Kenmore Power Miser 9 Water Heater turned off on its own and has become incredibly hard to reignite
It could be that the pilot orifice is partially obstructed. There are cleaning wires which can be inserted into the orifice to clear it. These are available at stores which service gas lights. To reach the orifice you might have to hold the wire with a pair of needle nose pliers or needle nose locking pliers.

Many camping stoves are supplied with a cleaner wire mounted on a light stamped steel handle.