I'm sure I'm not the only person who gets nervous when praying for a large group. I've only prayed in Sacrament meeting once or twice and was rather nervous both times. Because of this it is not suprising to me when someone does something like praying for the health and safety of their children by name in a large group meeting. Their nervous minds cast about for things to say in the prayer and they latch on to those things they pray for most commonly.  Other times I've heard people, use the opportunity to pray for the group as an opportunity to reprimand others, or complain. ("Please forgive Brother X for refusing to pick me up last night.") This, rather effectively, drives the spirit from the room and makes for embarrassment all around.

I think there are times and places that requesting, personal, private, or individual blessings might be appropriate- specificially if prompted by the spirit. I can also see a clear need for informative and instructive prayers. It isn't uncommon for me to learn of a death in the ward through prayers said for the families of the deceased. On the other hand, I think it's clear that Bobby's spelling test, and Aunt Marge's indigestion should be kept in family and personal prayers.

Which brings me to my probelm. I'm very bashful about praying for myself even in the prayers I say with just my husband. Frequently I make myself do it, because I think it is appropriate and I should work to get over the discomfort I feel. For example, If I am the only member of my family who has a cold I avoid praying for my own health, even though I would freely pray for any other individual in the family who was similarly sick.

So here are my questions: How do you gauge when and where to pray for you and yours? Does anyone share my discomfort in praying for yourself? If so, where does that feeling come from?