 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
1 Min with Wanda
| Ball Publications Christian Books * 12188 Central Ave., #258 * Chino * CA* 91710* ballpublications@yahoo.com Copyright 2007 Ball Publications Christian Books. All rights reserved. TERMS OF USE & PRIVACY POLICY Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited |
We've all heard the saying, "prayer changes things." Some of us believe it and some don't. In
these times it's hard to believe in something other than ourselves. Times are hard, the economy
is bad and we are still at war. We may think that when we pray to God, our prayers go
unanswered. Or so we think. In our minds, if we don't get what we prayed for, God was not
listening or just didn't care. So does prayer really change things? Before we figure out what an
effective prayer is, we first need to define prayer. Wikipedia defines prayer as: "The act of
addressing a god or spirit for the purpose of worship or petition."
In order to pray, we first need to acknowledge who we are praying to. Who is your God? The
God of this world or the God over all the world? If you believe in the one and only true God,
Jesus Christ, then here are 9 ways to have an effective prayer and get them answered.
1. Sin hinders prayer. Psalm 66:18-19 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would
not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer." We cannot continue
to sin against God and expect Him to answer our prayers. We must repent and ask God to
forgive us of our sins in order for God to hear us effectively.
2. Idols hinder our prayers. Ezekiel 14:4-5 says, "Therefore speak to them and tell them, "This is
what the Sovereign Lord says: When any Israelite sets up idols in his heart and puts a wicked
stumbling block before his face and then goes to a prophet, I the Lord will answer him myself in
keeping with his great idolatry. I will do this to recapture the hearts of the people of Israel, who have
all deserted me for their idols." If we put other things such as: money, cars, houses and people
before God, they are idols and have more importance in our lives. We must put God first, before
all things, in order for His will to be done in our lives, through prayer.
3. We must seek divine guidance through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26-27 says, "In the same
way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit
himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts
knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's
will." When we pray for selfish things, material things and things not according to God's will, the
Holy Spirit will pray and help us to speak to God instead. Even if we don't know what to say or
think we are unworthy, the Spirit will do it for us, if we believe.
4. We must have a joyful prayer. Philippians 1:4-5 says, "In all my prayers for all of you. I
always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now..." God
wants us to pray to Him with joy in our hearts. Even when bad things are happening to us and
we pray to have these things removed, we must have joy knowing that it's already done.
5. We must be in constant prayer. Nehemiah 1:4 says, "When I heard these things, I sat down
and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven." When the
wall of Jerusalem had been broken down and its gates were burned, Nehemiah prayed
constantly to God to forgive Israel for their betrayal of Him. Because he prayed day and night
without ceasing, God allowed him to speak to King Artaxerxes and request that he be able to
rebuild the wall. This is just one example of what constant prayer can do. We've all heard that
persistence pays off. And in time, God's will and your prayers will pay off too.
6. We must devote ourselves to prayer. Colossians 4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful and thankful." Enough said.
7. Praise God with prayer. Psalm 18:3 says, "I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am
saved from my enemies." No matter how bad things are and the mountains in our lives are not
moved, we must give God praise when we pray. Because even though we may not see God
working on our behalf, he's always at work. And by giving Him praise, we believe our prayers
will be answered. So in all things, good or bad - give God praise.
8. God listens when we pray. 1 Kings 8:52 says, "May your eyes be open to your servants plea
and to the plea of your people Israel, and may you listen to them whenever they cry out to you."
When you pray, you must believe that God hears you. He wants us to talk to Him at all times.
He wants to be our friend and He wants to communicate back to us through His word. If you
speak to God honestly and openly, He will listen. He might not give you what you want, because
it may not be good for you in the long run, but He will definitely give you what you need.
9. God answers prayer. Psalm 65:2 says, "O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come." So
to you who don't or won't believe, God can and will answer your prayer. Having faith in God
plays a big part. When you believe that He lived and died for your sins, then you will know that
all prayers of the heart will be answered.
So does prayer really change things? An effective prayer will. In these times we have to believe
in something other than ourselves. And if we do, our shallow and sometimes empty prayers, will
become much more effective in no time.
9 Ways To Have Effective Prayers!
By: Wanda L. Ball
By: Wanda L. Ball
| Christian Articles |
| Daily Bread |
| Bible FAQ |
| Blog |
| Wanda L. Ball is also available for book signings, readings and Radio/TV interviews. Please contact me today for scheduling! Check out my Press Release! |
| Book/Gift Shop |
