Psalms 61–86

What is the most difficult part of understanding the following sentence?

• “Discere linguas est vitam amplificare.”

You probably don’t understand the sentence unless you speak Latin. Trying to communicate in a foreign language can be challenging. However, as the phrase teaches, “To learn languages is to broaden life.”

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught the following:

Men and women who wish to show respect will take the time to learn the special language of prayer. Persons spend many hours mastering communication skills in other mediums, such as poetry or prose, vocal or instrumental music, and even the language of access to computers. My brothers and sisters, the manner of addressing our Heavenly Father in prayer is at least as important as these. (“The Language of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 1993, 18)

One important part of learning any language is listening to those who speak it well. Many of the psalms are recorded prayers. By carefully observing how the psalmists approach God, you can learn how to communicate more meaningfully in your prayers.

Silently consider your responses to the following questions:

• Would you consider your prayers to be more careful or casual? Why?

• How might you be blessed if your prayers were more careful and meaningful?

Many of the psalms are heartfelt prayers that provide an example of approaching Heavenly Father in humble faith. As you study these psalms, be sensitive to thoughts and feelings from the Holy Ghost about how to communicate more meaningfully with Heavenly Father through prayer.

As you read the following verses, look for the most important word or short phrase about prayer in each verse. Then tag at least two of the words or phrases you find as “prayer.”

• Psalm 55:16–17

• Psalm 61:1–3

• Psalm 63:1–7

• Psalm 69:13–18

• Psalm 86:3–12

Review the words and phrases you tagged. Based on what you learned, answer the following questions in your notebook:

• When should I pray to Heavenly Father?

• What should my attitude be like when approaching Heavenly Father in prayer?

Review the following study options. Complete one or more.

Option A

How can I pray with love and reverence for Heavenly Father?

An important part of each language is tone. When we speak the language of prayer, the tone is different than what we use to speak with friends and family.

President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

The special language of prayer follows different forms in different languages, but the principle is always the same. We should address prayers to our Heavenly Father in words which speakers of that language associate with love and respect and reverence and closeness. …

… We wish to follow the Savior’s teaching, “When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking” [Matthew 6:7; see also 3 Nephi 13:7]. Our prayers should be simple, direct, and sincere. (“The Language of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 1993, 16)

Think about the language you use in your prayers and how it reflects your feelings for Heavenly Father. Why is it important to use respectful and reverent language in your prayers?

Jesus Christ exemplified love and reverence to Heavenly Father in prayer.

Read Matthew 6:5–13, and then, in your notebook, respond to the following questions:

• What do you learn from the Savior’s teachings and example that can influence the way you pray?

• How has sincere prayer blessed your life?

Option B

How can I make my prayers more meaningful?

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

I testify that prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart.

I witness Heavenly Father lives and that He hears and answers every earnest prayer. (“Pray Always,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 44)

Create the following diagram in your notebook or Word document. Record answers to the questions in the graphic.

Recognize that what you recorded are things you can start applying today. If you are able, you might take a picture of your graphic to remember what you wrote down.

Share with someone you know your testimony on how to pray meaningfully to Heavenly Father. You can do this in person, over the phone, or via a note or message. Consider choosing someone who could benefit from learning about meaningful prayer.

Lesson Purpose: To help you communicate more meaningfully with Heavenly Father through prayer.

Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:

• What you learned from the Savior’s example and the blessings you have received from prayer.

• Your responses to the questions in the diagram or your experience of sharing your testimony about prayer.

• Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.

• Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?