Life is like a beautiful concert. The Lord is the maestro, leading wonderful music. When we choose to serve the Lord, we choose to pick up an instrument and play in harmony. We must pray so that we stay in tune with the Lord. Prayer ensures our little part pleases him, is the most beautiful music we can possibly make and serves his grand design.

The Lord wants you to succeed. He wants you to be a good parent, spouse and joyful person in the world. God, who is omnipotent and all-powerful, is on your side and wants to hear from you. You are never alone. Just like a good parent, he always has his eye on you, wishes the best for you and wants to listen to you.

Because he loves us so much he gives us choice. Sometimes our choices or the choices of others, including our beloved children make our song in life sound just a little off-key. When we are struggling to stay in tune and overcome our struggles and difficulties we must turn to the maestro, the Lord and ask for help.

When my grandmother was a child in 1912, she would write letters to her family that took weeks to be delivered. She would have been surprised to know that I would have a tool in my pocket, called a cell phone, that allows me to talk to my daughter on the other side of the world instantly. Why, then, would we question God's ability to hear our souls sincere desire expressed in a prayer?

Proverbs chapter 15 verse 29 promises that, "... the Lord heareth the prayer of the righteous."� I may have a hard time keeping up with my children's requests, but the Lord knows how to keep up with all of our prayers.

How to pray

There are many religions offering many ways to pray. Some people use prayers that are written for them, some people pray from the heart, some pray using ancient patterns and some recite prayers. Matthew chapter 6 in the New Testament teaches prayer through the Lord's Prayer.

Find a way that works for you

My family prays using the following pattern:

• Dear Heavenly Father, (Use the name that you use for God)

• We thank thee"� (We list the things that we are grateful for.)

• We ask thee"� (We list the things that we, our family and friends need.)

• In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Prayers can be silent. Recently, Pope Frances led thousands of people in a silent prayer for victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. Heartfelt silent prayers are another way to speak to God.

Whatever way you choose to speak to God, know that he hears and answers your prayers. He wants you to be happy and to be successful.

We can teach our children to pray and give them the gift of knowing that they are never alone. By teaching them to pray, we give them the ability to request assistance from God and to receive the blessings that come from wearying the Lord.

Monson goes on to say, "My dear sisters, your Heavenly Father loves you - each of you. That love never changes. It is not influenced by your appearance, by your possessions, or by the amount of money you have in your bank account. It is not changed by your talents and abilities. It is simply there. It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. God's love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve love. It is simply always there."�

God's love for us is evident in everyday miracles that remind us that he is mindful of us.

For example, a few years ago our closest friend contracted a virus and became deathly ill. He was rushed to the hospital in a coma while his wife and five children waited anxiously to see if he would survive. Instantly, everyone in our small town began to pray.

Members of the Catholic, Mormon and non-denominational churches all requested members pray and had special prayers during meetings. His name was put out to friends and relatives around the world and on the local news. He was sick for weeks. The entire community prayed for him. Miraculously he survived. I see him as a walking miracle and answer to a prayer. He is a living reminder that we are never alone.

Monson also said, "We do not ever walk alone. I promise you that you will one day stand aside and look at your difficult times and you will realize that he (God) was always there beside you."�

Remember to pray. Teach your children to pray. Miracles still happen. God, the creator of all things who wants you to succeed, loves you. Pray and become in tune with the beautiful music of God's creation.