Sincere Prayer

The steps

Go at your own pace. Read each scripture in context if you can, and come back to any step as often as you need.

1. 1

   Step 1: Find a quiet place

   Choose a place and time where you won't be interrupted. Some people kneel; some sit or walk. Take a few slow breaths and let your mind settle.

   Scripture

   • “enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret”

   Reflect

   When and where am I most able to be still?

   Try this

   Pick a regular time and place for prayer this week.

   Write your response

   Pick a regular time and place for prayer this week.

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2. 2

   Step 2: Address Heavenly Father

   Begin by speaking to God as your Father. Remember who you are talking to: someone who knows you and loves you.

   Scripture

   • “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”

   Reflect

   How do I picture God when I pray? Does that picture match the loving Father in the scriptures?

   Try this

   Start your next prayer slowly, pausing after "Heavenly Father" before you go on.

   Write your response

   Start your next prayer slowly, pausing after "Heavenly Father" before you go on.

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3. 3

   Step 3: Give thanks

   Thank God for specific blessings, big and small. Gratitude opens the heart and changes how we see our needs.

   Scripture

   • “in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

   Reflect

   What are three specific things from today I can thank God for?

   Try this

   In one prayer this week, only give thanks and ask for nothing.

   Write your response

   In one prayer this week, only give thanks and ask for nothing.

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4. 4

   Step 4: Speak honestly and ask

   Tell God what's really on your mind: worries, hopes, questions, mistakes. Ask for what you need, for others as well as yourself. Ask for wisdom, not only for outcomes.

   Scripture

   • “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

   • “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you”

   Reflect

   Is there something I've been hesitant to tell God? Why?

   Try this

   Bring one real question or worry to God in prayer today, in plain words.

   Write your response

   Bring one real question or worry to God in prayer today, in plain words.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Close in the name of Jesus Christ

   Jesus taught His followers to pray to the Father in His name. Close your prayer in the name of Jesus Christ.

   Scripture

   • “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.”

   • 3 Nephi 18:19

   Reflect

   What does praying in the Savior's name mean to me?

   Try this

   End your next prayer slowly and thoughtfully in the name of Jesus Christ.

   Write your response

   End your next prayer slowly and thoughtfully in the name of Jesus Christ.

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6. 6

   Step 6: Listen

   After you pray, stay quiet for a minute or two. Notice any thoughts, feelings of peace, or ideas that come. Answers often come later, quietly, or through other people and scriptures.

   Scripture

   • “Be still, and know that I am God”

   • “after the fire a still small voice.”

   Reflect

   How has God answered me in the past? Did I recognize it at the time?

   Try this

   After your next prayer, sit quietly for two minutes and write down anything that comes to mind.

   Write your response

   After your next prayer, sit quietly for two minutes and write down anything that comes to mind.

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7. 7

   Step 7: Keep praying through the day

   Prayer isn't only for morning and night. Short, silent prayers in the middle of the day keep you connected.

   Scripture

   • “Pray without ceasing.”

   • Alma 34:27

   Reflect

   What moments in my day could become a short prayer?

   Try this

   Choose a daily cue, like starting the car or washing your hands, to say a short silent prayer.

   Write your response

   Choose a daily cue, like starting the car or washing your hands, to say a short silent prayer.

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