Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about the power and importance of prayer in our daily lives.

Phones, computers and pagers help us communicate today but there is still a lack of good communication in the world, Elder Nelson said.

Elder Nelson related a story where he visited an old woman who did not know where all of her children were. She did not even know how many grandchildren she had and expressed her sadness.

"Our Heavenly Father yearns to hear from his children," Elder Nelson said. "We may pray to him anytime without a service fee."

Elder Nelson said that some only pray in times of distress, but numerous prophets taught the importance of praying always. He also counseled that the power of prayer can be intensified by fasting when it is appropriate.

"We pray to a wise father who knows what we need before we ask him," Elder Nelson said. "One can think of a prayer, especially when words will interfere."

We should always seek counsel when we pray, Elder Nelson said. He gave examples of past prophets who prayed for counsel and received it. Joseph Smith prayed for counsel and received the Word of Wisdom. President Kimball prayed for counsel and received revelation that all should receive the priesthood, and President Hinckley prayed for counsel and received the revelation on small temples.

Elder Nelson said that we do not always receive the answers we want, but Heavenly Father knows what is best for us.

"We should pray in accord with the will of Heavenly Father who wants to help us achieve our full potential," he said.

Elder Nelson was impressed to conclude his talk with a hymn of which he wrote the words. The choir sang the hymn.