Faith Precedes the Miracle, Kimball, p. 201; Conference Report, Oct 1951, p. 175; Ensign, Jan. 1976, pp. 12, 44-47; Ensign, Nov. 1983, p. 13
“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… . In our day the English words thee, thou, thy, and thine are suitable for the language of prayer, not because of how they were used anciently but because they are currently obsolete in common English discourse. Being unused in everyday communications, they are now available as a distinctive form of address in English, appropriate to symbolize respect, closeness, and reverence for the one being addressed. I hope this renewal of counsel that we use special language in our prayers will not be misunderstood. Literary excellence is not our desire. We do not advocate flowery and wordy prayers. We do not wish to be among those who ‘pray to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom’ (Alma 38:13). We wish to follow the Savior’s teaching, ‘When ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking’ (3 Ne. 13:7). Our prayers should be simple, direct, and sincere… . I am sure that our Heavenly Father, who loves all of his children, hears and answers all prayers, however phrased. If he is offended in connection with prayers, it is likely to be by their absence, not their phraseology.” (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 1993, p. 17)