I lead a prayer group at my church. And I had to learn to pray effectively and teach others how to pray so we as a group could pray for people and situations.
I've noticed here that some of us who believe in God are having a hard time getting answered prayers.
So here are a few scriptures and some suggestions to help you with prayer.
So that it's easier to understand I will use male pronouns for God even though God has no gender, and the characteristics of God are both male and female.
The Lords pray is a teaching tool that Jesus used so that those who followed him could use it as a guide in their prayers.
This is the prayer
Matthew 6:9-13
“Pray, then, in this way:
'Our Father who is in heaven, Holy is Your name. [10] Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us this day our daily bread. [12] And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.' Amen.
Here are some points to helped you develop a more powerful and effective prayer life.
1. First acknowledge who he is.
Normally when you talk to someone and you want something from them you start out with their name
2. Thank him.
A heartfelt thank you is always a great conversation starter. Like any parent, God loves to see that we have grateful hearts. But more importantly, as we take the time to praise God for all He has done in the past — the answered prayers, the impossible situations overcome, the healings and grace — our faith to believe for even greater answers to prayer grows stronger and more confident. Praise opens the gates of heaven and should always be part of our alone time with God.
3. Ask forgiveness- say you sorry and mean it
James 5:16 reminds us that if we want our prayers to be heard, our hearts need to be right with God and with one another. If you feel your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, take some time to check your heart.
4. Ask for what you need and be specific. If you need money to pay a gas bill then tell him what its for and how much.
Before I give money to someone I want to know what it will be used for. Give God the same courtesy.
5. Believe that He will do it.
James 1:8 says a Double-minded man will not receive anything.
John 14:14
"Ask anything in my name and I will do it."
