2023
15 Suggestions to Make Your Prayers More Genuine
August 2023

Life Skills

15 Suggestions to Make Your Prayers More Genuine

By Joel B. Randall

Church Magazines

If you feel your prayers are not being answered, try out these tips.

an illustration of a man praying

One morning, I couldn’t find my wallet. No matter how hard I looked, it was nowhere to be found. The thought to pray came so faintly that I shrugged it off, and my frustration and hopelessness took over.

I eventually had to take a deep breath and humble myself. I realized I needed God’s help to find that wallet, so I knelt by my bed to pray. But before I could close my eyes, I saw it—under my bed. Had I not gotten to my knees, the wallet would’ve stayed hidden. I still prayed, but it was a prayer of thanks, not a prayer of desperation.

Shedding my stubbornness by simply getting to my knees opened the blessing floodgates. Showing God I earnestly needed and desired His help was all I needed to be blessed.

Finding the Power of Prayer

President Russell M. Nelson said, “Some have misused the power of prayer by making that sacred communication trivial.”1 We can’t afford to undervalue this power, because the ability to talk with God is priceless.

We are able to draw on the power of prayer as we exercise faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, seek to draw closer to Them, and show that we want Their daily guidance in our lives. If you are seeking better communication through prayer with Heavenly Father, here are a few ideas and suggestions that may help:

  1. Take some time to reflect on how Heavenly Father has blessed you, and then as you pray, express gratitude. Approaching prayer with a grateful heart can help you recognize blessings you may not have noticed yet.

  2. Try keeping a prayer journal of things you want to pray for or about. This can help you get your thoughts in order and help your prayers become less repetitious. You can also ponder and take note of the thoughts that come to your mind after you pray. President Nelson has suggested, “Each day, record the thoughts that come to you as you pray; then follow through diligently.”2

  3. Find a dedicated spiritual space for earnest prayers where you can be alone, like the temple grounds, a quiet park, or a calm part of your home.

  4. Pray aloud so your thoughts don’t wander or distract you.

  5. Pour out your heart to Heavenly Father in humility and sincerity. Remember that He knows all things and loves you perfectly. If you’re angry, frustrated, depressed, or just having a bad day, let your Heavenly Father know. Being open and honest invites Him and His power into your life.

  6. Recognize that some miracles and blessings take time. Share your feelings with the Lord and seek for the wisdom to see His timing.

  7. Consciously prepare your surroundings to be more ordered or inviting to the Spirit before saying a prayer, like by making your bed. God sees your actions to make a meaningful prayer experience.

  8. Let your Heavenly Father know “through your prayers and your actions that you are serious about overcoming the world.”3

  9. Pray for people by name. God will hear your prayers and bless those you pray for—even those you don’t know personally.

  10. Remember that it is not selfish to pray for yourself. Acknowledging that you need the Lord’s help can help you practice humility and seek blessings in your life.

  11. Remember that blessings are given “by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:21). So pray for the blessings that align with the commandment you’re striving to follow. For example, pray to tell Heavenly Father that you’re making an effort to study the scriptures every day, so you would like help with understanding them better.

  12. Slow down when you pray over meals. Focus on being genuine and turning your heart to God.

  13. Ask God for opportunities to minister to others. Sister Tracy Y. Browning, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, said our Savior “directs ... our hands to lift and serve as He would lift and serve.”4 Tell God your desires to bless others, and He will teach you where to go.

  14. As we pray, it can be helpful to express our willingness to submit to Heavenly Father’s will, even if His will differs from our own desires.

  15. Be prepared to act. President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, said: “The prayer that works is ‘I want only what You want. Just tell me what that is. I’ll do it.’”5

The Uniqueness of a Genuine Prayer

As I’ve expressed my desire to improve my communication with Heavenly Father and been diligent in improving my prayers, my relationship with God has never been stronger.

However, remember that even as we are actively praying and striving to communicate with Heavenly Father, we need to trust His timing as we wait upon Him for answers and revelation. As President Nelson has reminded us: “To be sure, there may be times when you feel as though the heavens are closed. But I promise that as you continue to be obedient, expressing gratitude for every blessing the Lord gives you, and as you patiently honor the Lord’s timetable, you will be given the knowledge and understanding you seek.”6

Blessings and guidance are available as we actively seek Heavenly Father through the power of prayer. Strengthening our connection with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ is a lifelong practice. I’m realizing more every day the truth of President Boyd K. Packer’s (1924–2015) words that “prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil.”7