Question
Gramps,
So pops I have a question about a reference I heard while on my mission. One of my companions said that Bruce R. McConkie once said concerning group prayer, “If it is over 30 seconds the spirit has already left”. My question is, to what extent is this true and is there an actual reference for this? I do a lot of research myself but I have yet to find this reference and I would like to know if Elder McConkie actually stated something to this extent.
Dave
Answer
Dave,
Before I get to the question, let me explain that ‘Pops’ is my son; please call me ‘Gramps’. (Smile)
Now to the question, which is really, ‘How long should a prayer be?’ Some of my personal prayers are rather short. Others quite lengthy, depending on my personal needs at the time.
As a father, and grandfather, I can say with a certainty that if any of my children or grandchildren wanted to talk with me, I would never tell them “Okay fine, but you have thirty seconds….and, go!” I would want to hear whatever was on their mind. As a perfect being, and thus a perfect father, I cannot imagine Heavenly Father wishing to restrict our interactions with him at all, rather the opposite is the case as prayer is heavily encouraged throughout scripture.
However, when addressing group prayer, for instance the opening and closing prayers for most church meetings, I think the idea of a time limit is unfortunately useful now and then. Here’s an excerpt from the Mormon Doctrine section on prayer, second edition, pages 582 to 584. Rather than quote the whole thing, let me cite the more relevant statement. This may be what your companion had in mind earlier.
“It is not necessary to offer very long and tedious prayers, either at the opening or closing. It is not only not pleasing to the Lord for us to use excess of words, but also it is not pleasing to the Latter-day Saints. Two minutes will open any kind of meeting, and a half minute will close it.”
Keep in mind, even though this is Elder McConkie we’re reading, Mormon Doctrine was not, nor ever will be, intended to serve as official guidelines for the church as a whole. What he says is sensible enough, but in the end, when someone stands to pray for a meeting, they’re going to do as they feel is proper and respectful. That is as it should be. The last thing one should do is read this, and then begin using a stopwatch during meetings to time the prayers….that’s missing the point entirely.
As to the official guidelines, as far as I know our prayers, both public and private, are to be humble, sincere, and free from vain repetition. Beyond that, it’s between the speaker and Heavenly Father.
Gramps
