God wants us to call him by his godly names when we pray to him and ask him for his help. God is our Father and out of all his titles I know he is most pleased with this title. But God is the God of everything in this universe. We need to hear and use Gods titles for our benefit not for His. God doesn't need us to pray to him. He knows the thoughts and intents of our Hearts. (Alma 18 : 30-32) And he knows what we need before we even ask. (Matt 6:8) Prayer is for us. Lets say that again, Prayer is a blessing for US. We need prayer to bring us closer to God. The names and titles of God are there for us as well. When we call on God and use His titles we remind ourselves of His Everlasting power and knowledge over that area of our lives. Here is a quote from Elder Oaks during conference that explains it well.
... communications to our most senior government leaders should be addressed in a particular way, such as Mr. President, Your Excellency, or Your Majesty. The use of titles signifies respect for office and authority.
The words we use in speaking to someone can identify the nature of our relationship to that person. They can also remind speaker and listener of the responsibilities they owe one another in that relationship. The form of address can also serve as a mark of respect or affection.So it is with the language of prayer. 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. Dallin H. Oaks APRIL 1993 The Language of Prayer
Therefore, when I approached God my Father, I was to appeal to him as the God over my specific concern. God has many titles and is the God over all. As LDS we tend to only refer to him as our Father in Heaven, our Heavenly Father, or God when we pray.
Yet in our scriptures and hymns (which ARE prayers to God - See D & C 25:12) we praise God with many of His wonderful titles. Here are just a few I picked from the back of the hymn book: God of our Fathers, Wonderful, God of Power, My Guide, My Stay, Lord of Hosts, My Light, Great, God on High, Eternal Father, King of Glory, Master of Earth and Sky, Lord of Harvest, Divine Healer, Counselor, Everlasting Father, A Mighty Fortress, and Great King of Heaven.
There are so many divine titles that God is entitled to, and that we should be using when we pray and praise Him. It does us good to remember that God is the King of all glory, light, knowledge, and creation. We can address him by theses titles as long as we are specifically praying to the one true God, The Father of our spirits. Prayer is sincere, heartfelt communication with our Heavenly Father. We should pray to God and to no one else. We do not pray to any other being or to anything made by man or God (see Exodus 20:3–5). But just because we are to pray to God does not mean we can not use his divine titles as we pray. When we are praying for health and strength it is good to refer to God as the Master Healer, or Creator of our bodies, and Our Strength. I found this quote helpful:
There are so many divine titles that God is entitled to, and that we should be using when we pray and praise Him. It does us good to remember that God is the King of all glory, light, knowledge, and creation. We can address him by theses titles as long as we are specifically praying to the one true God, The Father of our spirits. Prayer is sincere, heartfelt communication with our Heavenly Father. We should pray to God and to no one else. We do not pray to any other being or to anything made by man or God (see Exodus 20:3–5). But just because we are to pray to God does not mean we can not use his divine titles as we pray. When we are praying for health and strength it is good to refer to God as the Master Healer, or Creator of our bodies, and Our Strength. I found this quote helpful:
According to man’s judgment there may be but little importance attached to names; but in the nomenclature of the Gods every name is a title of power or station. God is righteously zealous of the sanctity of His own name and of names given by His appointment. JESUS THE CHRIST James E. Talmage CHAPTER 4: THE ANTEMORTAL GODSHIP OF CHRISTSo before you pray think about what you are asking God to help you with. Is it healing, knowledge, peace,or prosperity? Find a good office and remember that God is the God of the Universe and is worthy of every title save those that apply to the atonement (Those titles are reserved for Jesus Christ). God is the Father of My Spirit, God is the God of the Universe, God of Creation, God of Health, God of Wisdom and Knowledge, He is the God of Peace and Serenity, He is the God of Plenty and Blessings. So praise and show honor and respect to God as you pray, and recognize God and his power and His absolute authority in all areas of your life.
The Language of Prayer- Elder Oaks LINK
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