Prayer - Pray Effectively

I've blogged about praying without hindrance, discussing the things that can make your prayers ineffective.  So, what are some keys to effective prayer?

Ask – It goes without saying that if you want a prayer answered, you must first offer up a prayer.  God can certainly meet all of our needs without us asking Him, but the Bible clearly states that He wants us to ask.  God knows that when we ask we will be more likely to give Him the glory of the results.

“You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it.” (James 4:2 NLT)

Direct Your Prayer to God – How often do our prayers contain little or no thought of God himself?  We often fill our minds full to the brim of thoughts about our own needs instead of filling them with thoughts of God himself.  In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus encouraged us to respectfully consider to whom we are praying.  We should take our eyes off of our needs, our situations, and our distresses and place them on Jesus.  We should align our will with His will.

“6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.” (James 1:6-7 NLT)

Pray in Jesus’ Name – Jesus is our intermediary to our Heavenly Father.

“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:13 NLT)

Forgiveness – Ask for forgiveness for your sins.  Unconfessed sin will hinder your prayers.  

“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18 NLT)

Forgive others if you are holding a grudge against anyone.  

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25 NLT)

Being forgiven and being forgiving will make your prayer more effective.  God expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

  

Pray Passionately – Our prayers should have intensity.  We shouldn't pray just to be praying (i.e. just going through the motions), but have heartfelt feeling behind our prayers.  Offer true thanks.  Give true praise.  Pray out loud, pray with your body and pray with concentration.  Pray earnestly!

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (James 5:16 NLT)

Pray Desperately - Pray with agony when your situation is distressful.  Many times our prayers have little power because we put little or no heart into them.  We can’t expect God to put much heart into a prayer that was offered up with little heart.  Our prayers must mean something to us if they are to mean anything to God.  Desperation puts us in a place where we have to turn to God in prayer.  Scripture is full of examples of desperate prayers.  In desperation, God sees how serious we are about what we are asking.

“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:16 NLT)

Be Humble – Do not make demands to God.  Bring your requests to him with humility and with a humble heart.

Align Your Will With His - Adjust your prayer according to the will of God.  There are many things that we desire, but God knows what the best possible result is for us at each and every moment. 

“14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT)

Pray His Promises – We can claim the promises God has made to us.  When our requests are things God has already promised to grant us, we increase our praying with confidence.

Have Faith – Faith, enduring, waiting.  Effective prayer doesn’t give up when results are not immediately seen.  It continues to pray and believe for an answer no matter how long it takes.  Remember, God works in His time, not ours.  He knows the best answer and the best time to provide it.  Keep on praying!

“Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)

"One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.” (Luke 18:1 NLT)

Let Go and Let God – Your prayer’s power is increased when you let go and turn over whatever you are praying about to God.  If you have any doubt about God’s ability to answer your prayer, turn it all over to Him and ask Him for the faith to believe in His Will and abilities.

Be Thankful – Thank God not only for the answers you do receive, but also for those you don’t or the unexpected answers.  Send Him thanks for all He has blessed you with, all He has done for you, all He is doing for you, and all He is planning to do for you.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

Pray as a Body – Prayer and praise have even greater power when entered into with other believers.  There is power in united prayer!

““I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you.”  (Matthew 18:19 NLT)

Jesus means that if two or more people share the same burden, are sure of God’s will, and are in agreement with the Spirit of God and one another as they pray, they will see dynamic results.

Pray Alone – Don’t just pray in church or in group settings alone.  Get by yourself and get alone with God to devote yourself to prayer.  Have one on one conversations with God as well as participating in group prayers.  Scripture teaches us to not only pray together, but to pray alone as well.

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6 NLT)

Pray Effectively - Pray effectively and see results done God's way an in His timing.  Don't give up and never stop praying!!

Prayer - Pray Expecting to Get Answers

Ever prayed for something and did not expect God to answer and He didn't?  Your lack of faith could be why your answer did not come.  If we want God to answer our prayers, we must have faith and expect an answer from Him.  This shows Him that we truly believe in Him and His Word.  Do not doubt His power!  Expectant prayer shows God that we are confident in His goodness!

“5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6 NLT)

God will direct you in your life, but you must first do two things:  1 – You must ask Him, and ask with the proper attitude.  2 – You must ask in faith, expecting Him to answer.

“21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” (Matthew 21:21-22 NLT)

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you've received it, it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 NLT)

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT)

Does this guarantee that we will always get exactly what we ask for?  No.  We must remember, although every proper prayer is answered, sometimes the answer is not what we asked for.  Sometimes, we get a “Yes”.  Sometimes, we get a “Yes, but not the way you expected”.  Sometimes, we get a “No”.  Sometimes, we get “Wait”.  We don’t know exactly what God’s will is for every situation.  God never makes a bad decision or answers incorrectly.  His Will is ALWAYS the best for us.  God always acts out of love, grace, wisdom and perfect timing.

Prayer is not an argument or negotiation with God in which you attempt to persuade Him to move things your way.  Prayer enables you to move yourself in His way!  Stay in Christ by maintaining a healthy, constant relationship with Him.  Once you do this, you will see your will coming in line with His.  Your requests will begin to mirror what Christ wants to do in your life and in the lives of those around you.

“14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)

Make your requests the best you can with the wisdom He has given you, and then do what Moses told the people to do:  “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today.” (Exodus 14:13 NLT)

Remember, when Jesus prayed on the Mount of Olives, he stated “Yet I want your will to be done, not mine” (Luke 22:42 NLT excerpt).  Jesus knew that God’s will was best.  We too, should always remember that God knows what is best for us and will work in our lives accordingly when we ask Him.

Photo > Find God, Find Love

Photo > Prosper

You Harvest What You Plant

“Right Actions Lead to Right Feelings”

During lunch today, I read the following, powerful words in the footnotes of my Life Application Study Bible within the book of Romans:  “Right actions lead to right feelings.”

You Reap What You Sow

This reminded me of some scripture from Galatians.  Galatians 6:7 states, “You will always harvest what you plant.” 

We've all heard this scripture stated as, “You reap what you sow”.  It is inevitable truth and fact - you get what you grow.  You don’t plant corn expecting pumpkins to come up.

EVERY Action We Have Has a Result

"Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit." (Galatians 6:8 NLT)

If you plant negativity, you will reap negativity.

If you plant bitterness, you will reap bitterness.

If you plant disdain, you will reap disdain.

If you plant hatred, you will reap hatred.

If you plant sorrow, you will reap sorrow.

If you plant evil, you will reap evil.

If you plant to please your own desires, you will reap a crop of sorrow and evil.

If you plant love, you will harvest love.

If you plant joy, you will harvest joy.

If you plant respect, you will harvest respect.

If you plant blessings, you will harvest blessings.

If you plant forgiveness, you will harvest forgiveness and peace.

If you plant peace, you will harvest peace.

If you plant to please God, you will reap joy and everlasting life.

What kind of seeds are you sowing?  What kind of harvest do you expect to come from your planting?

I Don’t Like What I've Planted…

I've planted the wrong seeds.  My crop will be or is bad.  I don’t want to harvest what I have planted!  What do I do?  DIG THOSE SEEDS AND BAD PLANTS UP!

It is NEVER too late to rid your garden of bad seeds and plantings.  Repent of your sins, ask God for forgiveness, be washed clean and turn away from those sins.  If your bad plantings have hurt others, ask their forgiveness.  Turn away from those actions which are reaping a harvest of sorrow, bitterness, grief, hatred, negativity, etc. – negative actions that have negative results; those that reap a bad crop.

You are in control of what you plant and harvest.  Plant seeds of joy, respect, forgiveness, peace, blessings, love, etc. - positive actions that have positive results; those that reap a good crop.  Plant to please God and you will reap blessings more abundant than you can imagine or hope for.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You today for Your harvest of blessings.  I thank You that when I plant something that I shouldn't  You allow me the opportunity to dig those bad seeds and plants up and You wipe them clean from my garden.  I thank You that when I plant goodness, I receive goodness.  I thank You that when I plant to please you, regardless of what others have sown around me, that you will bless me with a harvest more abundant than what I can imagine, ask or hope for.  I thank You for Your love, peace and strength.  All these things I praise Your for, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Photo > Faith Makes a Fine Pillow

Photo > Pray - Let God Take Over

Prayer - Pray Regularly

“Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)

Some treat prayer as an obligation, only doing it when they need something or during a specific situation, such as mealtimes or Holiday gatherings.  However, when we open our hearts to Jesus, prayer becomes a thing of joy!

Integrate Prayer Into All You Do
Prayer is an opportunity to communicate with God.  The more we pray, the closer and deeper our relationship with Him becomes.  We should integrate prayer into all that we do and pray at all times of the day.  Prayer should be a constant practice, not an occasional pleading of need.  God is listening and He will answer us.

“16 But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me.  17 Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:16-17 NLT)

Prayer Transforms

Prayer transforms our lives.  It transforms our problems…sometimes it even eliminates our problems! 

“Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (Psalm 55:22 NLT)

Pray Daily

Set aside time every day to pray.  This reminds us that all that we have, including our time, comes from and belongs to God.  Continually thank Him for his goodness and look to Him for guidance, comfort and strength.

The more frequently we pray, the closer we get to God and we increase our connection with Him.  Increasing our connection with God keeps him in the forefront of our hearts and minds. 

Prayer - Our Lifeline to God

Prayer is our lifeline to God.  It is impossible to draw near to God without unceasing prayer.  Two people cannot have a strong relationship without communication.  The relationship grows stronger as they freely express their thoughts, concerns and feelings with one another.  This is the same with God.  Prayer is your opportunity to express your thoughts and innermost feelings to your heavenly Father.  As you do this, you will draw closer to Him.

Always make time to have a conversation with God.  He is always listening!  You are never alone.  Wherever you go, God is with you.  Never stop praying.  God loves to listen to your voice.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT)

Prayer = Power

No prayer = no power.  Little prayer = little power.  Much prayer = much power.

“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!” (Matthew 26:41 NLT)

Take it to the Lord in Prayer!

No matter what you are experiencing today, take it to the Lord in prayer!

“6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 5:6-7 NLT)

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (Romans 12:12 NLT)

Photo > Faith Moves Mountains

Prayer - Pray Without Hinderance

Are you aware that there are many things that can make your prayers ineffective?

“Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.  2 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.  Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NLT)

Selfishness or Pride

The motives of our prayers are of the greatest importance.  If we go to God with a motive that is selfish, God won’t answer it.

“And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.” (James 4:3 NLT)

Idolatry

When you think of an idol, what do you think of?  Perhaps, images or statues of gold, wood, or bronze?  Did you know an idol can be defined as anything or anyone that takes the place of God in your life?  This could be another person, a relationship, your career, a hobby or activity, or even money.

When we place something else in our life above God, your prayers will go unanswered.  God must come first!

“Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?” (Ezekiel 14:3 NLT)

Unforgiveness

If there is someone in your life that you have not forgiven, someone that you are holding a grudge against, your prayer life will suffer.  Besides displeasing God, anger, controversy and unforgiveness make prayer difficult.  When we refuse to forgive others, a root of bitterness grows up in our hearts and chokes our prayers.  By not letting go of the grudge and forgiving, you are sinning.  God expects us to forgive others as we have been forgiven.  The sin of unforgiveness will hinder your prayers.

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” (1 Timothy 2:8 NLT)

“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25 NLT)

Jesus said that we should interrupt our prayers, if needed, and make peace with others.

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (Matthew 5:23-24 NLT)

God wants us to obey him immediately and thoroughly.  Our goal should be to have a right relationship with God and also with others.

Indifference

You will be heard as you hear.  If we ignore the requests of others who are in need and turn our backs on them, how can we expect our Father to hear us when we cry out to Him for help?

“Those who shut their ears to the cries of the poor will be ignored in their own time of need.” (Proverbs 21:13 NLT)

Jesus is serious about us showing compassion to those in need.  We cannot separate passion for God from compassion for man.  As believers, we are called to exemplify the love of God every day.  We can’t serve God properly without also serving man.

31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.  34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’  37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’  40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (Matthew 25:31-44 NLT)

Despising the Law

Those who rebel against God’s word – not listening to it, not seeking it, not living according to it – should know that God is repulsed by their prayers.  How can one who despises God’s law expect God to listen to them when they are in trouble if they have spent their lives dismissing His instructions?

“God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.” (Proverbs 28:9 NLT)

“But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” (John 15:7 NLT)

Unbelief and Doubt

Believing is the best known condition for prayer.  This does not mean that because we come to God convinced that He will grant our request that He is obligated to do so.  Praying without doubt means praying in the secure belief and understanding of God’s character, nature and motives.  We must believe in His ability to grant any request that is in accordance with His will and purpose.  We must pray with the understanding that whatever He purposes is the best possible scenario.

“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” (Matthew 21:22 NLT)

“6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” (James 1:6-8 NLT)

Discordance in the Home

Discord in the home is a definite obstacle to prayer.  If a husband’s attitude toward his wife is less than godly, this is a hindrance to his prayers.

“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7 NLT)

Likewise, wives are to follow the biblical principles of submission to their husbands’ headship if their own prayers are not to be hindered.

“22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.” (Ephesians 5:22-24 NLT)

Unconfessed Sin

If you feel as though your prayers are going unanswered, you may want to consider whether there is any unconfessed sin in your life.  Perhaps you are committing a sin right now that you do not even recognize as sin because “everybody is doing it.”

“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” (Psalm 66:18 NLT)

“We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but he is ready to hear those who worship him and do his will.” (John 9:31 NLT)

“Listen! The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.  2 It’s your sins that have cut you off from God.  Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NLT)

God Sees and Knows All

Obviously our Almighty God see and knows all things.  There is no prayer that any person has ever offered that God does not know about.  He knows the contents of every prayer offered.  When the Bible says that God does not hear the prayers of sinners, it does not mean that he cannot hear them; it simply means that God will not comply with the sinner’s requests.  He will not empower them in their wickedness; it is to God as if they have not spoken.

With that being said, God may respond to even the prayer of the wicked because His grace outweighs His wrath.  However, He is under no obligation to do so. 

What to Do?

All these prayer hindrances can be dealt with at once by coming to God in prayers of confession and true, honest repentance.  Once we have done that, we can enjoy a clear, open channel of communication with God.  Once those hindrances are removed, you will again see God working through your prayers.

Prayer - Communicating With God

Upon becoming a Christian, prayer becomes integrated into every aspect of your life.  It is no longer something you just do before you eat, just when the family is gathered together on holidays, or just during hard or difficult times.

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT)

Prayer is communicating with God – we humbly communicate, worship and sincerely seek God, knowing that he hears us, loves us and will respond.  Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in our lives.  It demonstrates our reliance on God our Father as we humbly invite Him to fill us with faith and power.  There is no substitute for prayer.  Prayer helps us grow closer and more intimately connected with God.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

Prayer allows us to praise the Lord and worship Him.  It allows us to thank him for the blessings He has given us.  It allows us to confess our sins and repent.  It allows us opportunity to present our requests to God.  He loves us, cares for us, and wants to commune with us through prayer.

“The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 NLT)

“14 And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. 15 And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)

“Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love.  Because of your great mercy  wipe away my sins!  2 Wash away all my evil and make me clean from my sin!” (Psalm 51:1-2 NLT)

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7 NLT)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT)

Pray humbly from your heart.  Pray with confidence.  Pray with sincerity.  Pray with selfless intent.  Pray with reverence.  Pray with an attitude of thanksgiving.  Pray with a forgiving spirit.  Pray with perseverance.  Pray freely and spontaneously.  Pray in your own words; your prayers don’t have to be wordy or eloquent.  You can pray on your knees, on your feet, bowing, with your face toward the heavens, with your eyes opened or closed.  You can pray quietly or out loud.  Just pray!

“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” (Colossians 4:2 NLT)

We can pray anywhere and anytime.  Prayer is always available to us. 

“Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:17 NLT)

“Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT)

As there are so many aspects to prayer, I will be doing multiple posts regarding it.  Look for more posts coming soon on the topic of prayer.

Photo > Be Thankful

Photo > Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

Photo > Thank You

Photo > God's Unconditional Love