Tag Archives: effective prayer

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – A Pattern of Powerful Prayer

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Charles Stanley

Colossians 1:9-14

If someone should ask the question, “How can I pray for you?” would you be able to give a clear answer? Oftentimes we simply do not know what to say. The same thing can happen when we ask that question of friends—frequently we get only a vague answer. Learning to pray for one another does not come naturally; we must be taught.

That is why the Bible includes many patterns for effective prayer. One is found in Paul’s epistle to the saints at Colossae. He prayed that they would be “filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will” (Col. 1:9). The fact that the apostle prayed this means we can come to know what God is doing in our lives. When we understand His will, that knowledge is both satisfying and precious.

Paul’s prayer also included additional requests on behalf of the Colossians. He asked the Lord to bless them with an understanding of what is right. What’s more, he prayed they would walk in a manner worthy of Christ and be strengthened with all power (vv. 10-11). Often, when that happens in the life of a believer, onlookers are attracted by what they see. Some may even come to recognize the Lord at work as a Christian displays the Father’s power to forgive sins and walks before Him in holiness.

These are the specific requests you should make when praying for others. In fact, you would be wise to ask the same things for yourself. And you can count on this powerful prayer being answered, because it is in accordance with the will of God.

Charles Stanley

Charles Stanley – Praying in a Crisis

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Charles Stanley

Numbers 21:6-8

When was the last time you got on your knees and cried out to God about something other than personal issues? We’re often so involved in our own lives that we fail to see the crises facing others. I’m talking about situations that don’t affect our family at all—even more unrelated to us than, say, the deployment of a soldier we know or a terrorist attack on our land. But whether circumstances touch strangers or hit “close to home,” doesn’t it often feel as if such matters are just too big for one person’s prayer to make a difference?

Well, don’t believe it. The enemy wants us to assume that cataclysmic or tragic problems are too vast for our petitions to have any effect. But Scripture assures us that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16). And the next verse gives a powerful example: “Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.”

Almighty God is able to heal, bring peace, and change circumstances. And He allows His children to participate in the process through prayer. He instructs us to talk with Him about everything (Phil. 4:6) and promises to hear when sin does not obstruct our communication (Ps. 66:18).

The next time you hear of a tragedy or problem—regardless of whether it affects strangers or people you know—resist the temptation to distance yourself from it. You can have an impact on the lives of others when you intercede on their behalf. So let news of a crisis become a catalyst for prayer.

Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ; Bill Bright – Prayer Has Great Power

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“Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results” (James 5:16).

“I can take my telescope and look millions and millions of miles into space,” said the great scientist Sir Issac Newton , “but I can lay it aside and go into my room, shut the door, get down on my knees in earnest prayer, and see more of heaven and get closer to God than I can assisted by all the telescopes and material agencies on earth.”

Among many other things, the carnal Christian is characterized by a poor prayer life. The spiritual Christian, on the other hand, is characterized by an effective fruitful prayer life.

Prayer is simply communicating with God by listening as well as talking. The acrostic ACTS is helpful in recalling the various components of effective prayer, though the order is not necessarily rigid.

“A” is for adoration – worship of God, first for who He is; and second for all of His benefits. He alone is worthy of our adoration and praise.

“C” stands for confession. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Sometimes this component should take priority, especially for the unbeliever and the disobedient believer, because God does not hear the prayers of the disobedient until they confess. “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalms 66:18, KJV).

“T” is for thanksgiving – gratitude to God for His blessings.

“S” represents supplication – expressing our petitions to God for individuals and specific things and events.

Bible Reading: James 5:13-18

TODAY’S ACTION POINT: I will claim great power and wonderful results for supernatural living by a righteous life and by giving priority to prayer. I will remember to bring my adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication to God throughout the day

 

 

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – A Good Attitude Is Effective

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Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.—Psalm 54:2 NKJV

We all want our prayers to be effective and we want to be able to talk to God in ways that successfully bring His heart and His plans into our lives and the lives of other people. The Bible says, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16 NKJV). If we want to pray effective prayers that avail much, then we need to know what can make them ineffective. All of our prayers are not successful. For example, sometimes we want something so desperately that we fail to pray according to God’s will—and those prayers are not effective. Sometimes we are so angry or hurt that we pray prayers that are based on our emotions instead of on God’s Word or His heart—and those prayers are not effective either.

Through His Word, God tells us what to do in order to pray effective prayers. Effective prayer does not result from following formulas or abiding by certain principles. Effective prayer is based on God’s Word; it is simple, sincere, and filled with faith; it has nothing to do with rules or guidelines, but it does need to issue from a heart with a right attitude.

God’s word for you today: A bad attitude can be changed by simply making a decision to change it.

 

Presidential Prayer Team

Presidential Prayer Team; P.G. – Who God Is

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Effective prayer depends on true faith.

Whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.

Matthew 21:22

Think about it. What’s the point of bringing a matter before the God of all creation if you really don’t think He’s going to do something about it? His power, mercy and grace far exceed human expectations. Doubting prayers are unbelieving, fearful prayers. Jesus said you must have faith. Where does that level of faith come from?

Faith comes by letting the Word of God permeate your life. Your regular Bible study engages and strengthens belief within you. Knowing, understanding and submitting to the Scriptures gives insight into the heart of the Lord, making your prayers more in line with His will. As you delight in Him, your heart will be transplanted with new desires that match His own. Your maturing faith will be shown in your total dependence on God.

As you become more aware of who God is, you’ll see your faith deepen and your prayers change. Let your focus become more intent on the One you are praying to. Then, and perhaps only then, will you see great answers to your prayers that will leave you awed, humbled and more in love with your Savior – and make a noticeable difference in your home and nation!

Recommended Reading: Psalm 37:23-31

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Joyce Meyer – Praying His Will

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[Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I Am].—John 14:14

Some Christians read this passage and take its meaning out of context. What a statement! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this gave you license to have anything and everything you want? But the name of Jesus is not simply a “magic word” to tack on at the end of your wish list.

You must realize that all effective prayer involves praying the will of God, not the will of man. There are many things in the Word that clearly reveal God’s will, and these you may certainly ask for boldly without any hesitation or concern about whether you should have them. Yet there are many other things you need to pray about without knowing the exact will of God in the situation. It is at these times you should pray that His perfect will be done and not your own.

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John MacArthur – Unceasing Prayer

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“Pray at all times in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18).

Prayer is communication with God, and like all communication, it can be developed to maximum efficiency or allowed to languish. Which you choose will determine the quality of your spiritual life.

Ironically, the freedom of worship we enjoy in our society and our high standard of living make it easy to become complacent about prayer and presume on God’s grace. Consequently, many who say they trust in God actually live as if they don’t need Him at all. Such neglect is sinful and leads to spiritual disaster.

Jesus taught that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1, KJV). “Faint” speaks of giving in to evil or becoming weary or cowardly. Paul added that we should pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and petition, and “be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18).

First Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” That doesn’t mean to do nothing but pray. It simply means living in a constant state of God-consciousness. If you see a beautiful sunrise or a bouquet of flowers, your first response is to thank God for the beauty of His creation. If you see someone in distress, you intercede on his or her behalf. You see every experience of life in relation to God.

God wants you to be diligent and faithful in prayer. With that goal in mind we will devote this month to a study of prayer from two texts: Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9:1-19, and the disciples’ prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Both are models of majestic, effective prayer.

As we study those passages together, be aware of your own pattern of prayer. Examine it carefully for strengths and weaknesses. Be prepared to make any necessary changes.

Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for the privilege of communing with Him in prayer.

Ask Him to reveal any areas in your praying that need to be strengthened.

For Further Study: Read Daniel 9:1-19.

What prompted Daniel’s prayer?

What was Daniel’s attitude toward God? Toward himself and his people?

What did Daniel request?