Did You Think to Pray?

One of the best ways to invite the Spirit into your life is to ask for it. In the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord said, "And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith" (D&C 42:14). You should pray every day specifically for the guidance and help of the Holy Ghost. As you strive to live gospel standards and follow the example of Jesus Christ, you will receive spiritual promptings that will help you in everything you do.

"When I pray in the mornings and at night, I always feel a difference in my life," says Lorena D. "I remember there was a time when I wasn't reading my scriptures and I didn't pray for a long time. I seemed to have a lot of problems at school. But when I started to pray again everything lightened up. After I started praying again things became better for me."

Ariel C. shares the story of a time when she was applying for an important summer academic program. "I prayed every morning and night for it," she says. "I prayed before tests and every single day. I prayed that I would do well on the tests so that my GPA would be good and I might get accepted." Six months later Ariel was accepted into the program, and she's sure that because of her hard work and preparation, as well as her daily prayers, she received divine help and guidance from the Holy Ghost. The experience "reinforced to me that Heavenly Father really does answer our prayers and that He doesn't forget us," she adds.

"Every one of us can be guided by the spirit of revelation and the gift of the Holy Ghost."

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Guided by the Holy Spirit," Ensign, May 2011, 33.