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Effective Prayer

1.  Be Humble   

Oswald Chambers said that prayer is an effort of will.  Prayer takes effort to be effective, but it is a journey worth walking.   The first step is humbling yourself and confessing your sins.   In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus told a story of a religious man and a tax collector, the financial swindlers of the day.  Which prayer was heard?  The tax collector's, because he humbled himself and confessed his sin.  "..everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."  Luke 18:14

Read Psalm 66:16-20 for the testimony of another effective prayer.


2.  Have Love

Matthew 5:44 tells us, "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."   This command does not need explanation, but we often reject the simple.  If a humble heart is required for effective prayer, what can be more humbling than praying for someone that has hurt us?  Remember, no one said it would be easy - just effective.


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3.  Do Not Worry

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Philippians 4:6  Prayer is how we turn to GOD.  Worry, fear and doubt move our attention from GOD back to ourselves.  Thinking our circumstances are too big for GOD will turn them into unintentional idols as they begin to receive all our attention.  Remember, GOD is able, so pray and be thankful. 


4.  Be Thankful

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."  Colossians 4:2   Gratitude allows us to see blessings - even if they seem small - in any situation.  Focusing on our blessings will renew our faith and trust in GOD and create a heart where being steadfast is attainable.  



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5.  Just Talk

Do not get caught up with what to say or how to say it.  Prayer is your conversation with GOD and He already knows you.  Speak like you would to a dear friend, not to impress but to share.  "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."  Matthew 6:7-8 


6. Keep Praying

"Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!" I Chronicles 16:11  Since no one can say it as well as the Word, remember to always "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

Read Luke 18:1-8 for a parable about the effectiveness of constant prayer.