Lessons from the Lord's prayers

Important lessons on prayer can be learned by drawing from the Lord's examples throughout the scriptures, Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve taught during the Saturday afternoon session of general conference.

"Our prayers follow patterns and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ," Elder Nelson said. "He taught us how to pray. From His prayers we can learn many important lessons."

The Lord's Prayer is recorded twice in the New Testament, once in the Book of Mormon and is included in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, where clarification is provided by two phrases: 1. "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us (JST Matthew 6:13)." 2. "Suffer us not to be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (JST Matthew 6:14).

Elder Nelson spoke of the clarification on forgiveness found in the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, and although the accounts are not identical, they all show similar elements to emulate in personal prayer.

"The Lord's Prayer serves as a pattern to follow and not as a piece to memorize and recite repetitively," he said. "The Master simply wants us to pray for God's help while we strive constantly to resist evil and live righteously."

Other prayers, like intercessory prayers included in the scriptures, can also be instructive. Christ's example of praying for others sets the pattern for Church members to follow.

"If we really care for others, we should pray for them," Elder Nelson said. "'Pray one for another, ...' taught James, for 'the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much'" (James 5:16).

Elder Nelson shared ways to enhance personal prayer, including asking for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, fasting and avoiding unnecessary words.

"The concept of 'too much and unnecessary' could also apply to the length of our prayers. A closing prayer in a Church meeting need not include a summary of each message and should not become an unscheduled sermon," he said. "Private prayers can be as long as we want, but public prayers ought to be short supplications for the Spirit of the Lord to be with us, or brief declarations of gratitude for what has transpired."

Elder Nelson also spoke of ways to improve prayer through using the proper language of prayer.

"Our prayers can be enhanced in other ways. We can use "right words" — special pronouns — in reference to Deity. While worldly manners of daily dress and speech are becoming more casual, we have been asked to protect the formal, proper language of prayer. In our prayers we use the respectful pronouns Thee, Thou, Thy, and Thine instead of you, your, and yours," he said. "Doing so helps us to be humble. That can also enhance our prayers."

Although there are certain guidelines of how and what to pray about, Elder Nelson reminded Church members of the unlimited communication with a loving Heavenly Father available, beginning with individual initiative.

"When should we pray?" Elder Nelson asked. "Whenever we desire!"

Prayer is strengthened as members look to the perfect example of the Savior.

"Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world — He who ransomed us with His blood — is our Redeemer and our Exemplar. At the close of His mortal mission, He prayed that His will — as the Beloved Son — might be swallowed up in the will of the Father. In that crucial hour the Savior cried, 'Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.' So we should pray to God: 'Thy will be done.'"

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