Why do we Pray

My friend Megan posted a blog titled "Why do we pray?" I wrote this very long response, and it turns out I can't leave it as a comment on her blog: this girl's life.

Since I couldn't leave it there, I figured I'd leave it here. That way other people besides Megan can read my thoughts on Prayer.

You've probably heard me say that I live a charmed life. And it's very true. I can say that I have always known that Heavenly Father is listening. In fact, I'm blessed enough to realize that quite often he's listening a heck of a lot better than I am!
There are plenty of scriptures that deal with prayer. One of my favorite passages about prayer actually comes from the Bible Dictionary -

As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part (Matt. 7: 7-11). Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship. Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. 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. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.

I love how it talks about the difficulties about prayer. Because we all go through challenges. Sometimes it is hard to kneel down and pray when you know how many problems you have. Sometimes all you want to do is hold on to the feelings of anger and frustration you're feeling, and you know you can't if you're going to pray. And yet, those difficulties are a direct result of forgetting that he is our Father! Show me a loving parent who doesn't long to provide his/her children what they need most.

I can tell you several stories of the power of prayer. Stories from my own life. I have literally been witness to miracles resulting directly from prayer. But the power of prayer isn't found in the grand "faith building" events. The power of prayer is in the everyday miracles that come from bringing our will in line with the will of the Father. The power of prayer is demonstrated by the increased strength and insight that only comes through daily communication with God.

Even many non-religious people recognize the power of meditation and personal reflection. The way I see it, praying can be a lot like talking to the best Psychoanalyst ever. You know he'll always listen. You really can tell Him anything. And best of all.. it's free!

You ask if my faith in a higher power extends to prayer. I say it began with prayer.
What do I ask for or communicate to God? How often do I pray? Allow me to use another scripture:

Alma 34:18 - 27
18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.
19 Yea, humble yourselves, and continue in prayer unto him.
20 Cry unto him when ye are in your fields, yea, over all your flocks.
21 Cry unto him in your houses, yea, over all your household, both morning, mid-day, and evening.
22 Yea, cry unto him against the power of your enemies.
23 Yea, cry unto him against the devil, who is an enemy to all righteousness.
24 Cry unto him over the crops of your fields, that ye may prosper in them.
25 Cry over the flocks of your fields, that they may increase.
26 But this is not all; ye must pour out your souls in your closets, and your secret places, and in your wilderness.
27 Yea, and when you do not cry unto the Lord, let 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.

Or, to put it more bluntly.. I really do try to pray about everything. I will pray about the silliest things sometimes ("Please, help me find this piece of paper I'm looking for") I also pray about important things ("Please, help me to know how to raise my kids!). I will pray often throughout the day. I honestly think I should pray more often; but I'm still working on it.

I can only think of one answer to how long, or short, a prayer should be. A prayer should only be as long as you need it to be. At no time should you end a prayer or continue a prayer just because it's what other people expect. Remember that you're talking to your Father, and he doesn't compare you to his other children. He's just glad to hear from you.

Having said that, I had a mission companion who once suggested that I spend an entire week every night on my knees praying for at least 5 minutes... preferably out loud (and most preferably not in a room that would bother him!). :) He suggested to me that spending that much time in prayer would force me to express more gratitude for the blessings in my life. And you know what? It worked... I honestly felt like my relationship with the Savior improved, and I was quicker to recognize the good things in life.

It's important to note that these five minute prayers are for your personal prayers. When you're praying in a group prayers should be kept pretty short, or you lose the attention of the rest of the group.

Can I make a blog suggestion Megan? You put out a request to get everyone else's feedback. You've been mulling this (apparently) simple question this week. I'd like to know the answer to your own question.

Megan, why do we pray?