Reference

Nnot clearly a prayer E-erroneous ---Green = possesing that attribute/ Orange = Excellent example of that attribute/ Blue = erroneous 1N7:17 1N17:7-9 2N4:30-35 2N22:1-2 Enos1:5-8,10 Msh18:12 Alma2:30 Alma14:26 Alma15:10 Alma18:41 Alma19:29 (N) Alma22:18 Alma31:15-18 (E) Alma31:26-35 Alma33:4-11 Alma36:18 Hel7:7-9 (v11) Hel11:4 Hel11:10-16 3N13:9-13 3N17:14 3N19:20-23,28-29 Ether2:18-25 Ether3:2-16 Ether12:23-37 Moroni4:3 Moroni5:2 Moroni9:15 (N) Adds Condition Expresses Gratitude States "Amen" Accounts Prays for Others Asks Question(s) Conversational Specific Prays to overcome their weaknesses Much thought preceding the prayer (written) States WHY they Ask Cry's/Pleads Apparently to the Father Forgiveness given or asked Tells God what to do (contrasted to asking) Praises God God gave an Assignment Doctrine stated or restated Condition given by God Apparently Vocal Public (more than one) Shared Feelings Answered Speedily

The attributes of prayer found in these scriptures are great examples for us to practice. These attributes provide simple ways to improve our prayers, (by that I mean: Help align our will with the Fathers). On this same subtopic : "Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings" BD

I have pondered other means to help me pray: Avoid generalities (be specific), Slow Down, Be conscious (late night), pour out your soul - Alma 46:17 (don't hold anything back), share feelings, give accountings, make sure to reverantly ponder and listen before and after, communicate with complete trust (Alma42:14), Don't let the public negatively influence what you say (we tend to stay "safe" and say a prayer in public rather than truely pray), In public: ponder what they need (you are speaking in their belalf, Time doesn't matter in most personal prayers, no excuses for lack of effort (ea. I'm tired), kneel always if possible, pray audibly (not just under your breath, but speaking tones), avoid vain repetition = any words spoken not in sincerity (Very often these are commonly used phrases people in the church use: ea. we thank thee for this day, thank you for our many blessings, bless the teachers, we ask for the Spirit to be with us, protect the military, bless the church leaders etc... I'm not saying these phrases constitute bad prayers but the differance is if the voice for the prayer is honestly sincere and heartfelt, and we can discern when one is and is not. Many of us have become trapped in vain repetition, many that have been raised in the church, and those trapped metaphorically search their brain for the right prayer for the right occasion (ea. "Alright, this is what I have heard in mostly every Sunday school class, so I will be safe saying that), and express love. For purposes of removing yourself from this vain word usage: Stop using these phrases, start each prayer with a decree in your heart to pray...and not just say a prayer. Ask yourself this: Do I realIy want to communicate with God, or am I doing it so I can "get my prayers in." I promise you, because of personal experience, that when you "work" on prayer in sincerity and humility that you will be able to recieve and recognize more clearly revelation that comes to you, and also that many aspects of life will be affected in positive ways. Alma 33:11 - When does God hear our prayers?