Edified: Insights for LDS WomenEpisode 24 “Three Principles for Making Our Prayers More Meaningful” 
27 SEPT 2020

This week I’ll be sharing some expert advice from Elder David A Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve as he teaches us three principles to help our prayers become more meaningful. I’ll also debunk another myth that kept me from understanding my relationship with the Savior for years! 

Download the entire transcript by clicking here.

Link:  "Pray Always," Elder David A Bednar:

1. Principle #1:  Counsel with the Lord in all our doings. 
    
   Elder Bednar said, “Meaningful morning prayer is an important element in the spiritual creation of each day and precedes the temporal creation or the actual execution of the day. Just as the temporal creation was linked to and a continuation of the spiritual creation, so meaningful morning and evening prayers are linked to and are a continuation of each other.”
   
   (Story #1)
   
   
2. Principle #2:  Prayer becomes more meaningful as we express heartfelt gratitude. 
   
   Elder Bednar stated, “The most meaningful and spiritual prayers I have experienced contained many expressions of thanks and few, if any requests." 
   Elder Bednar recommends that periodically we offer a prayer of gratitude where we ask for nothing, but just simply let our souls rejoice as we try to express our appreciation with all of our hearts. And he teaches us that "expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation."
   
   
3. Principle #3:  Prayer becomes more meaningful as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart. 
   
   We pray for the sick and the needy. We pray for those who are experiencing financial hardships. We pray for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. It’s what we do. We pray for the needs of our family, our friends, our neighbors, and the world. 
   
   Why then, if we’re already doing this so well, did Elder Bednar feel the need to include this as a principle that would help make our prayers more meaningful? 
   
   I think the answer to this question lies in the phrase, “with real intent.” 
   
   (Story #2)
   
   When I pray for others, I try to think in my heart about what it means to have “real intent.” What can I INTENTIONALLY do to comfort, strengthen, uplift, or brighten someone’s day? What act of service do I INTEND to offer that will let someone know that God is aware of them? 
   
   This principle is a game-changer. 
   
   Elder Bednar said, “...praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord.” 
   
   (Story #3)

Beyond all the suggestions and principles shared in the last two weeks, coming to know Jesus Christ intimately and personally is the most important thing we can do to make our prayers more meaningful.

This podcast is my heart offering to the Savior, my small attempt to be a light that directs others to the true source of all light. 

Join me on Sunday, November 1st, for the premiere of Season 2, as I explore the topic of “light,” and what it means to “live in the revelation.” 

Follow on IG:  @melinda.r.morgan
Follow on FB: Edified: Insights for LDS women.
Music: "Keys of Moon, Be Inspired"

Until next time . . .