. [5:91] The devil wants to provoke animosity and hatred among you through intoxicants and gambling, and to distract you from remembering Allah, and from observing the Contact Prayers (salat). Will you then refrain?
46. [5:106] O you who believe, witnessing a will when one of you is dying shall be done by two equitable people among you. If you are traveling, then two others may do the witnessing. After observing the Contact Prayer (salat), let the witnesses swear by GOD, to alleviate your doubts: "We will not use this to attain personal gains, even if the testator is related to us. Nor will we conceal GOD's testimony. Otherwise, we would be sinners."
47. [6:72] "And to observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and to reverence Him - He is the One before whom you will be summoned (for the reckoning)."
48. [7:170] Those who uphold the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (salat), we never fail to recompense the pious.
49. [9:18] The only people to frequent GOD's masjids are those who believe in GOD and the Last Day, and observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and do not fear except GOD. These will surely be among the guided ones.
50. [9:54] What prevented the acceptance of their spending is that they disbelieved in GOD and His messenger, and when they observed the Contact Prayers (Salat), they observed them lazily, and when they gave to charity, they did so grudgingly.
51. [9:71] The believing men and women are allies of one another. They advocate righteousness and forbid evil, they observe the Contact Prayers (salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they obey GOD and His messenger. These will be showered by GOD's mercy. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.
52. [10:87] We inspired Moses and his brother. "Maintain your homes in Egypt for the time being, turn your homes into synagogues, and maintain the Contact Prayers (salat). Give good news to the believers."
53. [14:31] Exhort My servants who believed to observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and to give (to charity) from our provisions to them, secretly and publicly, before a day comes where there is neither trade, nor nepotism.
54. [19:59] After them, He substituted generations who lost the Contact Prayers (salat), and pursued their lusts. They will suffer the consequences.
55. [20:132] You shall enjoin your family to observe the contact prayers (salat), and steadfastly persevere in doing so. We do not ask you for any provisions; we are the ones who provide for you. The ultimate triumph belongs to the righteous.
56. [21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers.
57. [22:35] They are the ones whose hearts tremble upon mentioning GOD, they steadfastly persevere during adversity, they observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.
58. [22:41] They are those who, if we appointed them as rulers on earth, they would establish the Contact Prayers (salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat), and would advocate righteousness and forbid evil. GOD is the ultimate ruler.
59. [24:37] People who are not distracted by business or trade from commemorating GOD; they observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they are conscious of the day when the minds and the eyes will be horrified.
60. [29:45] You shall recite what is revealed to you of the scripture, and observe the Contact Prayers (salat), for the Contact Prayers prohibit evil and vice. But the remembrance of GOD (through salat) is the most important objective. GOD knows everything you do.
61. [30:31] You shall submit to Him, reverence Him, observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and - whatever you do - do not ever fall into idol worship.
62. [35:29] Surely, those who recite the book of GOD, observe the Contact Prayers (salat), and from our provisions to them they spend - secretly and publicly - are engaged in an investment that never loses.
63. [42:38] They respond to their Lord by observing the Contact Prayers (salat). Their affairs are decided after due consultation among themselves, and from our provisions to them they give (to charity).
64. [74:41-44] About the guilty. "What brought you to this retribution?" They will say, "We did not observe the contact prayers (Salat). "We did not feed the poor.
65. [74:1-7] O you hidden secret. Come out and warn. Extol your Lord. Purify your garment. Forsake what is wrong. Be content with your lot. Steadfastly commemorate your Lord.
66. [98:5] All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion.
67. [10:9-10] "As for those who believe and lead a righteous life, their Lord guides them by virtue of their belief. Rivers will flow beneath them in the garden of bliss. Their prayer therein is, 'Be You Glorified our God' their greeting therein is, 'Peace' and the ending/conclusion of their prayer is, Praise be to God, Lord of the universe"

The Zakat related verses in the holy Qur'an:

1. [21:73] "We made them (Abraham and his sons) imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers."
2. [6:141] "Eat from their fruits, and give the due alms on the day of harvest"
3. [2:43] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down.
4. [2:83] We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: "You shall not worship except GOD. You shall honor your parents and regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. You shall treat the people amicably. You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)." But you turned away, except a few of you, and you became averse.
5. [2:110] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Any good you send forth on behalf of your souls, you will find it at Allah. Allah is seer of everything you do.
6. [2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.
7. [2:277] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), they receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
8. [4:77] Have you noted those who were told, "You do not have to fight; all you need to do is observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)," then, when fighting was decreed for them, they feared the people as much as they feared GOD, or even more? They said, "Our Lord, why did You force this fighting on us? If only You respite us for awhile!" Say, "The materials of this world are nil, while the Hereafter is far better for the righteous, and you never suffer the slightest injustice."
9. [4:162] As for those among them who are well founded in knowledge, and the believers, they believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you. They are observers of the Contact Prayers (Salat), and givers of the obligatory charity (Zakat); they are believers in GOD and the Last Day. We grant these a great recompense.
10. [5:12] GOD had taken a covenant from the Children of Israel, and we raised among them twelve patriarchs. And GOD said, "I am with you, so long as you observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and believe in My messengers and respect them, and continue to lend GOD a loan of righteousness. I will then remit your sins, and admit you into gardens with flowing streams. Anyone who disbelieves after this, has indeed strayed off the right path."
11. [5:55] Your real allies are GOD and His messenger, and the believers who observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they bow down.
12. [7:156-157] "And decree for us righteousness in this world, and in the Hereafter. We have repented to You." He said, "My retribution befalls whomever I will. But My mercy encompasses all things. However, I will specify it for those who (1) lead a righteous life, (2) give the obligatory charity (Zakat), (3) believe in our revelations, and "(4) follow the messenger, the gentile prophet (Muhammad), whom they find written in their Torah and Gospel. He exhorts them to be righteous, enjoins them from evil, allows for them all good food, and prohibits that which is bad, and unloads the burdens and the shackles imposed upon them. Those who believe in him, respect him, support him, and follow the light that came with him are the successful ones."
13. [9:11] If they repent and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), then they are your brethren in religion. We thus explain the revelations for people who know.
14. [9:18] The only people to frequent GOD's masjids are those who believe in GOD and the Last Day, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and do not fear except GOD. These will surely be among the guided ones.
15. [9:71] The believing men and women are allies of one another. They advocate righteousness and forbid evil, they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they obey GOD and His messenger. These will be showered by GOD's mercy. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.
16. [21:73] We made them imams who guided in accordance with our commandments, and we taught them how to work righteousness, and how to observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat). To us, they were devoted worshipers.
17. [22:41] They are those who, if we appointed them as rulers on earth, they would establish the Contact Prayers (Salat) and the obligatory charity (Zakat), and would advocate righteousness and forbid evil. GOD is the ultimate ruler.
18. [22:78] You shall strive for the cause of GOD as you should strive for His cause. He has chosen you and has placed no hardship on you in practicing your religion - the religion of your father Abraham. He is the one who named you "Muslims" originally. Thus, the messenger shall serve as a witness among you, and you shall serve as witnesses among the people. Therefore, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and hold fast to Allah; He is your Lord, the best Lord and the best Supporter.
19. [24:37] People who are not distracted by business or trade from commemorating GOD; they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and they are conscious of the day when the minds and the eyes will be horrified.
20. [24:56] You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and obey the messenger, that you may attain mercy.
21. [41:7] "Who do not give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and with regard to the Hereafter, they are disbelievers."
22. [98:5] All that was asked of them was to worship GOD, devoting the religion absolutely to Him alone, observe the contact prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat). Such is the perfect religion.



Return to submit your prayer


MORMONISM:

If we get "yes" answers to our prayers, confidence is built. If we get "no" answers, we know that that is to protect us. No answer at all means He trusts us to act on the truth we already know. - Elder Richard Scott, "Answers to Prayers," 1989
It matters not whether you or I feel like praying, when the time comes to pray, pray. If we do not feel like it, we should pray till we do. . . . You will find that those who wait till the Spirit bids them pray, will never pray much on this earth." (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 44) - Elder Marvin J. Ashton, "Know He Is There," Ensign, February 1994, p. 53
Sometimes the Lord puts thoughts in our minds in answer to prayers. (President Marion G. Romney). . . . The miracle of prayer, to me, is that in the private, quiet chambers of our mind and heart, God both hears and answers prayers. - Elder Rex D. Pinegar, Ensign, May 1993, p. 66-67
The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. (Bible Dictionary, p. 753)
In other words, prayers bring our desires and the desires of our Father into harmony, thus bringing us both the blessing we are seeking and also the blessing of greater unity with the Father. This practice is key to the collective and individual salvation of women and men. - Elder David E. Sorensen, Ensign, May 1993, p. 30
Prayer is the passport to spiritual power. - President Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, November 1990, p. 47
As our Creator, He knows our cares, our worries, our joys, our struggles without our informing Him. The reason our Heavenly Father asks us to pray cannot be that we are able to tell Him something He does not already know. Rather, the reason He asks us to pray is that the process of learning to communicate effectively with Him will shape and change our lives as much as we are changed by learning to communicate as children. - Elder David E. Sorensen, Ensign, May 1993, p. 31
Elder James E. Faust and Elder Richard P. Lindsay dedicated three African nations for the preaching of the gospel - Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya. Elder Faust dedicated the land of Zimbabwe. "Before the meeting, the saints of Zimbabwe had been fasting and praying for rain. As the dedicatory prayer concluded, a gentle rain began to fall, and rainfall increased for days afterward." - Church News, November 23, 1991
"Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" asked Paul. We should ask that daily. The persistent asking of that question will change your life. - President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, April 1984
Returning from an exploring trip on back country roads, Matt and his father [Jeffrey R. Holland] came to an unexpected fork and could not remember which road to take. It was late in the day, and they knew darkness would be enveloping them in unfamiliar territory. Seizing a teaching moment, Jeffrey Holland asked his son to pray for direction. Afterward, he asked his son what he felt, and Matt replied that he felt strongly they should go to the left. Replying that he had felt the same way, his father turned the truck to the left. Ten minutes later, they came to a dead end and returned to take the other route.
Matt thought for a time and then asked his father why they would get that kind of answer to a prayer. His father replied that with the sun going down, that was undoubtedly the quickest way for the Lord to give them information - in this case, which one was the wrong road. Now, though the other road might not be familiar and could be difficult in places, they could proceed confidently, knowing it was the right one, even in the dark. - "Elder Jeffrey R. Holland," Ensign, December 1994, p. 13
There seems to grow upon us a film of worldliness when we move away from the Lord. It might be like the film of grease spread over the body of the swimmer who would cross the English Channel. It fills the pores and covers the skin so there can be less penetration of the cold. It might be like the skin-diver's rubber suit. But when we pierce the shell and penetrate the covering and humble ourselves with naked soul and sincere supplication and cleansed life, our prayers are answered. We can reach the point where Peter stood and like him we may . . . be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. - 2 Peter 1: 4, 9) - President Spencer W. Kimball, "Prayer," BYU Speeches, October 11, 1961, p. 7
"Did you pray in your family this morning?" "No." "Why?" "I was in too much of a hurry." Stop! Wait! When you get up in the morning, before you suffer yourselves to eat one mouthful of food, call your wives and children together, bow down before the Lord, ask him to forgive your sins, and protect you through the day, to preserve you from temptation and all evil, to guide your steps aright, that you may do something that day that shall be beneficial to the Kingdom of God on the earth. Have you time to do this? Elders, sisters, have you time to pray? - Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 15:36
Petitioning in prayer has taught me, again and again, that the vault of heaven with all its blessings is to be opened only by a combination lock. One tumbler falls when there is faith, a second when there is personal righteousness; the third and final tumbler falls only when what is sought is, in God's judgment - not ours - right for us. Sometimes we pound on the vault door for something we want very much and wonder why the door does not open. We would be very spoiled children if that vault door opened any more easily than it does. I can tell, looking back, that God truly loves me by inventorying the petitions He has refused to grant me. Our rejected petitions tell us much about ourselves but also much about our flawless Father.
By inventorying our insights, from time to time, it will surprise us what the Lord has done in teaching us. What we have learned in the past can help us to persist in the present. By tallying the truths and keeping such before us, we can also avoid lapsed literacy in spiritual things. If we will let Him, the Holy Ghost will bring all the important insights to our remembrance. - Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Insights," New Era, April 1978, p. 6
We need to feel now that God knows us and loves us as individuals. There are times you have felt the closeness of God, your Father, and that you are his child. Those times can come more often. There is a simple way to think about it.
If you want to stay close to someone who has been dear to you but from whom you are separated, you know how to do it. You would find a way to speak to them, you would listen to them, and you would discover ways to do things for each other. The more often that happened, the longer it went on, the deeper would be the bond of affection. If much time passed without the speaking, the listening, and the doing, the bond would weaken.
God is perfect and omnipotent, and you and I are mortal. But he is our Father, he loves us, and he offers the same opportunity to draw closer to him as would a loving friend. And you will do it in much the same way: speaking, listening, and doing.
Our Heavenly Father has not only invited us to speak to him, he has commanded it. And, as he has always done, when he commands, he promises too. - Elder Henry B. Eyring, "To Draw Closer to God," Ensign, May 1991, p. 66
Genuine faith makes increasing allowance for these individual tutorials. In view of these tutorials, God cannot, brothers and sisters, respond affirmatively to all of our petitions with an unbroken chain of yeses. This would assume that all of our petitions are for that "which is right" and are spiritually "expedient." No petitioner is so wise! Paul even acknowledged that we sometimes "know not what we should pray for as we ought" (Romans 8:26; see also D&C 46:30). - Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, May 1991, p. 90
I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns. I find myself loving more intensely those whom I must love with all my heart and mind and strength, and loving them more, I find it easier to abide their counsel. - President Spencer W. Kimball, "What I Hope You Will Teach My Grandchildren and All Others of the Youth of Zion," address to Seminary and Institute personnel, BYU, 11 July 1966, p. 6.
Some people pray only when confronted with personal problems. Others don't pray at all. A scripture makes this observation: "Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them." (Helaman 13:22) - Elder Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 2003, p. 7
Our world is now much the same as it was in the days of the Nephites prophet who said: ". . . if it were not for the prayers of the righteous . . . ye would even now be visited with utter destruction" (Alma 10:22). There are many upright and faithful who live all the commandments and whose lives and prayers keep the world from destruction. - President Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, June 1971, p. 16
Have I had some prayers that were not answered? Yes, and so have you. Sometimes the reason is that we may ask for something without enough faith, or we may in fact ask for something that isn't expedient or that isn't right. For us to get used to the fact that all prayers are not automatically answered is one of life's growing experiences. - Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Insights from My Life," Ensign, August 2000, p. 13
There are poignant and frequent reminders of the veil, adding to our sense of being close but still outside. In our deepest prayers, when the agency of man encounters the omniscience of God, we sometimes sense, if only momentarily, how very provincial our petitions really are; we perceive that there are more good answers than we have good questions; and we realize that we have been taught more than we can tell, for the language used is not that which tongue can transmit. - Elder Neal A. Maxwell, "Patience," Ensign, October 1980, p. 28
I pray you, my young brethren who are present in this vast congregation, and who are liable to be called to preach the gospel to the world, when you are called to go out, I pray that you will know how to approach God in prayer. It is not such a difficult thing to learn how to pray. It is not the words we use particularly that constitute prayer. Prayer does not consist of words, altogether. True, faithful, earnest prayer consists more in the feeling that rises from the heart and from the inward desire of our spirits to supplicate the Lord in humility and in faith, that we may receive his blessings. It matters not how simple the words may be, if our desires are genuine and we come before the Lord with a broken heart and contrite spirit to ask him for that which we need. - President Joseph F. Smith, General Conference, October 1899; see Gospel Doctrine, p. 219
The Spirit of the Lord is not likely to give us revelations on matters that are trivial. I once heard a young woman in testimony meeting praise the spirituality of her husband, indicating that he submitted every question to the Lord. She told how he accompanied her shopping and would not even choose between different brands of canned vegetables without making his selection a matter of prayer. That strikes me as improper. I believe the Lord expects us to use the intelligence and experience He has given us to make these kinds of choices. When a member asked the Prophet Joseph Smith for advice on a particular matter, the Prophet stated: "It is a great thing to inquire at the hands of God, or to come into His presence: and we feel fearful to approach Him on subjects that are of little or no consequence" (History of the Church, 1:339).
Of course, we are not always able to judge what is trivial. If a matter appears of little or no consequence, we should proceed on the basis of our own judgment. If the choice is important for reasons unknown to us, such as . . . a choice between two cans of vegetables when one contains a hidden poison, the Lord will intervene and give us guidance. Where a choice will make a real difference in our lives - obvious or not - and where we are living in tune with the Spirit and seeking its guidance, we can be sure that we will receive the guidance we need to attain our goal. The Lord will not leave us unassisted when a choice is important to our eternal welfare. - Elder Dallin H. Oaks, "Revelation," BYU Devotional, September 29, 1981; see New Era, September 1982, p. 46
Please do not pray - I plead with you - for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be the miracle. - President Thomas S. Monson, BYU Commencement, April 25, 1991; Church News, May 4, 1991
Prayer, in the homes of this and other lands, is one of the simple medicines that would check the dread disease that has eroded the fiber of our character. It is as simple as sunshine and would be as effective in curing our malady. We could not expect a miracle in a day, but in a generation we would have a miracle. - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Be Thou an Example"
Just a few words added to the blessing on the food, as is becoming the custom in some parts, is not enough. We need to get onto our knees in prayer and gratitude. - President Ezra Taft Benson
I know of no single practice that will have a more salutary effect upon your lives than the practice of kneeling together as you begin and close each day. Somehow the little storms that seem to afflict every marriage are dissipated when, kneeling before the Lord, you thank him for one another, in the presence of one another, and then together invoke his blessings upon your lives, your home, your loved ones, and your dreams. God than will be your partner, and your daily conversation with him will bring peace into your hearts and a joy into your lives that can come from no other source. Your companionship will sweeten through the years; your love will strengthen. Your appreciation will grow. - President Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, June 1971, p. 72
As I look back on my life following my mission, I realize that there were periods when I was able to maintain the same closeness to the Lord that I experienced in the mission field. There were also periods when the world seemed to creep in and I was less consistent and faithful with my prayers.
Wouldn't this be a good time for a little self-evaluation to determine if we still have the same relationship with our Father in Heaven that we enjoyed in the mission field? If the world has diverted us from the practice of prayer, we then have lost a great spiritual power. Maybe it is time that we rekindle our missionary spirit through more frequent, consistent, and mighty prayer. - Elder L. Tom Perry, "The Returned Missionary," Ensign, November 2001, pp. 75-76
I recall an experience of a few years ago. A group of friends were trail riding on strong Morgan horses when we came to a clearing which opened on a lush grass meadow with a small, clear stream meandering through it. No mule deer could wish for a better home. However, there was a danger lurking. The wily deer can detect the slightest movement in the surrounding bush; he can hear the crack of a twig and discern the scent of man. He is vulnerable from but one direction - overhead. In a mature tree, hunters had erected a platform high above the enticing spot. Though in many places this is illegal, the hunter takes his prey as it comes to eat and to drink. No twig would break, no movement disturb, no scent reveal the hunter's whereabouts. Why? The magnificent buck deer, with its highly developed senses to warn of impending danger, does not have the capacity to look directly upward and thus detect the enemy. The deer finds himself in harm's way. Man is not so restricted. His greatest safety is found in his ability and his desire to look upward - to "look to God and live" (Alma 37:47). - President Thomas S. Monson, "In Harm's Way," Ensign, May 1998, p. 48
I recognize that, on occasion, some of our most fervent prayers may seem to go unanswered. We wonder, "Why?" I know that feeling! I know the fears and tears of such moments. But I also know that our prayers are never ignored. Our faith is never unappreciated. I know that an all-wise Heavenly Father's perspective is much broader than is ours. While we know of our mortal problems and pain, He knows of our immortal progress and potential. If we pray to know His will and submit ourselves to it with patience and courage, heavenly healing can take place in His own way and time. - Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Jesus Christ - the Master Healer," Ensign, November 2005, p. 86
With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. "Cast not away therefore your confidence" (Hebrews 10:35). Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you. - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence," Ensign, March 2000, p. 9
I asked a short time since for the Lord to deliver me out of the hands of the Governor of Missouri, and if it needs must be to accomplish it, to take him away; and the next news that came pouring down from there was, that Governor Reynolds had shot himself. And I would now say, Beware, O earth, how you fight against the Saints of God and shed innocent blood; for in the days of Elijah, his enemies came upon him, and fire was called down from heaven and destroyed them. - Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 340
Prayer is a supernal gift of our Father in Heaven to every soul. Think of it: the absolute Supreme Being, the most all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful personage, encourages you and me, as insignificant as we are, to converse with Him as our Father. . . .
It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our supplication can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer. - Elder Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, p. 8
President John Taylor wrote: "Joseph Smith, upwards of forty years ago, said to me: 'Brother Taylor, you have received the Holy Ghost. Now follow the influence of that Spirit, and it will lead you into all truth, until by and by, it will become in you a principle of revelation.' Then he told me never to arise in the morning without bowing before the Lord, and dedicating myself to him during that day." - Elder Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance," General Conference, October 2009, p. 6
. . . our path of duty is clearly marked by an undivided faith and belief in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the power of prayer. This path is to be traveled by all of God's children who love Him and desire to keep His commandments. For the young, it leads to personal achievement and preparation; for adults, it leads to renewed faith and resolve; for the older generation, it leads to perspective and endurance in righteousness to the end. It equips every faithful traveler with the strength of the Lord, protects him from the evils of the day, and endows him with the knowledge that "the conclusion of the whole matter [is to] Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." (Ecclesiastes 12:13) - Bishop Keith B. McMullin, "Our Path of Duty," Ensign, May 2010, p. 15
Think of the power for good as you gather your family together and thank God for all of his blessings. Think of the eternal significance of daily thanking him for each member of your family and asking him to guide and bless and protect each one. Think of the strength that will come to your family as, daily, one member or another pours out his or her soul in love to God for other family members. - Elder John H. Groberg, "The Power of Family Prayer," Ensign, May 1982, p. 50
The Lord has made it plain to us that if we are not a prayerful people, if we fail to remember the king of this land, Jesus Christ, we can lose all of these blessings. We should hearken to the words of Amulek when he said to his people: "Yea, and I say unto you if it were not for the prayers of the righteous, who are now in the land, that ye would even now be visited with utter destruction; yet it would not be by flood, as were the people in the days of Noah, but it would be by famine, and pestilence, and the sword. But it is by the prayers of the righteous that ye are spared; now therefore, if ye will cast out the righteous from among you then will not the Lord stay his hand; but in his fierce anger he will come out against you, then ye shall be smitten by famine, and by pestilence, and by the sword; and the time is soon at hand lest ye repent." (Alma 10:22-23.)
And so it seems to me that what we need in this fair land of ours is a shining example of prayerfulness and the Latter-day Saints are the people who are chosen to exemplify to the world the power of prayer. Every Latter-day Saint home should be a house of God, where the altar of prayer is ever in use and where the proper example is set to our children in supplicating God for divine guidance in all of our endeavors. - President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Conference Report, April 1949, p. 159
What to say! What to write! Where to go! What to do! Such guidance, if given infrequently for only some of life's decisions, would be priceless. But the broader promise was given to the Prophet Joseph at Salem, Massachusetts, that "for the main" (or for the most part), the place he should tarry would be signalized to him by the peace and power of the Spirit (see D&C 111:8). And the Three Witnesses were told that the Holy Ghost would manifest "all things which are expedient unto the children of men" (D&C 18:18).
This is of monumental significance. The gift has been given - what we make of it is up to us. Unless we listen to counsel we will receive none. Unless we pray, exercise faith, love, obey, and keep the tabernacles of our spirits clean - we can have no claim upon this unspeakable gift. May we so live as to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us make wise decisions. - Elder F. Burton Howard, "The Gift of Knowing," New Era, November 1984, p. 44
The Lord tells us through his prophet what we have to do that the Spirit may be with us: "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith" (D&C 42:14). The prayer of faith is easy to understand for a person who is in a situation of urgency or sudden distress. But isn't it clear that we, in some way, may offend the Lord if we come to him in a sincere prayer of faith only in emergencies? It seems obvious that the Lord has a question for some of us: "Why do you not want the closeness of the Spirit every minute of your life? And why do you come unto me in sincerity only when it is either already too late or help can only come after heavy losses or much pain?"
I wish we would open our minds and understand that the Lord is offering to us, through the Spirit, the most powerful life support available. The Lord has given us the instrument to achieve our righteous desires, if we know how to appreciate it and learn how to use it. With the help of this gift, we can learn how to handle our daily affairs, how our righteous motivations can increase, how our fears can be taken away, how to overcome temptations, and how to succeed in the most difficult and complicated tasks. With the help of this gift, every member can experience the unique power that the Lord wants to give those who receive him. "But unto as many as received me gave I power" (D&C 45:8). - Elder F. Enzio Busche, "Powerfully Strong," New Era, March 1989, p. 4
Will prayers that do not demand much of your thought merit much attention from our Heavenly Father? When you find yourself getting into a routine with your prayers, step back and think. Meditate for a while on the things for which you really are grateful. Look for them. They don't have to be grand or glorious. Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice. Thinking of things we are grateful for is a healing balm. It helps us get outside ourselves. It changes our focus from our pains and our trials to the abundance of this beautiful world we live in. - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Improving Our Prayers," Liahona, August 2004, p. 18
Isn't it marvelous, brothers and sisters, that God, who knows everything, still spends time listening to our prayers? Compared to that cosmic fact, what does the world really have to offer us? One round of applause, one fleeting moment of adulation, or an approving glance from a phantom Caesar?
May God bless us to see things as they really are and as they really will be (see Jacob 4:13; D&C 93:24), and may we give the glory and honor and praise unto God. - Elder Neal A. Maxwell, General Conference, April 2000

When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence.
When He answers no, it is to prevent error.
When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth. We are expected to assume accountability by acting on a decision that is consistent with His teachings without prior confirmation. We are not to sit passively waiting or to murmur because the Lord has not spoken. We are to act. - Elder Richard G. Scott, "Learning to Recognize Answers to Prayer," October 1989

I offer a plea that each of us will seek to live closer to the Lord and to commune with Him more frequently and with increased faith.
Fathers and mothers, pray over your children. Pray that they may be shielded from the evils of the world. Pray that they may grow in faith and knowledge. Pray that they may be directed toward lives that will be profitable and good. Husbands, pray for your wives. Express unto the Lord your gratitude for them and plead with Him in their behalf. Wives, pray for your husbands. Many of them walk a very difficult road with countless problems and great perplexities. Plead with the Almighty that they may be guided, blessed, protected, inspired in their righteous endeavors. . . .
Pray for wisdom and understanding as you walk the difficult paths of your lives. If you are determined to do foolish and imprudent things, I think the Lord will not prevent you. But if you seek His wisdom and follow the counsel of the impressions that come to you, I am confident that you will be blessed. - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Benediction," Ensign, May 2003, pp. 99-100
It has been my privilege during the past six months to meet with leaders of countries and with representatives of governments. Those with whom I've met feel kindly toward the Church and our members, and they have been cooperative and accommodating. There remain, however, areas of the world where our influence is limited and where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely. As did President Spencer W. Kimball over 32 years ago, I urge you to pray for the opening of those areas, that we might share with them the joy of the gospel. As we prayed then in response to President Kimball's pleadings, we saw miracles unfold as country after country, formerly closed to the Church, was opened. Such will transpire again as we pray with faith. - President Monson's opening remarks in the first session of General Conference, October 2008
O Father, look with mercy upon this, our own nation, and its friends in this time of need. Spare us and help us to walk with faith ever in Thee and ever in Thy Beloved Son, on whose mercy we count and to whom we look as our Savior and our Lord. Bless the cause of peace and bring it quickly to us again, we humbly plead with Thee, asking that Thou wilt forgive our arrogance, pass by our sins, be kind and gracious to us, and cause our hearts to turn with love toward Thee. We humbly pray in the name of Him who loves us all, even the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior, amen. - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, 2007
Do you want guidance? Have you prayed to the Lord for inspiration? Do you want to do right or do you want to do what you want to do whether or not it is right? Do you want to do what is best for you in the long run or what seems more desirable for the moment? Have you prayed? How much have you prayed? How did you pray? Have you prayed as did the Savior of the world in Gethsemane or did you ask for what you want regardless of its being proper? Do you say in your prayers: "Thy will be done"? Did you say, "Heavenly Father, if you will inspire and impress me with the right, I will do that right"? Or, did you pray, "Give me what I want or I will take it anyway"? Did you say: "Father in Heaven, I love you, I believe in you, I know you are omniscient. I am honest. I am sincerely desirous of doing right. I know you can see the end from the beginning. You can see the future. You can discern if under this situation I present, I will have peace or turmoil, happiness or sorrow, success or failure. Tell me, please, lo"ved Heavenly Father, and I promise to do what you tell me to do." Have you prayed that way? Don't you think it might be wise? Are you courageous enough to pray that prayer? - President Spencer W. Kimball, Teachings of Presidents of the Church
When the plan [of salvation] is lived, it will help you overcome every challenge in life. It will help you qualify, through faith and obedience, to have the divine spiritual guidance you need. That support will give you the strength to live as you know you ought to live, no matter how world conditions degrade. - Elder Richard G. Scott, "Truth Restored," Ensign, November 2005, p. 80
God offers us counsel not just for our own safety but for the safety of His other children, whom we should love. There are few comforts so sweet as to know that we have been an instrument in the hands of God in leading someone else to safety. That blessing generally requires the faith to follow counsel when it is hard to do. - President Henry B. Eyring, "Safety in Counsel," Liahona, June 2008, pp. 2-7
If you and I would truly pray and ask in faith, as did Joseph Smith - if we would pray with the expectation to act and not just to express - then the work of proclaiming the gospel would move forward in a remarkable way. Such a prayer of faith might include some of the following elements:

-Thanking Heavenly Father for the doctrines and ordinances of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, which bring hope and happiness into our lives.
-Asking for courage and boldness to open our mouths and share the gospel with our family and friends.
-Entreating Heavenly Father to help us identify individuals and families who will be receptive to our invitation to be taught by the missionaries in our homes.
-Pledging to do our part this day and this week and petitioning for help to overcome anxiety, fear, and hesitation.
-Seeking for the gift of discernment - for eyes to see and ears to hear missionary opportunities as they occur.
-Praying fervently for the strength to act as we know we should.
This same pattern of holy communication and consecrated work can be applied in our prayers for the poor and the needy, for the sick and the afflicted, for family members and friends who are struggling, and for those who are not attending Church meetings. - Elder David A. Bednar, "Ask In Faith," Ensign, April 2008

Some truths regarding prayer may help you. The Lord will hear your prayers in time of need. He will invariably answer them. However, His answers will generally not come while you are on your knees praying, even when you may plead for an immediate response. There is a pattern that must be followed. You are asked to look for an answer to your prayers, then confirm that it is correct. Obey His counsel to "study it out in your mind." Often you will think of a solution. Then seek confirmation that your answer is right. This help can come from prayer and from pondering the scriptures, at times by the intervention of others, or from your own capacity, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
At times the Lord will want you to proceed with trust before you receive a confirming answer. His answer generally comes as packets of help. As each piece is followed in faith, it will unite with others to give you the whole answer. This pattern requires the exercise of faith. While sometimes very hard, it results in significant personal growth. At times the Lord will give you an answer before you ask. This occurs when you are unaware of a danger or may be doing the wrong thing, trusting that it is correct. - Elder Richard G. Scott, General Conference, October 2001
Will prayers that do not demand much of your thought merit much attention from our Heavenly Father? When you find yourself getting into a routine with your prayers, step back and think. Meditate for a while on the things for which you really are grateful. Look for them. They don't have to be grand or glorious. Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite food, or the sound of a loved one's voice. Thinking of things we are grateful for is a healing balm. It helps us get outside ourselves. It changes our focus from our pains and our trials to the abundance of this beautiful world we live in. - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Improving Our Prayers," Liahona, August 2004, p. 18
God is anxiously waiting for the chance to answer your prayers and fulfill your dreams, just as He always has. But He can't if you don't pray, and He can't if you don't dream. In short, He can't if you don't believe. - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Pray earnestly and fast with purpose and devotion. Some difficulties, like devils, do not come out save by fasting and by prayer. Ask in righteousness and you shall receive. Knock with conviction and it shall be opened unto you. - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
With any major decision there are cautions and considerations to make, but once there has been illumination, beware the temptation to retreat from a good thing. If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it . . . is right now. Don't give up when the pressure mounts. Certainly don't go to that being who is bent on your destruction of your happiness. Face your doubts. Master your fears. "Cast not away therefore your confidence." Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you. - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, "Cast Not Away Your Confidence," Ensign, March 2000
If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, "Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature." He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them. - President George Q. Cannon, Millennial Star, April 23, 1894, p. 260
Put difficult questions in the back of your minds and go about your lives. Ponder and pray quietly and persistently about them. The answer may not come as a lightning bolt. It may come as a little inspiration here and a little there, "line upon line, precept upon precept" (D&C 98:12). Some answers will come from reading the scriptures, some from hearing speakers. And, occasionally, when it is important, some will come by very direct and powerful inspiration. The promptings will be clear and unmistakable. - Elder Boyd K. Packer, "Prayers and Answers," Ensign, November 1979, p. 21
When we seek inspiration to help make decisions, the Lord gives gentle promptings. These require us to think, to exercise faith, to work, to struggle at times, and to act. Seldom does the whole answer to a decisively important matter or complex problem come all at once. More often, it comes a piece at a time, without the end in sight. - Elder Richard G. Scott, Conference Report, October 1989, p. 40
The thing that all of us should strive for is to so live, keeping the commandments of the Lord, that He can answer our prayers. If we will live worthy, then the Lord will guide us - by a personal appearance, or by His actual voice, or by His voice coming into our mind, or by impressions upon our heart and our soul. And oh, how grateful we ought to be if the Lord sends us a dream in which is revealed to us the beauties of the eternity or a warning and direction for our special comfort. Yes, if we so live, the Lord will guide us for our salvation and for our benefit. - President Harold B. Lee, "Revelation and You," Tambuli, February 1980, p. 38
It is soul-satisfying to know that God is mindful of us and ready to respond when we place our trust in Him and do that which is right. There is no place for fear among men and women who place their trust in the Almighty and who do not hesitate to humble themselves in seeking divine guidance through prayer. Though persecutions arise, though reverses come, in prayer we can find reassurance, for God will speak peace to the soul. That peace, that spirit of serenity, is life's greatest blessing. - President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, February 1990
The children of God have more in common than they have differences. And even the differences can be seen as an opportunity. God will help us see a difference in someone else not as a source of irritation but as a contribution. The Lord can help you see and value what another person brings which you lack. More than once the Lord has helped me see His kindness in giving me association with someone whose difference from me was just the help I needed. That has been the Lord's way of adding something I lacked to serve Him better. - President Henry B. Eyring, "Our Hearts Knit as One," October 2008
Prayer begins with individual initiative. "Behold," saith the Lord, "I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). That door is opened when we pray to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ (see 3 Nephi 18:20; D&C 88:64). . . .
Let us ever pray "that [the Lord's] kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants . . . may . . . be prepared for the days . . . [when] the Son of Man shall come down . . . in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth" (D&C 65:5). In our daily lives and in our own crucial hours, may we fervently apply these precious lessons from the Lord. - Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Lessons from the Lord's Prayers," Ensign, May 2009, p. 48
But is prayer only one-way communication? No! . . . At the end of our prayers, we need to do some intense listening - even for several minutes. We have prayed for counsel and help. Now we must "be still and know that [He is] God" (Ps. 46:10)." - President Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, October 1981, p. 5
Meditation is one of the most secret, most sacred doors through which we pass into the presence of the Lord. - President David O. McKay, April 1946 General Conference
You have your agency, and inspiration does not - perhaps cannot - flow unless you ask for it, or someone asks for you.
No message in scripture is repeated more often than the invitation, even the command, to pray - to ask.
Prayer is so essential a part of revelation that without it the veil may remain closed to you. Learn to pray. Pray often . Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. - Elder Boyd K. Packer, "Personal Revelation: The Gift, the Test, and the Promise," Ensign, November 1994, p. 59
Another way to disqualify ourselves for His lifting power is to begin to act as if we have climbed on our power alone. It has been in the nature of men and women from the creation to begin to ignore what God has done and to exaggerate what they have done. That begins to happen in the good times. We can easily start to think that we created prosperity with our own labors and wisdom. We start calling attention to our accomplishments. We pray for help less often and with less fervor. And so the Lord's power lessens in our lives. In time we can be left more and more to our own power. - President Henry B. Eyring, Brigham Young University-Idaho Devotional, June 9, 2009
. . . . Sometimes we will receive counsel that we cannot understand or that seems not to apply to us, even after careful prayer and thought. Don't discard the counsel, but hold it close. If someone you trusted handed you what appeared to be nothing more than sand with the promise that it contained gold, you might wisely hold it in your hand awhile, shaking it gently. Every time I have done that with counsel from a prophet, after a time the gold flakes have begun to appear and I have been grateful. - President Henry B. Eyring, "Finding Safety In Counsel," General Conference, April 1997
The purpose of prayer, however, is not to appease a vindictive Deity; nor is it to court favors from an indulgent Father. It is to attune oneself with the spirit or light which "proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space." (D &C 88:12.)
In that light is to be found sure answers to all our needs. Prayer is the key which unlocks the door and lets Christ into our lives. - President Marion G. Romney, "Prayer and Revelation," Ensign, May 1978, p. 48
The pattern of our lives determines our eligibility to receive the promptings of the Spirit and to hear the answers to our prayers. Again, let there be no misunderstanding. Heavenly Father does answer our prayers, but often we aren't prepared to hear him. Some are answered immediately, but some do take longer, and that's where we may become discouraged. - Elder H. Burke Peterson, "Prayer - Try Again," Ensign, June 1981, p. 72
Think of the power for good as you gather your family together and thank God for all of his blessings. Think of the eternal significance of daily thanking him for each member of your family and asking him to guide and bless and protect each one. Think of the strength that will come to your family as, daily, one member or another pours out his or her soul in love to God for other family members. - Elder John H. Groberg, "The Power of Family Prayer," Ensign, May 1982, p. 50
What a great strength it would be to all of us in times of desperation and wonderment to humbly approach His throne with, "Please hear my prayers. Answer them in Thy great wisdom for my best good. But please give me the constant reassurance that Thou art there and that peace, contentment, and the courage to continue are mine because I have faith and can come to Thee who hast promised not to forsake us." - Elder Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, February 1994, p. 50
Access to our Creator through our Savior is surely one of the great privileges and blessings of our lives. I have learned from countless personal experiences that great is the power of prayer. No earthly authority can separate us from direct access to our Creator. There can never be a mechanical or electronic failure when we pray. There is no limit on the number of times or how long we can pray each day. There is no quota of how many needs we wish to pray for in each prayer. We do not need to go through secretaries or make an appointment to reach the throne of grace. He is reachable at any time and any place. - President James E. Faust, "The Lifeline of Prayer," Ensign, May 2002
One of the most powerful sources of personal development will come through the urgent prayers you offer in faith for a foundation of righteousness. You will learn much as feelings distill in your mind and heart. Avoid prayers that appear to be a set of instructions to the Lord - do this, bless that, change this, help me with that. Rather, be a compliant student to the Ultimate Teacher. He wants you to succeed even more than you do yourself. - Elder Richard G. Scott, BYU Devotional
And may we always remember, because it is both true and comforting, that the death of a faithful man is nothing in comparison to the loss of the inspiration of the good spirit. Eternal life is the great prize, and it will be ours, and the joy of our Father in heaven in welcoming us will be great, if we do right; and there is nothing so great that can be done in this life by anyone, as to do right. The Lord will hear and answer the prayers we offer to him and give us the things we pray for if it is for our best good. He never will and never has forsaken those who serve him with full purpose of heart; but we must always be prepared to say "Father, thy will be done." - President Heber J. Grant, April 1945, 116th Annual General Conference
You who pray sometimes, why not pray more regularly, more often, more devoutly? Is time so precious, life so short, or faith so scant? . . . Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly? . . . Do you just speak, or do you also listen? . . . Do you give thanks or merely ask for favors? - President Spencer W. Kimball, "Prayer," New Era, March 1978, p. 17
Medical research describes addiction as "a disease of the brain." This is true, but I believe that once Satan has someone in his grasp, it also becomes a disease of the spirit. But no matter what addictive cycle one is caught in, there is always hope. The prophet Lehi taught his sons this eternal truth: "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil" (2 Nephi 2:27).
If anyone who is addicted has a desire to overcome, then there is a way to spiritual freedom - a way to escape from bondage - a way that is proven. It begins with prayer - sincere, fervent, and constant communication with the Creator of our spirits and bodies, our Heavenly Father. It is the same principle in breaking a bad habit or repenting from sin of any kind. The formula for having our heart, our body, our mind, and our spirit transformed is found in the scriptures.
The prophet Mormon counseled us: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love . . . ; that ye may become the sons of God; . . . that we may be purified even as he is pure" (Moroni 7:48). - Elder M. Russell Ballard, Conference Report, October 2010
God is perfect and omnipotent, and you and I are mortal. But He is our Father, He loves us, and He offers the same opportunity to draw closer to Him as would a loving friend. And you will do it in much the same way: speaking, listening, and doing. - President Henry B. Eyring, Ensign, May 1991, p. 66
When God placed man in the Garden of Eden, and man was shown his destiny, the Creator planted within his soul the power to look up and to find his Maker through the power of faith. This gave man a splendor of spirit, which is the greatest power of all; because only by the spirit can absolute truth be known. This gift of faith places man in an enviable position for the exercise of his mental powers. Throughout all the ages, man has felt the still small voice of the Almighty in his daily life. Our lives must needs be deeply penetrated with a sense of the infinite God; and this infinite, true, and living God can only be known by our approach to him in the humility of our powers. We must again learn to worship and to glorify. - Elder Levi Edgar Young, Conference Report, October 1932, p. 58
The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing. Every sincere prayer is heard and answered by our Heavenly Father, but the answers we receive may not be what we expect or come to us when we want or in the way we anticipate. - Elder David A. Bednar, "Ask in Faith," Ensign, May 2008, p. 97
How do we decide where our repentance should be focused? When a loved one or friend suggests things we need to change, the natural man in us sometimes pops up his head and responds, "Oh, you think I should change? Well, let me tell you about some of your problems." A better approach is to humbly petition the Lord: "Father, what wouldst Thou have me do?" The answers come. We feel the changes we need to make. The Lord tells us in our mind and in our heart (see D&C 8:2). - Elder Neil L. Anderson, "Repent . . . That I May Heal You," Ensign, November 2009, p. 41
Let all leave the cares of their work behind them; let the kitchens take care of themselves, and let the barns, the flocks and herds take care of themselves, and if they are destroyed while you are praying, be able to freely say, "Go, they are the Lord's; He gave them to me, and I will worship Him; I will assemble my family and call upon the name of my God."
By leaving business and the cares thereof where they belong, and attending strictly to worship in its season, if not at first, you soon will be united, and be able to bring every evil principle into subjection. If all are bound up in this manner, don't you see that it will make a mighty cord of faith? - Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 3:53
You can learn vitally important things by what you hear and see and, even more, by what you feel, as prompted by the Holy Ghost. Many individuals limit their learning primarily to what they hear or read. Be wise. Develop the skill of also learning by what you see and particularly by what the Holy Ghost prompts you to feel. Consciously and consistently seek to learn by what you feel. Your capacity to do so will expand through repeated practice. Significant faith and effort are required to learn by what you feel from the Spirit. Ask in faith for such help. Live to be worthy of such guidance.
Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the Spirit. You will find that as you record a precious impression, often others will come that you would not have otherwise received. Also, the spiritual knowledge you gain will be available throughout your life. Always, day or night, wherever you are, whatever you are doing, seek to recognize and respond to the direction of the Spirit. Have available a piece of paper or a card to record such guidance.
Express gratitude to the Lord for the spiritual guidance you receive and obey it. This practice will reinforce your capacity to learn by the Spirit. It will enhance the guidance of the Lord in your life. You will learn more as you act upon the knowledge, experience, and inspiration communicated to you by the Holy Ghost. - Elder Richard G. Scott, BYU Education Week, August 21, 2007
President John Taylor asked the Saints: "Do you have prayers in your family? . . . "And when you do, do you go through the operation like the guiding of a piece of machinery, or do you bow in meekness and with a sincere desire to seek the blessing of God upon you and your household? That is the way that we ought to do, and cultivate a spirit of devotion and trust in God, dedicating ourselves to him, and seeking his blessings. - President John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, 20:118
I am now in my fifty-fourth year; I am a Latter-day Saint, full in the faith, and not only in the faith, but I have a knowledge of the truth of this work. I know that God lives and dwells in the heavens; for I have asked Him scores of times, and hundreds of times, for things, and have received them. Is not that a pretty good proof that He hears me, when I ask Him for things and get them; and is not that a proof that He lives, and dwells in the heavens? I think it is. I suppose He dwells there, He could not dwell anywhere else, but in what particular portion He dwells, I do not precisely know, though He is not so far off as many imagine. He is nearby, His angels are our associates, they are with us and round about us, and watch over us, and take care of us, and lead us, and guide us, and administer to our wants in their ministry and in their holy calling unto which they are appointed. We are told in the Bible that angels are ministering spirits to minister to those who shall become heirs of salvation. - President Heber C. Kimball, September 1852
In the Book of Mormon, Amulek tells us we should pray about everything in our lives. He says, "Pour out your souls [to God] in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness." Your Heavenly Father wants you to pray about your hopes and fears, your friends and family, your school and work, and the needs of those around you. Most of all, you should pray to be filled with the love of Christ. This love is given to those who are true followers of Jesus Christ, who ask for it with all the energy of their heart. This love is the fruit of the tree of life, and tasting it is a major part of your conversion because once you have felt your Savior's love for you, even the smallest part, you will feel secure, and a love for Him and for your Heavenly Father will grow within you. In your heart you will want to do what these holy beings ask of you. Go often to your closet, your secret place, your wilderness. Thank God for your blessings; ask for His help; ask Him to bestow upon you the pure love of Christ. - Elder D. Todd Christofferson, "When Thou Art Converted," Ensign, May 2004, p. 11
Brethren and sisters, I know that you are a praying people. That is a wonderful thing in this day and time when the practice of prayer has slipped from many lives. To call upon the Lord for wisdom beyond our own, for strength to do what we ought to do, for comfort and consolation, and for the expression of gratitude is a significant and wonderful thing. We know that you pray for us, and we appreciate your prayers. They sustain us; they remind us of the great trust which you have placed in us. I want you to know that we pray for you always. We pray for you that you may be happy, and that in living the gospel there may be love and peace in your homes and growing goodness in your lives. That is what this is all about, for God sent His Only Beloved Son "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). The great purpose of the work in which we are engaged is to help each of us along the way of immortality and eternal life. - President Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Fabric of Faith and Testimony," Ensign, November 1995, p. 89
It matters not our circumstance, be we humble or arrogant, poor or rich, free or enslaved, learned or ignorant, loved or forsaken, we can address Him. We need no appointment. Our solicitation can be brief or can occupy all the time needed. It can be an extended expression of love and gratitude or an urgent plea for help. He has created numberless cosmos and populated them with worlds, yet you and I can talk with Him personally, and He will ever answer. - Elder Richard G. Scott, "Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer," Ensign, May 2007, p. 8
My brethren and sisters, do not learn to pray with your lips only. - Elder Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, October 1899, pp. 69,71-72
And do not forget to call upon the Lord in your family circles - Elder John Taylor, at Provo, Utah, November 30, 1879; Journal of Discourses 20:361; TLDP:488
Whoever in absolute desire to know the truth places himself in harmony with divine forces and approaches God in humble prayer, with full surrender of inherited or acquired prejudices, will learn to his complete satisfaction that there is a God in Heaven, whose loving will is operative on earth. Just as the turning of the dial of the radio enables us to hear the messages of distant broadcasting stations, so we may tune ourselves in prayer for truth to hear the messages that come from heavenly places. Man is more than a machine; he can so purify himself, establish earnest desire, and forget his selfish needs, as to receive through prayer the final assurance of the existence of the Lord of Heaven and Earth. This method or test is within the reach of all, humble or great, rich or poor. Happy is the man who thus enters into the abundant knowledge of divine things. - Elder John A. Widtsoe, "The Articles of Faith," Improvement Era, May 1935, p. 288; Teachings of Latter-Day Prophets, p.490
If you would have your personal prayers reach the Divine destination to which they are addressed, see to it that they are transmitted by a current of pure sincerity, free from the resistance of unrepented sin. Let those who assemble in the sacred circle of united prayer have a care that each is individually clean, lest the supplication be nullified through the obstruction of an offending member. - Elder James E. Talmage, "The Parable of the Defective Battery," Improvement Era, February 1914, p. 285; TLDP:487
Let us continue to be a praying people. Let us pray. He will always answer if we are righteous in our asking, - President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Conference Report, October 1958, p. 47
Answers to prayers come in a quiet way.
The scriptures describe that voice of inspiration as a still, small voice.
The Church urges that there be family prayer every night and every morning. It is a kneeling prayer with all or as many members of the family present as possible. - President Spencer W. Kimball, "Prayer," New Era, March 1978, p. 15
Confidence comes through sincere prayer.
prayer is so vital to a man and woman. - Elder Reed Smoot, Conference Report, October 1932, p. 85
Prayers ascend to Heaven. - Elder Orson F. Whitney, Conference Report, April 1931, p. 61
No prayer is unheard. - Elder John A. Widtsoe, A Rational Theology, pp. 76-77
"Pray always." (See 2 Nephi 32:9.) So it is written meaning: Pray regularly, consistently, day in and day out; and also, live with the spirit of prayer always in your heart, so that your thoughts, words, and acts are always such as will please Him who is Eternal. Amulek speaks of praying "both morning, mid-day, and evening," and says we should pour out our souls to the Lord in our closets, in our secret places, and in the wilderness. (See Alma 34:17-29.) Jesus commanded both personal and family prayer: "Watch and pray always," he said: and also, "Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed." (3Ne.18:15,21) - Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "Why the Lord Ordained Prayer," Ensign, January 1976, p. 11
I do not know any other way for the Latter-day Saints than for every breath to be virtually a prayer for God to guide and direct his people, and that he will never suffer us to possess anything that will be an injury to us. I am satisfied that this should be the feeling of every Latter-day Saint in the world. If you are making a bargain, if you are talking in the house, visiting in the social party, going forth in the dance, every breath should virtually be a prayer that God will preserve us from sin and from the effects of sin. - President Brigham Young, quoted by John A. Widtsoe in Tabernacle, Ogden, Utah, June 11, 1864; Journal of Discourses 10:313
One of the requirements made of the Latter-day Saints is that they shall be faithful in attending to their prayers, both their secret and family prayers. The object that our Heavenly Father has in requiring this is that we may be in communication with Him, and that we may have a channel open between us and the heavens whereby we can bring down upon ourselves blessings from above. - President Heber J. Grant, Conference Report, April 1944, p. 11
It matters not whether you or I feel like praying, when the time comes to pray, pray. - President Brigham Young, quoted by John A. Widtsoe in Tabernacle, November 1869; Journal of Discourses, 13:155
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire. It is our compass to guide our lives. Prayer provides power - spiritual power. Prayer provides peace - spiritual peace. - President Thomas S. Monson, "A Quest for Eternal Life," BYU-Hawaii Jubilee Celebration, October 21, 2005
The inhabitants of the earth do not realize the effect and benefit of prayer. The Lord hears and answers the prayers of men, women and children. Prayer has more power, a great deal, to bring down the blessings of God, than almost any other thing. - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, p. 110



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