Prayer, Language of

D&C 109

2 Nephi 4

1 Kings 8

President Nelson 

“Our prayers can be enhanced in other ways. We can use ‘right words’—special pronouns—in reference to Deity. While worldly manners of daily dress and speech are becoming more casual, we have been asked to protect the formal, proper language of prayer. In our prayers we use the respectful pronouns Thee, Thou, Thy, and Thine instead of You, Your, and Yours. Doing so helps us to be humble. That can also enhance our prayers. Scripture so declares, 'Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.'” (“Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” April 2009 GC) (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2009/04/lessons-from-the-lords-prayers?lang=eng)

President Oaks

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches its members to use special language in addressing prayers to our Father in Heaven.

When we go to worship in a temple or a church, we put aside our working clothes and dress ourselves in something better. This change of clothing is a mark of respect. Similarly, when we address our Heavenly Father, we should put aside our working words and clothe our prayers in special language of reverence and respect. In offering prayers in the English language, members of our Church do not address our Heavenly Father with the same words we use in speaking to a fellow worker, to an employee or employer, or to a merchant in the marketplace. We use special words that have been sanctified by use in inspired communications, words that have been recommended to us and modeled for us by those we sustain as prophets and inspired teachers.” (“The Language of Prayer,” April 1993 GC)

- President Nelson, “Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers,” April 2009

- President Oaks, “The Language of Prayer,” April 1993 GC

- Elder McConkie, “Patterns of Prayer,” April 1984 GC