Prayer Is Reverent Communication between God and Me

By Jennifer Maddy

You can use this lesson and activity to learn more about this month’s Primary theme.

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 (James 1:5).

The math teacher handed out a test. Stefanie had studied for it, but she was still nervous. Before she started working the problems, Stefanie said a prayer in her mind. She asked Heavenly Father to help her remember what she had studied.

At night, Daniel knelt down and said his bedtime prayer. Speaking out loud, he thanked Heavenly Father for his blessings and asked that his sick sister would feel better soon.

Stefanie’s and Daniel’s prayers were different, but they were both talking to Heavenly Father. We are His children, and He wants to hear from us.

Can you pray for comfort when you are lonely?
Can you pray for peace when you are afraid?
Can you pray for healing when you are sick?
Can you pray for help and guidance?
Can you pray for other people who might need help or comfort?

The answer to all of these is yes! We can pray to Heavenly Father about anything at anytime. It is also important to thank Him for our blessings when we pray. We can pray out loud, as Daniel did, or we can think a prayer in our mind, like Stefanie. No matter how we pray, Heavenly Father will always hear us.

There are many stories in the scriptures of people praying to God.

The brother of Jared prayed that stones would shine so his people could have light in their barges (see Ether 3).
Enos prayed to receive forgiveness (see Enos 1).
Joseph Smith prayed to know which church to join (see Joseph Smith—History 1).

Heavenly Father heard and answered their prayers, just as He will hear and answer your prayers today.

Activity

The cards on this page show different situations where children are praying. Cut out the cards and mount them on heavier paper. Play a memory game by mixing up the cards, placing them face down, then turning over two to see if they match. If they don’t match, turn them back over and pick two more cards. On the blank pair of cards, draw or write about a situation when you have prayed to Heavenly Father.

Illustrations by Lance Fry