Episode 74: The Art of Meaningful Prayer

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Have you ever wondered how to make your prayers more meaningful? I have many times throughout my life. I have definitely been there. A few years ago President Nelson said, "I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation." I knew it was my prayers that needed to be stretched.

I realized that sometimes when I was praying my mind would wander off track. I wouldn't remember what I was saying. Or other times I found myself saying the same things over and over again. Day in and day out saying the same simple phrases. There were times when I even fell asleep while I was praying. Then when I had a sincere prayer and needed answers, I didn't feel like I had the ability to receive guidance from my prayers or to "hear Him" clearly.

My remedy? A prayer routine. I decided to create and follow a process that would help me make the time for prayer, focus my thoughts, and have more clarity so that I could receive more personal revelation. This routine has now become second nature to me. It is just a part of my life now so I want to share my routine with you. My intent in doing so is not to tell you exactly how to pray but to help ignite in you a desire to connect more with God. He knows you, He loves you, and He wants to communicate with you in the manner that works best for you.

Find the Right Place

I no longer kneel next to my bed. Rather, I sit in it. After I wake up I get on my workout clothes, fill up my water cup and climb back into my comfy blankets. Standing up and changing clothes helps wake my mind and body so that I am less likely to fall back asleep. I do this really early in the morning when the house is still quiet and my children are still asleep. 

This may not work for you in your life. So find a place that works for you. Maybe in the carpool line waiting to pick up kids afterschool. You may have time alone during the day or even late at night. Some may want to go outside before the world wakes up and find solace as the sun rises. Wherever and whenever you find a quite place for you to spend time with God. 

Ponder, Meditate, and Write

Before I begin praying I take time to clear my mind and spend time in the peaceful moment. I want to create space in my heart and in my mind so that I can focus. I sit quietly for a few moments and then I open my Seeking Revelation Journal. The journal has a page for each day and is broken down into six sections that help me focus on what I need to communicate to God when I pray. During this time of pondering I write down my thoughts accordingly.

I know that this may seem overwhelming for some when they think of six distinct sections to fill out. Time is a huge factor in our lives as we all wear many different hats and have multiple responsibilities. When I am in a time crunch  I don't always write in every section. I use what I need most and what I have time for. I also created a Meaningful Prayer Journal that only has three sections for each day. It is also much smaller and is easy to take with me when I travel or even keep in my car for when I have a moment later in the day. Whichever works for you the most important part is that you connect with your Heavenly Parents.

Have a Conversation

Prayer is a communion, a conversation, a connection. As I sit up in my bed after having written down my thoughts I begin to speak with God. Sometimes I am talking for a few minutes, other times I might just be sitting and listening. I will even write down a few words in my journal during the middle of the prayer. The point of each prayer is for me so spend time my Heavenly Father. To thank Him, ask Him, feel His love and hear His guidance.

I know that we are truly children of God. He created each of us with a great purpose and plan. He knows us. He knows our weaknesses and strengths. He understands our desires and goals. He knows everything that is in our minds and in our hearts. His wisdom and His love are infinite. When we seek His guidance, He will answer. 

As the holiday season approaches I want to share the gift of prayer with others and help them connect with God more. I am putting the Meaningful Prayer Journal on sale. The journal is a perfect gift for your friends, family, ministering and relief society sisters. The journal is 25% off when you purchase 75 or more. When such a large purchase I am also including a FREE virtual fireside titled, "5 Ways to Hear Him More in Your Life." Follow this link for more,