Job frequently interrupts his speeches to his friends with prayers to God. His prayers are raw and candid, reflecting his feelings as he suffered. But when God finally speaks to him, Job answers humbly. We can speak openly to God, and we should be prepared to receive His guidance when it comes.
“I Have Heard Thy Prayer”
As Hezekiah lay dying, Isaiah reassured him that the Lord had heard his prayer. An angel provided the same assurance to King Benjamin. We may not receive an immediate response, but all who pray will eventually receive assurances that God has heard us.
Inquiring of the Lord
Nephi asked his brothers, "Have ye inquired of the Lord?" David would have answered that question with a definitive "yes." Multiple times in the Old Testament, we read that he inquired of the Lord and received clear answers. It takes faith to pray for help, and it can take more faith to pray for answers.
Hannah’s Petition
A childless Israelite woman named Hannah prays and receives an assurance that God has heard her. She is immediately comforted, even though she hasn't yet received the blessing she asked for. In the Book of Mormon, Alma's people have a similar experience, praying for deliverance, but finding comfort when God promises to ease their burdens.
Look Not Unto … Their Sin
How do you pray when you're angry? Moses asked God to focus on the relationship, not on their stubbornness and sin. "They are thy people," he said. Alma offered a similar prayer for the Zoramites, "Their souls are precious." Our prayers can align our hearts with God's constant love for His children.
Abraham the Intercessor
God told Abimelech that Abraham was a prophet and would pray for him. Prophets pray for the people they serve. When Abraham prayed for Abimelech’s household, God healed them. In that moment, the covenant promise began to unfold: through Abraham, all families of the earth would be blessed.
How to Pray for Your Enemies
In the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer, Joseph Smith models an approach to praying for our enemies. He expresses hearfelt empathy for those who have been wronged and a desire for their deliverance, but he also expresses a sincere hope that the offenders will change their hearts and receive God's grace.
“We Ask Thee, Holy Father”
Principles of prayer from Doctrine and Covenants 109: 1. When we ask God to dedicate a place, we're actually praying for people. 2. It's okay to ask God to help you keep a commandment. 3. Pray for a variety of people, including those who are hard to love. 4. Pray for God to accomplish His work.
Thy Daily Walk
The Lord emphasized to Martin Harris that we need to focus on our "daily walk," living every day according to the counsel we have received. Two essential components of our daily walk with Him are prayer and gratitude.
Pray Vocally
The Lord instructed Martin Harris, "Pray vocally as well as in thy heart." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has encouraged us to pray out loud whenever possible, even when we are alone. He said, "I think this process is basic to how God communicates with us and how He intends for us to communicate with Him."