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Pray with Real Intent

Pray with Real Intent

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youth praying

Purpose

Prayer is your direct connection to Heavenly Father. You can strengthen that connection by praying with real intent—a desire to know what Heavenly Father wants you to do, willingness to listen for His answers, and commitment to act on promptings you receive. You will gain increased strength and peace and feel closer to your Heavenly Father.

Goal Description

Improve your prayers by praying with real intent.

Goal Ideas

  • Set a goal to pray morning and night. Create a reminder, such as a note or a picture, to help you remember to pray.

  • Read Joseph Smith—History 1:15–18 and look for the things that Joseph Smith did when he prayed (kneeling down, praying out loud, and so forth). Choose one or two of these things and practice doing them in your own prayers.

  • Take a few minutes before you pray to think about things you need or want to pray for. You might even want to write things down to help you remember.

  • Read and study recent general conference talks about prayer and receiving personal revelation through the Holy Ghost. Make a list of things you learn in these talks that help you understand how to pray with real intent.

  • Study examples in the scriptures of individuals who prayed with real intent. Pay special attention to prayers offered by the Savior in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. Do you notice things that these prayers have in common? Set a goal to include those things in your own prayers.

  • Pay special attention to the thoughts that come to your mind while you pray, and write them down. Follow through with the actions you’re prompted to take.

  • Create your own goal.

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