How to Pray Lds
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called LDS or, informally, Mormon) practice a form of Christian prayer that shares much with other Christian traditions while carrying its own distinctive shape and vocabulary. Readers search for "how to pray LDS" for a range of reasons: people preparing to pray for the first time in an LDS setting, curious readers from other Christian traditions wanting to understand the differences, and Latter-day Saints themselves looking for a clear, simple refresher.
LDS prayer is understood as sincere, personal communication addressed to God the Father, offered in the name of Jesus Christ, without a required or fixed set of words to recite. This page describes the general pattern most Latter-day Saints follow, along with the distinction between personal and family prayer, written respectfully as an explainer rather than as devotional instruction from within the tradition.
The general pattern of an LDS prayer
A typical Latter-day Saint prayer opens by addressing "Heavenly Father," continues with an expression of gratitude for specific blessings, moves into requests for guidance, help, or blessings for oneself and others, and closes with the phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen." There is no required or scripted wording for the body of the prayer; it is understood as an honest, personal conversation rather than a fixed liturgical text, though the opening address and closing phrase are consistent conventions.
Personal and family prayer
Latter-day Saints are encouraged to pray individually, often kneeling in a quiet moment of personal reflection, as well as to pray together as a family, commonly both morning and evening. Family prayer typically follows the same general pattern as personal prayer, with one family member offering the prayer aloud on behalf of the group, and the role often rotating between family members over time.
A short reflection for a curious reader
God, thank You for every tradition that teaches a child to fold their hands and simply talk to You, plainly, in their own words. Whatever name a person calls You by, hear the honesty underneath it, and draw them close. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Frequently asked questions
Who do Latter-day Saints pray to?
Latter-day Saints direct their prayers to God the Father, addressed as "Heavenly Father," and close their prayers in the name of Jesus Christ. This reflects LDS theology, in which prayers are offered to the Father through the mediation of the Son.
Is there a required script for LDS prayer?
No. Outside of a few specific ordinances with set wording, everyday personal and family prayer has no required or memorized script. Latter-day Saints are taught to pray in their own words, sincerely and specifically, following the general pattern of addressing Heavenly Father, giving thanks, asking for guidance or blessings, and closing in the name of Jesus Christ.
What is family prayer?
Family prayer is prayer offered together by household members, commonly held both morning and evening, with one person praying aloud on behalf of the group. It is considered an important part of LDS family life alongside individual personal prayer.
How is this different from prayer in other Christian traditions?
The overall shape — gratitude, requests, and a closing in Christ's name — is familiar across much of Christianity. What distinguishes LDS prayer is the specific convention of addressing prayers to "Heavenly Father" and closing every prayer with the specific phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ, amen," along with the strong emphasis on personal, unscripted, conversational wording throughout.
Where can I learn more about the specific practice in my own ward or family?
Practices around posture, timing, and additional customs can vary between individual Latter-day Saint families and congregations (wards). A local bishop, ward member, or family member is the best source for guidance specific to your own community.