"Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer. ... Even though we recognize the importance of prayer, all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers. ...
"I have long been impressed with the truth that meaningful prayer requires both holy communication and consecrated work. Blessings require some effort on our part before we can obtain, and prayer, as a form of work, is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings ... Asking in faith requires honesty, effort, commitment and persistence.
"To pray for the success of missionaries is meaningless without a true effort to support the work meaningfully. To pray for the poor and needy requires action to alleviate their needs.
"Prayers may not be answered until after one has endured 'the trial of our faith.'
"Recognizing and accepting the will of God in one's life is an important aspect of prayer. Discerning and accepting the will of God in our lives are fundamental elements of asking in faith in meaningful prayers. However, simply saying the words 'thy will be done' is not enough. Each of us needs God's help in surrendering our will to him."
