Is it ok to write your prayer?

[InquisitiveSoul]

I find myself in a position where it's difficult to find sufficient time to kneel and say all the things I want to say during a prayer (mostly due to work schedules - I often fall asleep at night while praying!). I do have down time at one of my jobs each day where I spend some time writing between clients and I thought why not take some of that time to write a prayer letter? I would take a knee and pray during this time, but I'm in a office setting and a letter may also help me organize my thoughts better.

I don't know that there is any doctrine either way on this, but what are your thoughts? Is this simply silly or is it ok? One of the benefits is later on I'd have a record of my prayer to look back on.

Any thoughts?

[Dominic_Korozya]

Originally Posted by InquisitiveSoul

I find myself in a position where it's difficult to find sufficient time to kneel and say all the things I want to say during a prayer (mostly due to work schedules - I often fall asleep at night while praying!). I do have down time at one of my jobs each day where I spend some time writing between clients and I thought why not take some of that time to write a prayer letter? I would take a knee and pray during this time, but I'm in a office setting and a letter may also help me organize my thoughts better.

I don't know that there is any doctrine either way on this, but what are your thoughts? Is this simply silly or is it ok? One of the benefits is later on I'd have a record of my prayer to look back on.

Any thoughts?

I know some mormons who record their prayers in a prayer book that is kept like a diary.

[Maureen]

No!

But really InquistiveSoul, what do you think?

M.

[InquisitiveSoul]

Originally Posted by Dominic_Korozya

I know some mormons who record their prayers in a prayer book that is kept like a diary.

Yeah I was thinking it could make an interesting journal.

[InquisitiveSoul]

Originally Posted by Maureen

No!

But really InquistiveSoul, what do you think?

M.

No? Really Maureen?

I think it's probably ok, but it may not be the most...I don't know the word I want, maybe humble? There is a certain humility to bowing down to pray.

[Dominic_Korozya]

Originally Posted by InquisitiveSoul

Yeah I was thinking it could make an interesting journal.

I think it is an excellent idea, which will help you on your journey through life and faith.

[Gwen]

i couldn't see myself writing my prayer in the manner of how i would say my prayers, like letter form.

i have in my journal written about things that were weighing on my mind, things i had been praying about, i've written inspiration i'd gotten in regards to those concerns, etc. in that since i guess i've written my prayers.

i read an article outlining a scripture study technique. it was suggested to get an inexpensive book of mormon, pick a couple things you really needed guidance about and a couple colors of scripture markers. use a different color for each concern. write them in the front of the book. each time you go to read start by re-reading your questions and praying for guidance and inspiration about those things. then as you read and find insight and inspiration you mark the scriptures and write the thoughts in the margins in the appropriate color. that way you can go back and read it, also keeps you focused on the issues most important to you. i guess in a way doing that might be seen as writing a prayer.

in all situations i would be very careful when and where i wrote such things and what i did with the writings later. don't want them getting lost or someone who would not understand reading them. prayers are a very personal thing. pearls before swine comes to mind as well.

all that being said i've noticed in the conference issue of the ensign they do not write the prayers given, just the talks.

[Dravin]

I've never written a prayer, but I definitely find taking time to think about what I want to pray about results in 'better' prayers as I have that focus and organization. If I don't think about my prayers before hand something vain and repetitious tends to pop out (not good).

[Just_A_Guy]

We're told that our church meetings are generally supposed to be led by the Spirit, and I wonder whether that's partly why (outside of temple dedications) we sort of frown on people who bring pre-packaged prayers to the pulpit.

But I should think, in a private context, it would be a very good way of getting one's thoughts organized.

[Finrock]

Good afternoon InquisitiveSoul. Greetings from here in Michigan where it's finally starting to warm up!

Originally Posted by InquisitiveSoul

I don't know that there is any doctrine either way on this, but what are your thoughts? Is this simply silly or is it ok? One of the benefits is later on I'd have a record of my prayer to look back on.

Any thoughts?

I present my thoughts only as opinion since I am not aware of any doctrine addressing your specific question. It is an interesting question and a new idea to me that I find intriguing.

I think my only reservation about the idea is that if one were to write down a prescribed prayer that they use repititously. Jesus did warn against using "vain repetitions" when we pray (Matt. 6:7). However, I don't believe this is what you are meaning to do. Essentially our prayers should be prayers of the heart. Meaning, they should come from the part of us that is our core. If one were to write down their thoughts, concerns, questions, thanksgivings, etc. in a journal like entry, I see no reason why using those journal entries as the source of your prayers would be wrong. In fact if you are truly writing the things of your heart then I see no difference whatsoever between that and speaking from your heart at the time of prayer.

While thinking of your question I also thought that doing something like what you describe might even be a superior way of praying. It would seem to me that if I am taking the time to write down the thoughts of my heart I am taking more time also to consider the things I am praying about and for. In a sense I would think that this can help in making one's prayers less repetitous than if they were just saying things on the spot. Sometimes I find myself praying the same type of prayer each morning or evening, which isn't very useful, I don't think.

So, my conclusion is that I like the idea and will give it a try and see if it improves my prayers. Thanks for the idea!

Regards,
Finrock