Prayer:

The key to all healthy relationships is communication, is it not?
Well, why would that be any different between our relationship with
Heavenly Father and ourselves? To me, it only makes that communication
more sacred.

PRAYER ----> the way we are able to communicate with God as we express
the desires of our heart and give thanks for all we have received.

The bible dictionary gives us a beautiful definition as it highlights
the significance of prayer when it states that prayer aligns the the
will of the child with the Father, but by securing "for ourselves and
for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are
made conditional on our asking for them". How important it is then for
us to not give cliche and memorized prayers. If we want personal and
specific blessings, ought we not to ask for them in such a way as we
offer personal and specific prayers?

Prayer goes beyond just asking though. Yes, we may feel we are in need
of a great many of things, but do we not already have a thousand
blessings as well? And where do those blessings come from?? All
together now...GOD!

Let's remember two things:
1. "Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking
things for granted."
2. "Sincerely giving thanks not only helps is recognize our blessings,
but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel love." -
Thomas S. Monson

Personally, I'd much rather have the blessings of heaven pour down on
me as I unlock the doors of heaven through being grateful. I know that
as we live in thanksgiving that God's love and protection will be more
apparent to us. I've seen gratitude do just that in my life and it
assure you, it will work for you too. As it does, praying will be part
of who you are.

"As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward
God (namely, God is our Father, and we are His children), then at once
prayer becomes natural and instinctive on our part" - b.d. Prayer

Prayer may seem like such a basic thing, and it is, it lays the
foundation for many things. But, just because something is basic, that
doesn't mean it is small or insignificant. In my life, prayer plays
the opposite role. Through prayer I am able to feel loved, comforted,
guided, blessed, strengthened, forgived, peaceful, humbled, understood
- the list is remarkable. GOD IS REMARKABLE!