Prayer is a wonderful gift that is given to each of us. It is a time that we can truly communicate with our Heavenly Father. When you pray it is often easy to make prayer just a one way communication—generally this is just you rushing through a prayer telling Him your wants and needs. It is vital to keep prayer a two-way communication. Here are four ways to help you make your praying more effective.
1) Set aside time each day to pray. If you are rushing through a prayer, you will not take time to pause and listen. You will not be as in tune to the feelings of the spirit. When you are rushing, in some ways you are telling Heavenly Father that you just do not have time for this right now. If you set aside time each day, then the times that you pray quickly (such as for help in emergency), you will be more in tune to receive answers.
2) Another important thing is to pray someplace quietly. In the New Testament Jesus speaks of praying in your closet, and not before men. This is referring to developing a personal relationship with Heavenly Father. As you pray in a quiet place you can pray about your most secret concerns. The quiet also helps you to better tune into the prayer.
3) Throughout the day keep a prayer in your heart. You may be surprised at the answers that come to you through your daily experiences. If you are focused on listening to the spirit, you will be open to learning. The times that I have done this I have grown spiritually.
4) It is important to remember that you should be seeking to bring your will in line with Heavenly Father’s. Heavenly Father is unchanging, and happiness comes with doing the right thing. He knows what that is, and as we bring our will in line with it, we will find happiness. You can pray that your heart will change if you are having an especially difficult time with an answer you have received.
Related Articles:
When the Answer is No
General Conference: “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer”
Family Home Evening: Personal Prayer