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Prayer
Prayer has been called the key that unlocks the door to communion with Deity. In this unique collection, some of the most important and inspirational writings about prayer from Church leaders, gospel scholars, and other beloved writers have been assembled. Each chapter increases our understanding with insights on the purposes of prayer, how and for what we pray, how to recognize answers to prayers, personal and family prayers, fasting and prayer, and the power of prayer. Many illustrations are drawn from the lives of the writers, from the scriptures, and from the experiences of others. Designed to share with family and friends, the pages of this book are filled with hope, reassurance, and peace. Prayer will encourage readers as they seek to develop a personal relationship with God and invoke the power of prayer in their lives.
Contributing authors include:
Ezra Taft Benson
Mary Ellen Edmunds
Vaughn J. Featherstone
David B. Haight
Marion D. Hanks
Patricia Holland
Howard W. Hunter
Ardeth Greene Kapp
Spencer W. Kimball
Ann N. Madsen
Truman G. Madsen
Neal A. Maxwell
Bruce R. McConkie
Robert L. Millet
H. Burke Peterson
Carolyn J. Rasmus
Marion G. Romney
N. Eldon Tanner
Wendy L. Watson
S. Michael Wilcox
Contributing authors include:
Ezra Taft Benson
Mary Ellen Edmunds
Vaughn J. Featherstone
David B. Haight
Marion D. Hanks
Patricia Holland
Howard W. Hunter
Ardeth Greene Kapp
Spencer W. Kimball
Ann N. Madsen
Truman G. Madsen
Neal A. Maxwell
Bruce R. McConkie
Robert L. Millet
H. Burke Peterson
Carolyn J. Rasmus
Marion G. Romney
N. Eldon Tanner
Wendy L. Watson
S. Michael Wilcox
176 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
8 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 25, 2023
Personal prayer was not a big part of my life growing up. Despite having parents that were particularly devout, aside from praying at meals, we rarely had family prayer. It was not until my early high school years that I began to seek a connection with God through prayer. I came to love prayer. By my later high school I had fallen out of the habit. Then came a full-time mission and the tremendous struggles I had in the beginning that I found myself pleading with God for help. I don’t recall if I had expressed my prayer struggles to my Dad, but this book showed up in the mail.
The book is a compilation of a dozen or so talks by LDS authors and leaders. I liked the approach of various people with their different takes. Several are from presidents of the Church and others well known individuals. I liked the diversity of thought and approaches to prayer it really helped me to get past a formulaic approach to prayer. I begin to see prayer less as a morning and night ritual and more as a constant devotional approach to life with less asking and more expressions of gratitude and peace.
In a world of such chaos we could all use more devotion and less conflict. Reviewing this book 45 years after I first read it has made me reflect much on those early years of spiritual development.
The book is a compilation of a dozen or so talks by LDS authors and leaders. I liked the approach of various people with their different takes. Several are from presidents of the Church and others well known individuals. I liked the diversity of thought and approaches to prayer it really helped me to get past a formulaic approach to prayer. I begin to see prayer less as a morning and night ritual and more as a constant devotional approach to life with less asking and more expressions of gratitude and peace.
In a world of such chaos we could all use more devotion and less conflict. Reviewing this book 45 years after I first read it has made me reflect much on those early years of spiritual development.
February 10, 2010
"Prayer" is a collection of writings on different aspects of prayer from various leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Some of the leaders include: Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, L. Tom Perry, Neal A. Maxwell, H. Burke Peterson, etc. And some of the topics include: why we should pray, how we should pray, what we should pray for, public prayers, personal and family prayer, faith and prayer, fasting and prayer, adversity and prayer, etc.
I have some guilt tied to the actual copy I have been reading. Years ago, when I was a young teen in Sunday School, my teacher lent me this copy. I've started it several times over the years, but never have really immersed myself in reading it. I have felt like a thief each time I've run across it in my various moves or just searching the book shelf. Despite the guilty feeling, I have felt like it was something that I needed to read. I've always prayed and had a testimony of prayer, but I've always known that I could learn and apply more in my life. So I held on to the copy, for years, and read it after thinking several months on our ability to communicate with Heavenly Father.
Our of my favorite chapters was from Elder Maxwell on "What Should We Pray For?" He talked about having the Spirit with us, "which teacheth a man to pray" and which "speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be." He highlights examples of prayer from the scriptures with Nephi, Enos, Moses, Mormon, and Jesus.
I also really enjoyed a story Elder Asay told regarding the time he spent as a mission president. He got into the habit of asking the missionaries when they had their last spiritual experience. Some would answer that they couldn't remember, some would tell of an experience a few months, weeks, or days ago. One Elder responded, " This morning." Pres. Asay responded, "This morning? What happened this morning?" The missionary's response was that he prayed. Pres. Asay did not doubt his words because he'd seen the young man's commitment, and had heard him pray. The story just really hit home for me that prayer can and should be a spiritual experience every time it is undertaken. We are talking to Heavenly Father!
Anyway, I really loved reading about prayer and trying to increase my own ability to pray. I am excited to finally return this book to my Sunday School Teacher, but I be buying my own copy if I can find one.
I have some guilt tied to the actual copy I have been reading. Years ago, when I was a young teen in Sunday School, my teacher lent me this copy. I've started it several times over the years, but never have really immersed myself in reading it. I have felt like a thief each time I've run across it in my various moves or just searching the book shelf. Despite the guilty feeling, I have felt like it was something that I needed to read. I've always prayed and had a testimony of prayer, but I've always known that I could learn and apply more in my life. So I held on to the copy, for years, and read it after thinking several months on our ability to communicate with Heavenly Father.
Our of my favorite chapters was from Elder Maxwell on "What Should We Pray For?" He talked about having the Spirit with us, "which teacheth a man to pray" and which "speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be." He highlights examples of prayer from the scriptures with Nephi, Enos, Moses, Mormon, and Jesus.
I also really enjoyed a story Elder Asay told regarding the time he spent as a mission president. He got into the habit of asking the missionaries when they had their last spiritual experience. Some would answer that they couldn't remember, some would tell of an experience a few months, weeks, or days ago. One Elder responded, " This morning." Pres. Asay responded, "This morning? What happened this morning?" The missionary's response was that he prayed. Pres. Asay did not doubt his words because he'd seen the young man's commitment, and had heard him pray. The story just really hit home for me that prayer can and should be a spiritual experience every time it is undertaken. We are talking to Heavenly Father!
Anyway, I really loved reading about prayer and trying to increase my own ability to pray. I am excited to finally return this book to my Sunday School Teacher, but I be buying my own copy if I can find one.
August 28, 2015
I'll be the first one to be admit that when it comes to praying, I have not been very good at making it a habit in my life. In fact, it is something that I have trouble reminding myself to do. When I actually do pray for something earnestly, I find it to be a very rewarding experience. However, I soon afterwards fall into the same practice of forgetting to pray. I really do envy the people who make prayer a priority. For some people it comes easier than others. If you are one of those people, I am happy for you, For the rest of us, there are good books like this one to give us a boost.
'Prayer' is a compilation of a dozen or so talks by LDS individuals. Several are from presidents of the Church and others are from people that are new to me. I like the fact that the book discusses prayer from the aspect of multiple individuals, because I found myself relating to some more that others.
The book got me thinking more about prayer and how (and why) I can incorporate it more into my life. As a result of reading the book, I have found myself looking for more opportunities to pray throughout the day. I feel more willing to express my gratitude for the blessing I receive and more willing to reach out when I am having a tough day.
I think that any reader will find something in the book that will make him/her want to communicate with his/her Heavenly Father.
'Prayer' is a compilation of a dozen or so talks by LDS individuals. Several are from presidents of the Church and others are from people that are new to me. I like the fact that the book discusses prayer from the aspect of multiple individuals, because I found myself relating to some more that others.
The book got me thinking more about prayer and how (and why) I can incorporate it more into my life. As a result of reading the book, I have found myself looking for more opportunities to pray throughout the day. I feel more willing to express my gratitude for the blessing I receive and more willing to reach out when I am having a tough day.
I think that any reader will find something in the book that will make him/her want to communicate with his/her Heavenly Father.
July 6, 2009
This is a collection of essays on prayer. Topics included the power of prayer, faith and prayer, fasting and prayer, and adversity and prayer. General Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who wrote these lectures also dealt with the importance of teaching our children to pray, family prayer, and how prayers differ in public and private settings.
One of my favorite quotes was by Elder Marvin J. Ashton when he wrote about personal prayers. He said, "I learned early that personal prayers are our own business, and nothing is too unimportant for God." He goes on to say, "To be effective, prayers must not consist of words alone. Earnest prayers must have an appropriate blend of earnest feeling and spirit. It is the spirit that not only teaches a man to pray, but also makes his heartfelt desires acceptable and conveyable. If a contrite spirit and a broken heart are united with faith unwavering, our payers, no matter how simple the words will be significant."
One of my favorite quotes was by Elder Marvin J. Ashton when he wrote about personal prayers. He said, "I learned early that personal prayers are our own business, and nothing is too unimportant for God." He goes on to say, "To be effective, prayers must not consist of words alone. Earnest prayers must have an appropriate blend of earnest feeling and spirit. It is the spirit that not only teaches a man to pray, but also makes his heartfelt desires acceptable and conveyable. If a contrite spirit and a broken heart are united with faith unwavering, our payers, no matter how simple the words will be significant."
November 2, 2020
Communication beyond this world has been sought after since the beginning of the world. To reach past our atmosphere to a being who knows and loves us and understands our hearts is a great miracle in itself. To receive a return call, an answer back from that being amplifies the miracle. Each essay presented in this book has helped me to greatly improve my own personal prayers, and learn better how to "listen" for the return call. And yes, I've received those calls many times. They are profound. Prayer is personal, intimate, and sacred. These authors bring to the reader their own experience with prayer. What an amazing thing to be able to communicate with a loving Father in Heaven! He longs to hear from us, as much or more than we long to hear from Him. It is quite a simple act, just try it.
August 16, 2010
This is an old collection of articles written about prayer. It has transformed my thoughts on and manner of saying prayers. Favorite lines:
1. "True eloquence is found in the feeling that accompanies the words" (Carlos E. Asay, 41).
2. "It is out of the depths of true prayer that an individual rises to real heights" (Neal A. Maxwell, 52).
3. "Brigham Young once said, 'Prayer keeps a man from sin, and sin keeps a man from prayer'" (83).
4. "Henry Ward Beecher wrote: 'Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the night'" (119).
5. "Peter C. Marshall always spoke of prayers as 'lubricants for the machinery of life'" (120).
1. "True eloquence is found in the feeling that accompanies the words" (Carlos E. Asay, 41).
2. "It is out of the depths of true prayer that an individual rises to real heights" (Neal A. Maxwell, 52).
3. "Brigham Young once said, 'Prayer keeps a man from sin, and sin keeps a man from prayer'" (83).
4. "Henry Ward Beecher wrote: 'Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the night'" (119).
5. "Peter C. Marshall always spoke of prayers as 'lubricants for the machinery of life'" (120).
August 6, 2008
A collection of essays and talks by eighteen past and present general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Each of them addresses important aspects of prayer, including:
1. Prayer's purposes
2. How and for what we should pray
3. Hot to recognize answers to prayer
4. Various types of prayers
5. Fasting and prayer
6. The power of prayer
We communicate with our eavenly Father most effectively through prayer...why not study it like any other important element of our lives?
1. Prayer's purposes
2. How and for what we should pray
3. Hot to recognize answers to prayer
4. Various types of prayers
5. Fasting and prayer
6. The power of prayer
We communicate with our eavenly Father most effectively through prayer...why not study it like any other important element of our lives?
July 29, 2011
A very sweet reminder of the importance of prayer. My only complaint is that the chapters got a bit repetitive, like 12 mini-talks on prayer. I wish that each contributor had been asked to cover a different aspect instead of just tackle prayer straight on. Many of the same scriptures and quotes were used in several chapters. However, it was still a very tender read that made me look at my own efforts and resolve to do better.
February 17, 2016
I enjoyed all the talks in this book. They cover many subjects related to prayer; such as the words we use to pray, family prayer, the power of prayer, and great people who have prayed. Many of the talks contained quotes I have heard people say before but I had not read where they came from. I enjoyed the thoughts and insights in this book. The book also contains a contents page and index to help you look for specific topics.
January 24, 2023
The CD begins with the story of how Sister Edmunds lost her scriptures. I have listened to that part many times. It always effects me greatly, even though I know what's coming. This is just a great talk by a great person. She is an amazing teacher, doctrinally sound; and bright, witty and fun all at the same time.
July 11, 2008
What can I say? Truths that most of us know but either have forgotten or ignored for so long that they escape us. Purely and simply a powerful reminder of the purpose and potency of prayer, coupled with strong counsel about accessing that power in our lives.
For anyone who is seeking to get more out of prayer or to come closer to God, this is a great place to start.
For anyone who is seeking to get more out of prayer or to come closer to God, this is a great place to start.
July 3, 2009
This book is titled "PRAYER" There are several different authors; Pres. Benson, McConkie, Romey, Maxwell, etc.. So far one of my favorite sections is by Truman G Madsen. He uses the prayer life of Jospeh Smith to teach. It is amazing on how he puts it all together.
October 23, 2008
I like this book because it has several short talks in it from well-known LDS leaders/authors, so you can read one talk and put it down and come back to it later. Also, the talks are amazing and made me realize just how much more I need to make prayer a priority in my life.
April 28, 2009
I loved all of the insights this book brought to me in increasing my understanding of prayer. It was inspirational and motivating and encouraged me to increase my effectiveness in prayer. Being written by a prophet of God was an added blessing.
June 5, 2009
This was a collection of different thoughts on Prayer shared by Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, Neal A. Maxwell, L. Tom Perry, Bruce R. McConkie, etc. It was a great "pep talk" about prayer with lots to think about.
August 21, 2010
A series of great essays/talks on prayer. Prayer is a conversation which demands two contributing sides, not just a monologue of gratitude or wishes.
I read a few pages every day. Now, I will begin again. I am enjoying learning how to make prayer more meaningful in my life.
I read a few pages every day. Now, I will begin again. I am enjoying learning how to make prayer more meaningful in my life.
May 27, 2012
I love this book. It is an excellent resource for anyone who really wants to improve their prayer life. For me, it was a great introduction to a new era of my life as an LDS Church member, and many of the principles have stuck with me since I read it in 1996. Own it, read it, use it.
October 2, 2011
This a great reference book on prayer that examines several aspects of its subject. It reminds you of the vast importance of prayer and the greatness of what you are doing in prayer. I would recommend this wonderful book for anyone who prays and desires to improve their prayers.
April 18, 2015
What you would expect from such a book. A single yet broad topic with some overlap between how the authors addressed it. I was inspired. I was led to ponder. I can say I was edified in reading this book.
January 18, 2016
Nice collection. I must admit that I skipped the sections by Education Week Favorites... That wasn't what I was looking for this time around. I kind of wish that the compiler had included the original dates/locations of the discourses.
July 3, 2008
I struggle with prayer, it was so fantastic to see others real life experiences and guidance with it. Thank you!
July 29, 2008
Mary Ellen Edmonds is one of my favorite speakers at Women's conference each year. I always enjoy what she has to say...and how she says it.
September 29, 2008
Another instrumental book from my youth!
January 9, 2009
Various authors, primarily prophets and apostles, discuss various aspects of prayer.
May 24, 2010
This is an increadible book that I would recommend to anyone--it's a compliation of discourses on prayer, and leave you little doubt about what an increadible blessing and power we have in prayer.
November 17, 2014
Excellent book to help you better understand all aspects of prayer. Recommend everyone read this book regardless of religious beliefs.
November 10, 2014
I loved this book. It renewed my knowledge of prayer and inspired me to improve my prayers. I am so glad I took the time to read this book.
February 3, 2015
Really great insights. Definitely a good gut-check on your own personal prayer habits.
July 11, 2022
Such a great read about prayer. I love how Mary Ellen Edmunds confirmed my belief that all our prayers are answered--it just might not be in the way we want. She pointed out that Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane wasn't answered the way he wanted either.
I liked the story she shared about a sweet man in the Philippines who was so excited to learn that he could tell Heavenly Father everything that was on his heart, take as long as he wanted with prayer and that God understood his language and even more importantly his heart.
I liked the story she shared about a sweet man in the Philippines who was so excited to learn that he could tell Heavenly Father everything that was on his heart, take as long as he wanted with prayer and that God understood his language and even more importantly his heart.
September 2, 2020
More of a 3.5 Some of the talks were better than others which is to be expected. They covered a lot of different aspects of prayer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews