Prayer in LDS theology and practice
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Prayer is one of the central teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as taught throughout the holy scriptures and by LDS leaders and teachers in General Conferences of the LDS Church, in gospel doctrine and youth classes, in sacrament meetings, and in family home evenings. Daily secret personal prayer, daily family prayer, prayers of gratitude for food (called "the blessing" before a meal), public prayers at the beginning and end of Church meetings or classes, ordinances that include prayers such as the naming of an infant, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, priesthood ordinations, and the sacrament of the Lord's supper (communion) are all common practices within the LDS Church that are considered important acts of worship and faith.
The LDS belief is that sincere prayer by one who believes in God as the Supreme Being is personally listened to by God through His omniscience, and that because of His loving relationship with each of us as His spirit children, God desires and commands that His children pray to Him in faith. Prayer without faith is vain, but prayer in faith is a way to both commune with Heavenly Father and rely on active heavenly powers that can provide inspiration, revelation, healing, wisdom and understanding, hope, charity, discernment, strength to resist temptation, forgiveness from sins, compassion, solace from grief, peace, and ability beyond normal capacity, all dependent on the will of God and His timetable for the blessings He offers.
Just as the Bible includes many passages that teach the importance of prayer, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price add many insights about the importance of prayer and how to pray in faith to God. The Book of Mormon encourages believers to "cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save... Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them..." and that "your hearts be full, drawn out in prayer unto him continually for your welfare, and also for the welfare of those who are around you." (Alma 34:18-27) Prayer in faith always includes living as we have prayed by serving and helping others, so that our prayer is not in vain or hypocritical. (Alma 34:28) Alma also teaches, "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good;...let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Alma 37:37)
The LDS belief includes praying to Heavenly Father and concluding each prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who is our Advocate with the Father because of His infinite atonement and His compassion for each of us. Each prayer should be a heart-felt expression of true feelings, specific needs, concerns, gratitude, and righteous desires including desires to be taught by the Holy Spirit and to know the will of God in our lives. Thus, prayers of Latter-day Saints and others with similar beliefs about prayer are not repeated from memorized expressions, and may be fairly short or be many minutes in duration, with a sincere effort to listen with the heart for answers or guidance from God during and after prayers. LDS leaders encourage parents to teach their children to pray daily, morning and night, and to have daily prayer as families. These prayers are not facing toward a certain direction and may be kneeling, sitting or standing, but the heart should be turned to God in full devotion and faith as each prayer is offered.
