Prayer is a Matter of the Heart

Prayer is ever a matter of the heart
And it's of utmost importance how we start
Thus I address the Father with child like care
Humbly and reverently in the language of prayer

And as we know to profane is not allowed
I utter His sacred name quietly and hallowed
Then, as my heart in prayer is ever full
I express to Him deeply how I am grateful

While acknowledging where I have been blessed
I humbly ask for strengths and, of where I lack, I confess
Then to feel clean before Him, I ask for forgiveness
And for help to not judge others by their weakness

As it is oft that my heart reaches out to others
I also pray in behalf of my sisters and brothers
Of all things, as His child, I am certain I can ask
And receive help and inspiration there to task

For, lest I feel helpless, I surrender to His will
There to find I've purpose and works to fulfill
And as He writes much upon my heart, there to be known
I am ever grateful He warns me and of my sins I am shown

To finish my prayers, I close in the name of the Savior
While speaking His name, with love, for He is not a stranger
This I know, with surety, He has been with me continually
For He has suffered for us and lights each path individually

I want to serve Him and strive be like Him at length
For I know He possesses perfect character of strength
And thus, in truth, this is what I have learned
As in my heart a love for prayer forever now burns


That He May Write Upon Our Hearts
President Henry B. Eyring
Liahona, Aug 2009, 2