How to pray for a friend

If you’re an average sort like me then you’ve had plenty of opportunities to offer a friend or family member a well-meaning, “I’ll remember you in my prayers.” Sometimes you say this via Facebook or Twitter and you say, “sending thoughts and prayers your way,” or just plain, “thinking of you.”

And then, because you’re average like me…

You forget about that need, that promise, that prayer.

We don’t want to forget. We don’t want to be so focused on other things, but we are, and we do.

I learned a long time ago that my promises are only as good as my memory. So, here’s how I apply this lesson to praying for people I intend to pray for.

1. Pray Immediately

If I promise to pray for someone, I do it right then, right there, on the spot. I do this because I believe prayer matters. It’s worth doing, and I want to encourage that person’s faith and hope in the God who hears and answers. If I put it off, I’m very likely to forget about it. This is plan A. If some circumstance is preventing my praying immediately, then I turn to plan B. I write it down, so I’ll actually remember to pray later. (For my memory, if it isn’t written down, it doesn’t exist.)

2. Pray Personally

If someone asks me to pray for them, I often offer to pray aloud with them. Again, that way I remember to follow through on my promise to pray and, I have an opportunity to help encourage that person’s faith and hope.

3. Pray in Writing

If you ask me to pray for you via Facebook, Twitter, text, or email. I’m likely to send back a short written prayer and maybe even a Scripture verse right away. Why? You know by now.

4. Pray Purposefully

Everyone is in a different place spiritually, and that means their understanding of who God is, how He works, what His plan is, etc, etc varies from person to person. So when someone asks me to pray for them, or even if I offer to pray unasked, my purpose is to help that person move a little bit further along the path toward a fuller understanding of God.

In other words if I ever pray for you, I want you to be a little more equipped to pray confidently on your own, or for someone else when you have the opportunity.

5. Pray Confidently

You don’t need a PhD in Biblical Studies to pray for a friend. You can approach God with faith that He hears your prayers for Christ’s sake with very little understanding of the Bible.

Go ahead, pray. God has a generous heart and listens to our stammering words patiently as we would to a toddler. Even if you just recite The Lord’s Prayer, God will hear and be gracious.

6. Pray Biblically

That being said, I certainly pray differently now than I did 30 years ago. And you will pray differently a year from now than you would today if you made reading the Bible a regular habit of your life. It’s amazing how reading a few verses a day, or a chapter a day, or the New Testament in a year can enlarge your vision of who God is, what His plan is, and how He works it out in our lives. Imagine how that understanding will help you pray with growing faith for a friend in need.

7. Pray in Jesus.

I already mentioned above that God accepts our prayer for Christ’s sake, not for our sakes, not for our friend’s, not for our sincerity, or goodness or great faith. He hears us because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross. That’s what it means to pray “in Jesus’ name” — that we reach out to God knowing we are received lovingly because what Jesus did matters. He is our Mediator. He is our hope. He is the door to heaven; the way to the Father.

So,

Pray. How blessed you and your friend will be.

How do you remember to keep your promise to pray?

Thank you for spending the last few minutes with Average Us. If you enjoyed this post, please share it and/or follow Average Us. Thanks!

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Last Update 5th October, 2016.

So you’ve committed to praying for your unsaved friends. This is a great first step. Making a prayer list of your friends who God has given you a heart for will help to remind you to prayer for them and show you how to pray for them.

Once you’ve made this list here is a 10 point Biblical prayer you can pray over them.

Let me give you a practical model to make your friends prayer list.

How I Use a Friends Prayer List

I use a life journal notebook for my devotional times each morning so I use a half sheet of paper that fits nicely into my devotional book.

Doing it this way means I make changes to the list as life circumstances change and I can move it around as a bookmark for my devotionals.

The main thing though is that I know I’ll see this list every morning and it will prompt me to pray for my friends to come to Christ.

Knowing Who to Pray For

Take a moment to look at your friendships and ‘circle of influence’.  

Think of people you are closest to and spend time with on a regular basis. 

On a scrap piece of paper, write as many names down as possible in sixty seconds. Simply write whoever springs to mind. 

Now look over the list…

1. If they go to church with you, cross them off.
2. If they are a member of another church, cross them off.
3. Who is left?

You may find that you know some people who go to church with you, yet have no evidence of a relationship with Christ.  Feel free to add them or keep them on your list.

Writing Your Friends Prayer List

I then take this list and write the completed list of names for my journal.

As you write each name, also ask God for how to pray for them and make any notes next to their name.

Ask God for specific areas.

For example:

• Show me opportunities to speak with them.
• Help them to see their need for You.
• Is God inviting me to spend a little more time with them?
• Reveal Yourself to them so that they know You are real.

Everyone is at a different stage of their spiritual journey. What is your friends next step to get closer to God?

If they are hostile to God, how I can pray that they may start seeking God?

If they deny God exists, how can I pray that they would know that He is real?

If they are seeking God, how can I pray they would talk with me about how I found God?

If they are studying the Bible in their search, how can I pray that God’s Word would speak to them?

In other words, I try to pray in accordance with the work that God might be doing in their spiritual life already. Salvation is a work of the Lord and you are working in partnership with Him.

“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays. – Soren Kierkegaard”

Watch for Answers

Going beyond the generic and into specifics prepares me to cooperate with what God might be inviting me into.

It shows me what to look out for, to see where they are on their spiritual journey and how I could be used by God in their life.

As God answers some of those specific petitions on my prayer list, I’ll update the list from time to time.

Updating my prayer list helps me to see progress in a person’s journey towards Christ.

“Therefore, my confession of faith is: ‘God has begun a good work in ______’s life and He will perform it and bring it to full completion until the day of Jesus Christ, in Jesus’ Name.’” 

Your Turn

• Make your prayer list today. Stick the list somewhere you know you’ll see it everyday.
• Commit to praying for 30 days for every name on the list as God directs.
• Learn more about friendship evangelism here.

                  

If you want to grow in some simple next steps in personal evangelism and reach for the lost you may find these three books helpful to you.

These may help you answer the question:

“What can you do in the next 90 days to grow in your evangelism skills?”

Have You ever used a friends prayer list before? Do you a testimony you want to share to encourage others to speak about their faith? Share your comments below.

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Are you facing a difficult disease, illness or malady and want to cry out to God for healing but don’t know what to pray? If you feel scared, alone, unsure of the future, or don’t understand how healing works, pray these words below in faith today! Below are four prayers for healing, an interview with Max Lucado explaining how we should pray for healing, and some of our favorite Bible verses on healing.

God tells us that through prayer, He can speak to us and use us to work miracles for His glory. When you use this prayer for healing you are coming to God completely surrendered and expectant to let His Holy Spirit work in and through you. I pray that you will find miraculous healing as you seek God’s plan for your life – His plan to prosper you and to give you a hope and future!

Here are 10 Prayers for Healing you can use today to speak life and hope into your situation.

1. A Prayer for Personal Healing

God, you know me so well. You created me. You know the number of hairs on my head, and you even know the thoughts conceived in my heart before I ever vocalize them. You’ve told us to come to you and ask for every need of life. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals, and you have the final word on my destiny, the number of years I’ll live and serve you on earth.

I’m coming to you today as your child, longing to hear from you and asking for your divine healing. There’s so much I don’t understand about life. But I do know that with one touch, one word, you can make me whole. Please forgive me of my sins, cleanse me of my unrighteousness, and begin your healing from the inside out.

I don’t always know what your will is Lord, especially in times like now, when I desperately seek your face. I offer you no promises, no bargains, no deals to exchange for my health. I simply bow my heart before you to tell you the desire of my heart: that I want to spend as many years as I can loving you here, loving others, and wanting to become more like you. However you choose to accomplish that is up to you—and okay with me. If you use doctors to provide healing, give them wisdom to know what to do. Regardless of how you accomplish it, the healing you give is always miraculous. And you deserve all the praise.

I absolutely believe you have the power to heal. You demonstrated that on earth, and you still heal in miraculous ways today. Even when my faith is weak, you say it is enough, and my love for you is strong. And I know you already hold my heart and life in your hands. It’s up to you. If I can bring you more glory through healing, then that’s what I ask for. That’s what I desire.

But if your answer is no, or not now, I know that your grace is sufficient for me. Ultimately, I want your will to be my will. I look forward to spending an eternity with you. But Lord, if you have planned still more for me to do here on this earth, I not only need and want your physical healing, Lord, but a thorough, deep-down cleansing and strengthening—a whole-hearted renewal of all that I am. Because all that I am is yours. Use this trial to strengthen me from a “what-if” faith to a “no-matter-what” faith. And no matter what, I choose to honor you and give you glory. In Jesus’s name, Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan

2. A Short Prayer for Healing for Friends

Lord, your Word speaks promises of healing and restoration and I thank you for the miracles you still perform today. Today I claim those promises over my friend. I believe in the healing power of faith and prayer and I ask you to begin your mighty work in the life of my friend. Please reach down and surround my friend with supernatural peace and strength and give her the faith to believe that all things are possible for you. Protect her from Satan’s lies and discouragement and let her miraculous healing begin. Amen.

3. A Prayer for Healing and Grace

Dear God,
We confess our need for you today. We need your healing and your grace. We need hope restored. We need to be reminded that you work on behalf of those you love, constantly, powerfully, completely. Forgive us for trying to fix our situations all on our own. Forgive us for running all different directions and spinning our wheels to find help, when true help and healing must be found first in You. Forgive us for forgetting how much we need you, above everyone and everything else. We come to you and bring you the places we are hurting. You see where no one else is able to fully see or understand. You know the pain we’ve carried. The burdens. The cares. You know where we need to be set free. We ask for your healing and grace to cover every broken place. Every wound. Every heartache. Thank you that you are Able to do far more than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your Mighty Power that acts on behalf of your children. We reach out to you, and know that you are restoring and redeeming every place of difficulty, every battle, for your greater glory. Thank you that you will never waste our pain and suffering. We love you. We need you today.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen ~ Debbie McDaniel

4. A Prayer for Healing Sick Family and Friends

Lord Jesus, thank you that you love . I know that you hate what their illness is doing to them/me. I ask that you would heal this disease, that you would have compassion and bring healing from all sickness.

Your word says in Psalm 107:19-20 that when we call out to you the Eternal one you will give the order, heal and rescue us from certain death. In the Bible, I have read of miraculous healing and I believe that you still heal the same way today. I believe that there is no illness you cannot heal after all the bible tells of you raising people from the dead so I ask for your healing in this situation.

I also know from my experience of life on earth that not everyone is healed. If that happens here than keep my heart soft towards you, help me to understand your plan and help me to be excited about heaven.

God, I thank you that belongs to you and that you are in control of everything that happens from our first breath to our last sigh. Amen. ~ Wendy van Eyck

5. A Prayer to Heal the Hurt

Father, help me get my focus back on you. I know I need to stop dwelling on my hurts and frustrations. Help me be faithful in prayer and put my hope in you. May the Holy Spirit guide and comfort and strengthen me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ Living Free Every Day Devotional

6. A Prayer for Forgiveness 

Dear God, I’m sorry for my sin. I ______________ (what you did), which was a sin against you, as well as a sin against __________ (who you hurt). Please help me turn from this behavior. I will begin ________________  (how you’ll change) instead of what I have done. Please forgive me and help me to grow in my relationship to you and _________, whom I’ve hurt. Thank you for your love and mercy. Thank you for forgiving me and choosing to forget my sin. In Jesus’ name, Amen. ~ Sue Schlesman

7. A Prayer for Those Who Feel Wounded

Dear God, We feel wounded, betrayed, and brokenhearted. We wonder sometimes if we can ever fully recover from the deep hurt we feel inside. Thank you that you know what we’ve been through and the struggles we still carry. Help us to forgive. Help us to let go. We know that we can move forward with you in peace and freedom. We pray for those who have hurt us right now, and ask for your power to work mightily within their lives. We leave them in your hands and find our comfort and strength in your spirit.

Thank you that you understand all that we’ve faced, that you see and you care. We ask that when the enemy taunts us with lies and tries to bring up the hurt of the past, you would silence his voice and allow us to walk free. We bring you all the stuff that he would use to try to trap us or stop us – the pain, the past, the mistakes, the struggles. And we lay it at your feet, again. Thank you for your healing, for your grace, for your hope. Thank you that you have set us free and will not waste the pain that we’ve carried. We look forward to the greater good and purpose you will bring through this struggle.

We love you Lord, we need you, we trust you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Debbie McDaniel

8. A Prayer to Heal a Struggling Relationship

Dear God, I struggle in my relationship with ______. I need You to give me wisdom on how to love ____ well. You are my shield and defender. Show me how, when and where to erect boundaries in our relationship. I believe You are my healer and I trust You to guard my heart and mind. I need Your specific directions on how to interact with ______.

I want to love _____ with a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5) I forgive ______ for hurting me and forgive me for ______. Help me to love ______ courageously. Fill me with Your truth and compel me to fearlessly tell the truth with love. Let Your perfect love cast out all of my fears related to our relationship. I surrender what I think our relationship should be. Please transform it so that it honors You. In Jesus, I pray. Amen ~ Jennifer O. White

9. A Prayer for When Time Doesn’t Heal a Broken Heart

Lord, please heal my broken heart. Fill me with the peace and joy I know can only come from You during this hard time. Walk closely beside me during my journey to healing and recovery that I know is possible through Your power alone. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Tracie Miles

10. A Prayer to Heal from Depression

Lord, it seems as if my world has collapsed, hurling me into a deep, dark pit. I come to you in complete surrender. I am desperate for you, helpless and afraid. Please lift me out of this pit and show me the way, Lord.   In Jesus’ name, Amen ~ Mary Southerland

How to Pray for Healing – Max Lucado

Healing Bible Verses

Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;  for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body.

Psalm 107:19-20
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. 

Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. 

Mark 5:34
He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 

More Healing Scripture

What are you praying for healing over today? Join our large praying community in the comments below and experience the power, hope and healing that comes when you allow others to cover you in prayer.

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.

Prayer for Healing

Prayer for StrengthPrayer for ProtectionMorning PrayersGood Night PrayersShort PrayersThe Lord’s PrayerSerenity PrayerA Birthday PrayerSinner’s PrayerPrayer for ForgivenessPrayer for Guidance  

Now available is our new Daily Prayer devotional! An easy way to find start your day with prayer, read today’s prayer and sign up to receive by email.

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Messages from Leaders

• “The $5 Miracle” (January 2013 Friend)
  A young President Thomas S. Monson prays fervently after accidentally leaving money in jeans that are laundered. Includes a crossword about prayer.
• “Answered Prayers” (July 2005 Liahona and Friend)
  Elder Gerald N. Lund shares how praying as a child helped him recognize an answer to prayer when he was deciding to serve a mission.
• “Heavenly Father Hears Your Prayers” (September 2016 Liahona and Friend)
  Sister Neill F. Marriott shares a couple of stories about when prayer has blessed her family.
• “Heavenly Father Listens” (March 2018 Friend)
  Elder Weatherford T. Clayton shares how he learned that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. Includes a finding activity.
• “He Gives the Best Answers” (July 2013 Friend)
  Elder Bennett tells a story about when he prayed to find his missing turtle and didn’t get the answer he expected.
• “He Is There” (January 2012 Liahona and Friend)
  Sister Rosemary M. Wixom talks about a time her son was very sick. Although she was scared, she prayed and felt peace. Heavenly Father hears all prayers.
• “He Will Help You” (January 2013 Friend)
  Elder Ian S. Arden tells the story of praying for help to learn to ride his new bicycle.
• “How can I feel close to Jesus Christ?” (December 2015 Friend)
  Elder D. Todd Christofferson tells how we can think about Jesus. Includes a story about Elder Christofferson praying in the Sacred Grove as a teenager.
• “How to Pray” (August 2013 Friend)
  President Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches us how to pray.
• “I Talked to God as a Friend” (July 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  Elder Juan A. Uceda tells how prayer comforted him when he was worried about family members who weren’t members of the Church.
• “The Lord’s Prayer” (February 2017 Friend)
  President Henry B. Eyring explains the different parts of the Lord’s Prayer. Includes instructions for making a simple prayer mobile.
• “Making Choices” (August 2015 Friend)
  Elder Quentin L. Cook tells story about his brother’s choice between medical school and a mission.
• “Moroni and the Mechanic” (January 2018 Liahona and Friend)
  Elder Claudio R. M. Costa shares a story of how his 6-year-old son was a good example by praying after their car broke down. Includes an activity.
• “A Patient Prayer” (June 2013 Liahona and Friend)
  Elder José L. Alonso tells a story about how an illness taught him that Heavenly Father always answers prayers.
• “Pray and Plan” (April 2013 Friend)
  Elder Carl B. Cook talks about how a prayer helped him find a missing nickel.
• “Prayer and Work” (November 2007 Friend)
  Elder Neil L. Anderson shares how Heavenly Father helped him find his favorite rabbit.
• “A Prayer for Lou Jean” (October 2005 Liahona and Friend)
  A story from the life of President David O. McKay about when his daughter was sick and Church members prayed for her.
• “Prayer Is Important” (April 2004 Friend)
  Elder William R. Walker talks about praying for his sick baby brother. No matter how young we are, prayer is important.
• “Praying to Our Father” (June 2015 Friend)
  President Henry B. Eyring testifies that God will answer your prayers. Includes a rebus and treasure hunt activity.
• “Seeking Him in Prayer” (February 2006 Friend)
  Elder D. Todd Christofferson learned the power of prayer as a young boy.
• “What will it be like when I go inside the temple?” (July 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  Elder Neil L. Andersen shares some thoughts.
• “Why is it important for me to pray?” (June 2007 Friend)
  President Henry B. Eyring shares some thoughts on the subject.
• “Will Heavenly Father always answer my prayers?”(January 2017 Liahona and Friend)
  Elder Dallin H. Oaks shares some thoughts about prayer. Includes a story about prayer from Elder Oaks’s childhood.
• “Will Heavenly Father always answer my prayers?”(February 2010 Friend)
  Elder Richard G. Scott shares some thoughts on the subject.

Stories

• “Alexis Says a Prayer” (March 2011 Friend)
  Alexis learned to say a prayer in primary class.
• “Allie’s New Class” (July 2018 Friend)
  Allie is nervous when she gets moved to a new kindergarten class, but she prays for help and has a great day.
• “Alma Teaches How to Pray” (June 2016 Liahona and Friend)
  A retelling for young children about Alma teaching the Zoramites how to pray.
• “Alpacas on the Loose!” (August 2013 Liahona and Friend)
  Romney remembers he can ask Heavenly Father for help on an alpaca farm.
• “Anna’s Journey Part 1–Leaving Home” (July 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  Anna traveled from Sweden to Utah as an early pioneer.
• “Anna’s Journey, Part 2: A Prayer in the Night” (August 2015 Friend)
  Anna’s prayer was answered in an unexpected way.
• “Backstage Prayers” (September 2018 Liahona and Friend)
  Emily shares how she prays backstage when she gets nervous before dance performances.
• “The Bear Cave” (September 2017 Friend)
  Ben prays after he gets scared in his new bedroom in the basement. The Holy Ghost prompts his mom to come check on him.
• “Because He Lives” (March 2013 Liahona and Friend)
  Watoy’s teacher becomes curious when Watoy doesn’t cross himself before praying.
• “Bugs and Brothers” (July 2015 Friend)
  Lacey learns that she doesn’t have to be irritated by her younger brother.
• “Caleb’s Bedtime Prayer” (June 2016 Friend)
  Caleb learns what to pray for in this story for young children.
• “Cheering Up Grandpa” (April 2015 Friend)
  Mike helped his Grandpa find joy after Grandma’s death.
• “Chief on the Run” (September 2017 Friend)
  Max says a prayer for help after he accidentally lets his friend’s dog out of the yard.
• “A Christmas Prayer Answered” (December 2012 Liahona and Friend)
  Peggy’s family has no food for Christmas dinner, but her family’s prayers are answered when generous neighbors bring them a feast.
• “Clara and the Primary Program” (August 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  Clara, a new member of the Church, speaks for the first time in a Primary program.
• “Comforting Lucy” (September 2009 Liahona and Friend)
  Lucy is sad after her grandma dies and prays for comfort.
• “Connor to the Rescue!” (January 2015 Friend)
  Connor decides to give his toy money to humanitarian aid.
• “David’s Prayer” (August 2004 Liahona and Friend)
  When he was a young boy, President David O. McKay prayed to overcome his fear of the dark.
• “Does Someone Hear Me?” (March 2014 Liahona and Friend)
  Lucas and his father gain a testimony of prayer.
• “Don’t Forget to Pray for Erik” (January 2017 Liahonaand Friend)
  Kari is upset that her older brother hasn’t returned to church yet even though the family prays for him.
• “Elevator Prayers” (August 2012 Friend)
  Harrison says a prayer when he is left by himself on an elevator. We can pray anywhere.
• “Enos Repents” (April 2012 Friend)
  An illustrated retelling of the scripture story.
• “Even If You Can’t See Him” (November 2017 Friend)
  Allie is not sure if Heavenly Father is really listening when she prays.
• “Explorer Everett” (February 2017 Friend)
  Everett and his mom say a prayer after he hurts his knee while searching for treasure.
• “A Feel-Good Field Day” (June 2015 Friend)
  Thanks to hard work and prayer, Emily has a good field day experience after all.
• “Finding Floppy” (May 2018 Friend)
  Sam’s sister helps him find a stuffed animal he has misplaced. They pray for help and then pray for thanks after they find him.
• “Finding Tinkerbell” (July 2015 Friend)
  Prayer helped Mia find her favorite stuffed animal.
• “Flowers and Friendship” (April 2015 Friend)
  Jenny solves a problem with her friend by getting an answer to prayer.
• “Forgiving Demi” (January 2018 Friend)
  Mae feels sad after a girl makes fun of her for being so tall. Then she prays and feels better.
• “Goats on the Run” (January 2017 Friend)
  Evelyn shares how she prayed that her goats would come back after they ran away.
• “The Good-Night Train” (August 2015 Friend)
  A read-aloud poem and activity about getting ready for bed.
• “Heavenly Father Answers My Prayers” (July 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  George tells of the times Heavenly Father has answered his prayers.
• “Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers”(August 2013 Liahona and Friend)
  Alma and his missionary companions pray to know how to teach the Zoramites about Jesus Christ. Includes an activity.
• “He Is Listening” (June 2010 Liahona and Friend)
  A story for young children about a boy who learns about the nature of God and prayer. Includes an activity about how to prepare to pray.
• “Helping a New Friend” (February 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  Quinnley describes how she reaches out to befriend a classmate.
• “A Helping Angel” (December 2013 Friend)
  Molly learns to forget herself and help others.
• “Henry and the Corn Maze” (November 2016 Friend)
  Henry and his mom say a prayer for help when they get lost in a corn maze.
• “Hoping for a Hit” (September 2013 Friend)
  Joseph’s prayer to hit the ball in baseball gets answered in an unexpected way.
• “A Hug for Jennifer” (August 2010 Liahona and Friend)
  A girl prays for peace after fighting with her brother and sister.
• “K.C.’s Lost CTR Ring” (August 2013 Friend)
  K.C. loses his CTR ring and prays to find it. For young readers.
• “Keep Praying” (February 2004 Friend)
  Desiree prays for her parents’ safety while they are traveling home.
• “Lead Me, Guide Me” (July 2010 Liahona and Friend)
  A brother and sister pray that the Lord will help them find their way home in a foreign country.
• “Lifted by Prayer” (March 2009 Liahona and Friend)
  Jared prayed for help so he could get on the plane to compete with his gymnastics team for the Brazilian National Gymnastics Championship.
• “Looking Towards the Temple” (April 2013 Friend)
  A young boy uses the temple to navigate home when he gets lost.
• “The Loose-Tooth Test” (October 2016 Friend)
  Tessa learns that sometimes the answer to a prayer is to wait after she prays for Heavenly Father to help her loose tooth fall out.
• “Lost and Found” (April 2018 Liahona and Friend)
  Cael shares an experience of when he was alone in the forest and he prayed. His father then got an impression to come look for him.
• “Mia’s Testimony” (June 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  Mia learns that she’s had a testimony.
• “Mommy’s Flower Garden” (January 2015 Friend)
  Joshua helps his mother feel better by coloring a garden for her.
• “Monsters in the Closet” (October 2013 Friend)
  Abby prays to not be afraid of their coat closet, which she thinks is full of monsters.
• “Night Fright” (May 2012 Friend)
  A boy prays to feel peace when he wakes up in the night and is afraid.
• “No Room in the Inn” (December 2017 Friend)
  Eliza and her family go from hotel to hotel trying to find a place to stay, but they all seem to be full. Eliza says a prayer that they will find a place to sleep.
• “Only a Prayer Away” (March 2007 Friend)
  Hyrum says a prayer when he gets separated from his mom at the airport.
• “Our Answer” (August 2013 Liahona and Friend)
  A girl remembers praying with the missionaries in Peru to know if she and her family should be baptized.
• “Our Page” (February 2010 Liahona)
  This page includes the testimony of a girl from Taiwan who prayed to feel peace when she was afraid of being left at school.
• “Our Page” (April 2010 Liahona)
  This page includes the testimony of a girl from Switzerland who prayed to better understand the gospel.
• “Our Page” (August 2010 Liahona)
  This page includes the testimony of a boy from Germany who prayed to help his family find their car key.
• “Paul’s Surgery” (November 2012 Friend)
  A young boy is comforted by praying when he needs to have his ears operated on.
• “The Piano Recital” (January 2015 Friend)
  Nathan prays for help overcoming his nerves at a piano recital.
• “Pirates!” (September 2008 Friend)
  A historical story about Ellen, who learns that there is no such thing as too many prayers when pirates spot their ship sailing from England.
• “Prayer at the Start Gate” (December 2017 Friend)
  Noah shares how he prayed when he was scared before a ski race.
• “A Prayer for Safety” (February 2012 Liahona and Friend)
  A girl prays for help when she swims too far from shore.
• “A Prayer for Speedy” (August 2017 Friend)
  Ashley says a prayer after her cat goes missing.
• “A Prayer in the Attic” (February 2015 Friend)
  A family miraculously remains hidden during a soldier inspection.
• “Prayer on the Bus” (January 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  Sofia prays for a baby who is crying on the bus.
• “Prayers and Pumpkins” (November 2017 Friend)
  Rachel shares an experience of when she was lost and then found help after praying.
• “Prayers, Notes, and Natural Disasters” (August 2012 Liahona and Friend)
  Two girls in different parts of the world prayed to get through natural disasters.
• “A Prayer to Heavenly Father” (February 2012 Liahona and Friend)
  A story for young children about a boy who learns that we speak to Heavenly Father when we pray.
• “Praying for the Fawn” (July 2013 Friend)
  Tyler prays to help a baby deer and its mother.
• “Praying with Zara” (June 2017 Liahona and Friend)
  Reesey and Cheyenne teach their friend Zara about praying before they eat.
• “Remembering to Pray” (January 2012 Friend)
  Jesse asks Heavenly Father to help him remember his daily prayers.
• “Shelly’s Race” (August 2015 Friend and Liahona)
  A girl worries about many things, but finds comfort in prayer, after her parents get divorced.
• “So Much to Talk About” (August 2013 Friend)
  Jessie learns to talk to Heavenly Father in her prayers.
• “The Soup-Can Phones” (February 2015 Friend)
  Elizabeth learns she can talk to Heavenly Father like a friend.
• “A Simple Prayer”(May 2011 Friend)
  A story for young children about a boy teaching his friend to bless the food.
• “Special Words” (August 2012 Friend)
  Whitney learns why we use special words when we pray.
• “Stones, Arrows, and Snowballs” (January 2012 Liahona and Friend)
  David prays to be protected from a snowball attack and walks calmly through without getting hit.
• “Stuck in the Mud” (July 2012 Friend)
  Karen convinces her family to pray when their car gets stuck in the mud.
• “The Stuttering Struggle” (November 2015 Friend)
  Nathaniel has a stuttering problem and is afraid when asked to narrate the Primary program, but he finds courage through practice and prayer.
• “Temple Time” (July 2015 Friend)
  Kyle talks to his parents before their temple night.
• “There’s Always Time to Pray” (February 2015 Friendand Liahona)
  Fynn prays to be able to find friends at school.
• “Thomas’s Prayer For Peace” (November 1998 Friend)
  Four-year-old Thomas prays for comfort after his family accidently leaves him alone at the house when they leave for church.
• “Trying to Be Like Jesus” (March 2009 Friend)
  Features a girl from Italy who prayed that her dad, who was not a member, would understand how much the gospel meant to her. She and her dad later read stories together from the Church magazines.
• “Under-the-Stairs Prayers” (May 2016 Friend)
  Corbin tells how he and his sister prayed after they got stuck in a closet.
• “What Scared the Barnyard Roosters” (March 2012 Friend)
  When mean birds surround Bobby, a prayer helps him figure out how to escape.
• “Where’s Tessa?” (February 2012 Friend)
  When her dog goes missing, Payton learns that sometimes our prayers aren’t answered immediately.

Activities

• “Family Fun Time: Prayer” (February 2015 Friend)
  Ideas for a family home evening about prayer.
• Family Home Evening Idea: Prayer
  Turn off the lights and retell “The Light” (January 2005Liahona and Friend), a dramatic story about how the Lord saved a boy’s drowning father. Tell the story in your own words, turning on a flashlight at the appropriate time. Discuss how prayer can bring more light into our lives. Then read “Prayer” and do the coloring activity (January 2005 Liahona and Friend).
• Family Home Evening Idea: Praying like Enos
  As a family, read Enos 1:1–8and “The Enos Experiment” (September 2006 Friend). Discuss how to have “mightier” prayer. Encourage family members to devote a day to prayer by always having a prayer in their hearts (seeAlma 34:27), or perhaps visit somewhere special—like the mountains, the forest, or the beach—to give each person time for personal prayer.
• Family Home Evening Idea: Unanswered Prayers
  Have you ever prayed for something you didn’t receive? Read about Ben’s experiences with prayer in “No Answer” (June 2005Friend). What does Ben learn that can help you in your prayers? Discuss times your prayers were answered—including times you are grateful Heavenly Father did not give you what you had hoped for.
• “I Can Always Pray” (August 2018 Liahona and Friend)
  Includes a quiz, a poem, a coloring page, and quotes about prayer.
• “I Choose the Right by Living Gospel Principles” (July 2012 Liahona and Friend)
  Includes instructions for decorating a rock to put near your bed to remind yourself to pray.
• “Picture Puzzle” (October 2016 Friend)
  Figure out this puzzle to discover how you can get help whenever you need it.
• “A Prayer Adventure” (June 2015 Friend)
  Search the scriptures to learn more about prayer using this treasure map. Includes a message by President Eyring.
• “Prayer is Reverent Communication Between God and Me” (October 2011 Friend)
  Create a matching game showing different situations where children are praying. Includes discussion point suggestions.
• “Prayer Puzzle” (January 2013 Friend)
  A crossword based on Alma 37:36-37.
• “Talking to Heavenly Father” (July 2018 Friend)
  Point to the pictures that show how we should act during a prayer.
• “Testimony Toolbox” (April 2015 Friend)
  Learn what tools you need to build a strong testimony.
• “We Do Not Doubt” (March 2010 Liahona and Friend)
  A dot-to-dot showing a mother teaching a future stripling warrior to pray.

Coloring Pages

• “I Can Pray to Heavenly Father” (May 2017 Friend)
• “I can pray to Heavenly Father.”(October 2011 Friend)
• “I Can Pray to Heavenly Father, and He Will Hear and Answer My Prayers” (September 2008 Liahona and Friend)
• “I should respect and worship God”(September 2012 Friend)
• “Prayer” (January 2005 Liahona and Friend)
• “Where love is, we want to be”(November 2015 Friend)
• “Heavenly Father, Are You Really There?” (September 2008 Friend)
  Color and cut out prayer reminders.
• “I Can Always Pray” (August 2018 Liahona and Friend)
  Includes a quiz, a poem, a coloring page, and quotes about prayer.
• “Prayer” (September 1998 Liahona and Friend)
  Scriptural examples of prayer as well as a color-by-number sheet.

Images

• Bright Idea Poster: “In the morning when I wake, before I work or play, always I remember to kneel and softly pray.” (September 2016 Friend)
• Image: Prayer

Sheet Music

• “A Child’s Prayer”(Children’s Songbook, 12)
• “A Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 22)
• “A Prayer Song” (Children’s Songbook, 22)
• “A Song of Thanks” (Children’s Songbook, 20)
• “Family Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 189)
• “Heavenly Father, Now I Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 19)
• “I Pray in Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 14)
• “I Thank Thee, Dear Father”(Children’s Songbook, 7)
• “Seek the Lord Early” (Children’s Songbook, 108)
• “Thanks to Thee” (Children’s Songbook, 6)
• “We Bow Our Heads”(Children’s Songbook, 25)
• Simplified: “A Child’s Prayer” (August 2013 Friend)
• Simplified: “Come, Come, Ye Saints” (July 2017 Friend)
• Simplified: “I Pray in Faith” (August 2018 Friend)

Videos

• Bible Video, “Sermon on the Mount: The Lord’s Prayer”
• Book of Mormon Stories, “Chapter 11: Enos”
• Book of Mormon Stories, “Chapter 45: Jesus Christ Teaches about the Sacrament and Prayer”
• Book of Mormon Stories, “Chapter 46: Jesus Christ Teaches and Prays with the Nephites”
• Doctrine and Covenants Stories, “Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision (1820)”
• For Little Friends, “He Is Listening”
• Gospel Topics, “President Monson Talks about Prayer”
• “Including Me”
  A little girl prays that her family will be sealed in the temple.
• Mormon Messages, “Prayer”
  President Thomas S. Monson shares the story of how a woman’s prayers were answered.
• Mormon Messages for Youth, “Origin”
  A young woman learns that the way to find truth is to go to the origin, our Heavenly Father, and ask for inspiration through prayer.
• New Testament Stories, “Chapter 1: Elisabeth and Zacharias”
• New Testament Stories, “Chapter 20: Jesus Teaches about Prayer”
• Old Testament Stories, “Chapter 45: Esther”
• One in a Million, “Sandra”
  Learn about Sandra from Ghana and how her prayer was answered.
• “Sermon on the Mount: The Lord’s Prayer”

Poems

• “A Boy Seeking Answers” (April 2010 Friend)
  We can pray to gain a testimony just as Joseph Smith did.
• “Feelings” (March 2013 Friend)
  God and Jesus Christ care about your troubles.
• “I Can Always Pray” (August 2018 Liahona and Friend)
  Includes a quiz, a poem, a coloring page, and quotes about prayer.
• “I Can Pray” (January 2018 Friend)
  An action rhyme for young children about times when you can pray.
• “I Can Always Pray” (August 2018 Liahona and Friend)
  Includes a quiz, a poem, a coloring page, and quotes about prayer.
• “I Know that Jesus Loves Me” (December 2012 Friend)
  We feel the Savior’s love through nature and prayer.
• “My Heavenly Father” (November 2015 Friend)
  A poem at the bottom of the page is about prayer and Heavenly Father’s love.
• “My Little Prayer” (October 2011 Friend)
  A poem about how to pray.
• “My Special Place” (June 2016 Friend)
  A poem about a special place to pray and feel the Spirit, ideas for finding your own special place, and ways to know when the Holy Ghost is speaking.

• Return to full topic list

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