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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
We all want our prayers to be "effective," so much so that when we focus on the "results" of our prayers, we lose sight of the incredible privilege we have in prayer. That people like us can speak ...
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joyce whaley
Supporter
To me effective prayer does not require fanfare, meaning eloquent speech or a lot of, thou arts or what have you. The key to effective prayer is to first believe that God IS i.e. the creator all things visible and invisible. That he is ABLE not capable but able to do what you asked in the time frame he deems fit; John chapters 14 & 15. Effective prayer means standing on the premise that he will do what you asked even when all signs point to the contrary and everyone that began with your journey of faith has left you standing alone. Effective prayer means hanging on until the fat lady sings and the quartet joins in, Amen! Effective prayer is having faith, the belief that God will perform your request before you go to him
Gerritt Schuitema
Supporter
Although I agree with the rest of the answers, I think this is rather simple, especially considering all the biblical examples. Leonard Ravenhill said it this way: 'God doesn't hear prayer, He hears desperate prayer' May we all be filled with faith to come to Him, for His glory through Christ Jesus.
Janet Austin
Supporter
In addition to Houdmann’s outstanding answer, I would add, after repenting, it is ideal to pray, “God, make Your desires mine.” Then, be SILENT and LISTEN. The Spirit of God will guide your prayers. Also, Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2 is the prayer model taught by Jesus. You can’t go wrong following that with a sincere heart.
kel gens
Supporter
Effective prayer should consist of expressing your praises and concerns to God. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. My opinion is to pray for your issues once, then let others pray for you, and vice versa. Don’t be a sounding gong about yourself. I do believe it is a more effective prayer when others pray for you. I have experienced in my personal walk, when a group of prayer warriors come together and pray about a certain topic, it is very powerful. If anyone among you are sick, call the elders of the church together to pray over you, James 5...Very effective from my experiences...and don't forget to give all the glory to God!
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
In my senior year at Arizona Bible College I was railroaded into becoming Missionary Prayer Fellowship president. I was over 6-9 prayer cells representing different areas or countries of the world where missionaries served. I learned more about prayer that year, at least prayer for missionaries, than I ever had in my whole life! My opinion is that prayer should be sincere (Hebrews 10:22 Amp). The Amplfied Version of this verse is, "Let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." Also, Jesus' story of the importunate [persistent] widow teaches us to pray and not give up. That is, we must keep on praying for what we want. (Luke 18:1-7) "God knows, as human beings, we tend to quit when things don’t immediately happen as we ask. We are told here to keep on praying and not to quit. The indication is that there are times when God will stretch out the praying time and delay His response." --Dr. Kevin Folger And of course, offer prayer in faith that God is real and a rewarder of prayer, that is, that he will answer it. "Ask, and ye shall receive" (Matt. 7:7, 8). See Matt. 21:22 here as well. Jesus said, "And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith." Matthew 21:22 or in another translation, (NTFE) --New Testament for Everyone-- "Whatever you ask in prayer, you’ll get it, if you believe." Also, Jesus said, in Mark 11:24, "For this reason I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Easton's Bible Dictionary said, "[prayer must be made] in the name of Christ (Jn 16:23, 24; 15:16; Eph. 2:18; 5:20; Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 2:5). "Jesus repeatedly taught His disciples to pray in His name (John 14:13–14; 15:16; 16:23–24). To pray in Jesus’ name is to acknowledge that our access to God in prayer comes only through Jesus. As sinners, we are separated from God and have lost fellowship with Him. Through faith in Christ alone, our fellowship with God is restored." --Mantle A. Nance And Mr. Houdmann said, "Praying in Jesus’ name means the same thing as praying according to the will of God, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15). Praying in Jesus’ name is praying for things that will honor and glorify Jesus." (See https://www.gotquestions.org/pray-Jesus-name.html)
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