Sister Carol F. McConkie eloquently described the power and potential for prayer. There were a couple of things I enjoyed in particular. First, I liked that she noted that theRestoration began with prayer and that we can receive similar blessings when we pray to God:

” If we expect to receive, we must ask, seek, and knock. In his search for truth, Joseph Smith read from the scriptures, ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’ In answer to his prayer of faith, the heavens were opened. God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, descended in glory and spoke to Joseph Smith, ushering in the dispensation of the fulness of times. For us, miraculous healing, powerful protection, divine knowledge, liberating forgiveness, and precious peace are among the answers that come when we offer up a ‘soul’s sincere desire’ in faith.”
Protection, knowledge, forgiveness, and peace. That is a powerful list.

Second, I also loved the idea that when we prayer we are “engaging all three members of the Godhead in our utterances.” I’ve wondered why we pray only in the name of Christ, but perform many ordinance in the name of all three members of the Godhead. Sister McConkie provides at least a partial answer. 

Finally, Sister McConkie offered a stark warning: “We never want to take His name in vain with rote and repetitious words.” Her talk has challenged me to try harder to avoid vain repetition and to focus on connecting with my father in Heaven. Anything less is taking his name in vain.