Prayer is conversation with our heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer lifts our thoughts to the Lord, helping us get a truer perspective on whatever is happening in our lives. In prayer we have the opportunity to seek His help as we walk on the path of life or to thank the Lord for all His benefits. Prayer is an integral aspect of worship because in it we are actively turning to the Lord. A key element of prayer is readiness to accept the Lord's will, acknowledging that He knows what is best for us. He answer the prayers we offer from a sincere heart. (The Lord looks beyond the words of our prayer to our motives and ends.) We may not receive the answer we want or expect, but the Lord will respond-always looking out for our eternal happiness. He takes care to answer our prayers in ways that preserve our freedom and that help us along the path to heaven.

One of the prayers given in the Word is called the Lord's Prayer, because the Lord Himself taught it to His disciples while He was on this earth. It is a perfect prayer, praising the Lord, confessing our limitations, seeking His help, and thanking Him. Saying this prayer can effect communication with the Lord, bring angels near, and help protect us from evil. The words of the Lord's Prayer contain infinite levels of meaning-more than the whole of heaven is capable of understanding" (see Arcana Coelestia 6619). Yet, even on earth, we can begin to learn its meaning and see how it opens up our minds and hearts to receive the Lord, our heavenly Father.

This month we look at prayer as part of worship, focusing especially on the Lord's Prayer. We hope that these materials will strengthen your understanding and love for this precious way of connecting with the Lord.