S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

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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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

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

March 19 2014 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Gerritt Schuitema Supporter Persecutor & Mocker transformed to Faithful Believer

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.

April 13 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Janet Austin Supporter Lover of God. Right to the Soul, author

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.

July 13 2022 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

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!

April 07 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College & Dallas Seminary graduate, Pentair

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)

July 18 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Robyn Keal Supporter Sister in Christ, part of his Bride prayer warrior

The key effectiveness of prayer in my own prayer life is to pray in the spirit and with understanding, and magnify the Lord. To break it down, praying in the spirit is praying in tongues, God's language. You can only manage to pray in the Spirit if one is filled with the Holy Spirit. The spirit intercedes on our behalf with language we don't understand. Praying with understanding is the human way. If I get a blockage and just don't know how to put my prayer forward, I pray in the spirit. Very powerful tool given by the grace of God, and I always thank him in advance for prayers answered. If some are not answered, then God has a better plan, a better way that we may not understand at that time.

August 16 2025 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What is the key to effective prayer?

Effective prayer isn't about a special formula, particular words, or great length. Scripture teaches that effective prayer flows from a genuine relationship with God, faith in His character, and a heart that seeks His will.

Jesus taught His followers not to pray for show or to impress others. Instead, prayer should be sincere and come from the heart, directed to the Father. He warned against empty repetition and encouraged simple, trusting communication with God (Matthew 6:5-8). Prayer expresses dependence on Him, not an attempt to persuade Him with many words.

Faith is an important element of effective prayer. Hebrews 11:6 says that anyone who comes to God must believe He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Faith does not mean demanding a specific outcome. Rather, it means trusting God's wisdom, goodness, and power whether His answer is yes, no, or wait.

Practical example: A person facing redundancy at work may pray, "Lord, I need Your provision and guidance. Open the doors You want me to walk through and help me trust You whatever happens." Rather than demanding a particular job, they place the situation in God's hands while continuing to work responsibly.

Effective prayer also involves praying according to God's will. First John 5:14-15 says that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. This requires humility. Instead of treating prayer as a means of getting our own way, believers are called to align their desires with God's purposes. Jesus demonstrated this perfectly in Gethsemane when He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

Practical example: A believer considering a major move may pray, "Father, if this opportunity will help me serve You and care for my family, please open the way. If not, give me peace to remain where I am."

A clean and obedient heart also affects prayer. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." This does not mean a person must be perfect before praying. Rather, it means that deliberately holding on to sin while expecting close fellowship with God creates a barrier in that relationship.

Practical example: If someone has spoken harshly to a family member, effective prayer begins with honesty: "Lord, I was wrong. Please forgive me and help me make things right." They then seek reconciliation rather than ignoring the issue.

Perseverance is another biblical principle. Jesus told parables encouraging His disciples to pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). Some prayers are answered quickly, while others require patience. Persistent prayer shows trust that God is working even when results aren't immediately visible.

Practical example: Parents praying for an adult child who has wandered from faith may continue praying over months or years, trusting God to work in ways they cannot see.

Thanksgiving should also accompany prayer. Philippians 4:6 instructs believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving. Gratitude shifts attention from anxiety to God's faithfulness and reminds believers of His past provision.

Practical example: A believer worried about finances can thank God for past provision, daily necessities, and His ongoing care, even as they ask for help with present needs.

Prayer should also include intercession for others.

Practical example: When a friend is ill, rather than merely saying, "I'll pray for you," a believer can pray specifically: "Lord, give the doctors wisdom, bring healing, strengthen the family, and give them peace during this trial."

Finally, effective prayer rests on Christ. Through Jesus, believers have access to the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16). Prayer is not based on personal merit but on God's grace. 

It means bringing every concern, decision, fear, temptation, responsibility, and relationship before Him, trusting His wisdom, and following His guidance.

October 26 2026 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report