“Prepare before You Pray,” Ensign, October 2014, 6
Youth
Prepare before You Pray
President Eyring reminds us that prayer “is a two-way communication between God and His children.” Taking the time to prepare for our prayers can make that two-way communication possible. You could use your journal to spend a few minutes preparing to pray each day. You could make lists of blessings you want to thank Heavenly Father for, people who need your prayers, and questions you may need answered. Then invite the Spirit by singing a hymn or reading a few verses of scripture. As you pray, pay attention to how the Holy Ghost guides what you should say, and pay attention to your feelings and thoughts (see D&C 8:2–3). Consider recording your experiences in your journal and reviewing answers you receive. You could also use the activities on pages 95–97 of Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service to help you evaluate your prayers and learn to recognize the Holy Ghost.