Today is "World Day of Prayer."
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that all human beings are children of God, and that He loves and knows the needs of each person. Mormons believe that God wants His children to communicate with Him through prayer.
Adelaide Latter-day Saint, Caroline McIlwaine, is planning to attend a World Day of Prayer service today.
"This year the prayer is for the people of Suriname," she says, "and the scripture theme is from Genesis 1 about all of God’s creations being good."
According to Abish Jones, a young New Zealander studying at university in the USA, “Rather than asking God what you want Him to do—instead, pray for His hand to move (on the subject you are praying about). Trust in God and in His plan and ask Him to help you recognize His hand so that you are ready to respond to His messages when you receive them.”
American woman currently serving as a missionary for the Church in New Zealand, Janet Pinson, said, “Prayer is communing with a Father who loves me perfectly. He knows my heart, my desires, my joy and my deepest distress—and he knows who I really am and my potential. There is no judgement in prayer—just a loving Father listening, comforting and blessing.”
World Day of Prayer was started by a group of women in the United States in 1887 because of strong concerns for women and children. It has grown to include over 180 countries and regions worldwide. It was first recognised in New Zealand in 1931.
Watch a video featuring New Zealander Wiremu Winiata talking about prayer.
Watch a Washington Post video titled, "How to pray like a Mormon."
View a sermon on prayer by Latter-day Saint apostle, Elder David A. Bednar.