Comments on: Prayer Gimmicks

By: LisaB

LisaB — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 15:10:40 +0000

I have cussed (but don’t recommend it). God loves still.

By: Bret

Bret — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 07:32:55 +0000

They say God is in the details, right? I find it easier to concentrate when I am as specific as possible. This is mentioned in “Drawing on the Powers of Heaven” and references Nephi when he takes the curse of drought off the land.
I feel God answers my prayers more specifically when I pray specifically, even in thanking Him.

By: annegb

annegb — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 05:51:53 +0000

I just do the best I can depending on the circumstances. Most the time I just talk to Him. But I don’t cuss.

By: David J

David J — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 04:53:50 +0000

Don,

FWIW, I dropped the “thee” and “thou” language for my personal prayers not too long ago. I found I’m more genuine and sincere if my mind is free to express itself in the simplest manner. Sometimes prayer isn’t vocal at all for me, just intense concentration/meditation on God’s will.

As far as vain repetition, I always remind myself that Jesus doesn’t want vain repetition. It seems that repetition in and of itself is fine, so long as it isn’t vain. Moreover, sincere prayer can be repeated. After all, prayer isn’t for God, according to Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount, but it’s for us. So I say: “pray as you may.”

Just my two Lincolns.

By: Kim Siever

Kim Siever — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 02:19:23 +0000

I agree with J. Stapley. Where possible, I say my prayers out loud, or at least mouth the words.

By: J. Stapley

J. Stapley — Wed, 09 Nov 2005 02:06:09 +0000

I have found that praying out loud really helps me have better prayers. On my mission I would pray when my comp was in the shower. I have done it much less now that I am married with kids. Not surprisingly my prayers are much weaker.

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 23:25:25 +0000

I never close my eyes — I can’t concentrate with my eyes closed for some reason… I usually just lower my eyes in group prayers.