Find Healing through Prayer

Regular, sincere prayer is a simple but powerful way to access God’s help in your life.

A young woman clasps her hands in prayer

Life is full of challenges. But you don’t have to tackle your biggest challenges alone. God loves you and wants you to experience joy in your life. You can find help and healing by turning to Him in prayer.

Prayer isn’t about changing God’s will. Your Heavenly Father loves you and knows perfectly what’s best for you. That means not every prayer will be answered in the exact way and timing you hoped for. Prayer is an opportunity to seek those blessings that God is waiting to give you if you ask. Examples might include help forgiving someone else, resisting temptation, finding the strength to endure a hard experience, or knowing what to do when faced with a difficult choice.

Kayla shares about her experience with prayer

Find Peace through Prayer

When Kayla felt angry at God, prayer helped change her anger into peace.

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Jesus Christ faced unimaginable suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane as He took on the pains and sins of the world and prepared to die for all of us on the cross. In that moment of struggle He prayed, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). The Savior’s prayer didn’t change the mission He was sent to earth to accomplish, but after His prayer an angel appeared to strengthen Him. You can experience God’s hand in your life as you follow Jesus Christ’s example.

The benefits of prayer go far beyond the specific blessings you ask for and receive. Daily prayer helps you build a relationship with your Father in Heaven. It gives you time to be mindful and bring the things that matter most into focus. Prayer invites the Holy Spirit into your life and helps you become more like Jesus.

Whether you’re praying for the first time or looking to make your prayers more meaningful, these tips can help:

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Prepare to Pray

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God will always hear you, but to get the most out of your personal prayers, it helps to prepare by finding a quiet place, putting away distractions, and taking a moment to still your mind.

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Address God

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Start your prayer by addressing God in a reverent way. You might prefer “Dear God,” “Heavenly Father,” or “Our Father in Heaven.”

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Share What’s in Your Heart

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Have a conversation with God. You can thank Him for the things you’re grateful for, share feelings you’re struggling with, ask questions, or ask for help with things you need.

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Listen for an Answer

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End your prayer with “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” If you can, take some time to ponder the things you just asked. This gives space to receive inspiration God might want to share with you right away through the Holy Spirit, which might seem like a warm feeling, a sense of comfort, or a new idea. You can also learn to recognize answers from God that might come later, through another person or something you experience.

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“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.”

—1 Peter 3:12 (New Testament)

“I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”

—Psalm 34:4 (Old Testament)

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.”

—Alma 37:37 (Book of Mormon)

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