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One of the hardest aspect’s of the gospel is the ability to keep prayer an active living tool in our lives. Too often we become rote in our approach to Deity. Because it is so fundamental to the strength of our testimony it is spoken of often and repeatedly in the scriptures and by the prophets. In 2003 Joseph Wirthlin delivered some thoughts on the subject at a devotional. Said he:

“There are many reasons our prayers lack power. Sometimes they become routine. Our prayers become hollow when we say similar words in similar ways over and over so often that the words become more of a recitation than a communication…….Gordon B. Hinckley, has observed:
“The trouble with most of our prayers is that we give them as if we were picking up the telephone and ordering groceries–we place our order and hang up. We need to meditate, contemplate, think of what we are praying about and for and then speak to the Lord as one man speaketh to another.”

“Prayers that do not demand much of your thought will hardly merit much attention from our Heavenly Father. When you find yourself getting into a routine with your prayers, step back and think. Meditate for a while on the things for which you really are grateful. Look for them. They don’t have to be grand or glorious. Sometimes we should express our gratitude for the small and simple things like the scent of the rain, the taste of your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe, or the sound of a loved one’s voice.”

Wirthlin then gives a suggestion for having more effective prayers:

“Another reason many prayers have little power is that we lack faith. We approach our Heavenly Father like a child who asks something of his or her parents knowing they will refuse. Without faith, our prayers are merely words. With faith, our prayers connect with the powers of heaven and can bring upon us increased understanding, hope, and power. If by faith the worlds were created, then by faith we can create and receive the righteous desires of our heart.”

Faith has always preceded the miracle. Let us pray in faith and then wait patiently for the miracles that the Lord will perform in our lives.