Prayer Help
Speaking with our Father in Heaven
Asked to give the opening prayer, or want your own prayers to feel more sincere? Here's how to use the reverent language of prayer, and why it matters.
First, a gentle word
If you're new to the Church, a child, or still learning English, please don't worry. Heavenly Father loves you and wants to hear from you, whatever words you use. The language of prayer is something we grow into, not a test you have to pass first.
“I am sure that our Heavenly Father, who loves all of his children, hears and answers all prayers, however phrased.”
Helping a child? Kneel with them, and let them repeat a short phrase after you: “Dear Heavenly Father… We thank Thee… Please bless… In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Praise the effort, not the wording.
The four parts of a prayer
A simple pattern
The Savior taught His disciples a pattern for prayer that begins:
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Matthew 6:9
- Address Heavenly Father. “Our Father in Heaven” or “Dear Heavenly Father.”
- Thank Him. “We thank Thee for…” Name specific blessings.
- Ask Him. “We ask Thee to…” or “Please bless…” Ask for what you and others truly need.
- Close in the name of Jesus Christ. “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” We pray to the Father in the name of His Son.
Thee, Thou, Thy and Thine
Why we use special words
In English, we use Thee, Thou, Thy and Thine when we speak to Heavenly Father. Here's why: we speak to people we love and honor in a way that shows it, and these words, used in the scriptures and in the prayers the Lord has revealed, help us show our love and respect for Him.
“We should address prayers to our Heavenly Father in words which speakers of that language associate with love and respect and reverence and closeness.”
“The English words thee, thou, thy, and thine occur throughout the prayers the prophets of the Lord have revealed for use in our day.”
Other languages have their own reverent forms. Use the ones your language uses for prayer.
Which word, when?
The trick: these words work just like “you” and “your.” Only use them when you're speaking to Heavenly Father.
| Word | Use it like | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Thou | “you” as the one doing something | “Thou art kind to us.” “Thou knowest our hearts.” |
| Thee | “you” after a verb or word like to, for, with | “We thank Thee.” “We come to Thee.” |
| Thy | “your” before a word starting with a consonant sound | “Thy Son.” “Thy Spirit.” “Thy will be done.” |
| Thine | “your” before a vowel sound, or “yours” on its own | “Thine own Son.” “All that we have is Thine.” |
Verbs that go with Thou: Thou art (you are), Thou hast (you have), Thou dost (you do), Thou knowest (you know), Thou wilt (you will), Thou didst (you did). If that feels like a lot, start with “Thee” and “Thy.” They cover most prayers.
Practice: turn “you” into “Thee”
Type a sentence to Heavenly Father the way you'd normally say it. We'll suggest the reverent form. It's only a helper, and it won't be perfect.
Suggested
Make it personal
Sincere prayers are specific. Choose the kind of prayer you're giving for ideas.
The Savior warned against “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7). Saying the same phrases each time is okay; meaning them is what matters.
In his own words
“And my soul hungered; and I kneeled down before my Maker, and I cried unto him in mighty prayer”
Enos 1:4
Enos prayed all day and into the night, in his own words, about what his soul truly needed.
Prayer prompts
Not sure what to say? Start here.
If you've ever knelt down and gone quiet, not knowing where to begin, you're not alone. These prompts can help you get started.
A tool, not a script
These prompts are only a tool to help train your mind toward holier, more personal prayer. The goal is to speak from your own heart to your Father in Heaven, in your own words, not to read a script. Use one or two to get started, then let your own thoughts take over. Over time you'll need them less, and that's the point.
Here's why it helps: naming specific things trains you to notice the Lord's hand during the day, and a specific prayer is easier to mean with all your heart.
“Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other.”
To carry into my prayer
Read these once, then set them aside and talk to Him in your own words. Nothing here is saved or sent anywhere; it clears when you leave the page.
Refined and ready
A refined heart, not perfect words
Elder Douglas L. Callister taught that refinement shows in many parts of life, including “the way we offer our prayers.” He also taught:
“Refinement in speech is more than polished elocution. It results from purity of thought and sincerity of expression. A child’s prayer on occasion may reflect the language of heaven more nearly than a Shakespearean soliloquy.”
Before you pray in a meeting
- Take a moment to think about who will be there and what they need.
- Speak slowly and clearly, so everyone can say “amen” with you.
- Keep it short. A meeting prayer is often under a minute.
- It's okay to jot two or three things on a card.
- Pray for the speakers, the teachers, and that the Spirit will be with everyone.