Effective Prayer

INTRODUCTION

To be effective means to be successful in producing a desired result. Prayer is the act of communicating with God through words, thoughts, or actions to express thanks, praise, requests, confessions, etc. Effective prayer, therefore, means to communicate successfully to God what is intended and get the anticipated result. It is powerful (James 5:16b), and centred on God's will (Philippians 4:6; 1 John 5:14).

OUTLINE

1. The Keys And Hindrances

2. The Kinds

THE KEYS AND HINDRANCES

Some of the keys to praying effectively are listed below.

1. Uprightness: God delights in the prayers of the upright, that is, one who is saved and righteous (Proverbs 15:8).

2. God's Word: Effective prayer involves praying the word of God (John 15:7).

3. Obedience: Obeying divine instructions and taking faith-based actions are keys to praying effectively (1 Kings 17:8–14; Luke 17:11–14).

4. A Heart of Love: Prayer from a heart that is rooted in love avails much (Matthew 8:5–8, 13). It is difficult to pray for others if it is not coming from the place of love (Matthew 5:44–46).

5. Persistence: Praying ceaselessly and maintaining a right relationship with God can move mountains (John 16:23–24).

Some of the hindrances to effective prayer include disobedience (Proverbs 28:9), wrong motives (James 4:3), lack of faith or doubt (Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6–7), unforgiving attitudes (Mark 11:25). Ignoring the needy or poor is also a barrier to effective prayer (Proverbs 21:13).

THE KINDS

1. Prayer of Faith

This is a powerful kind of prayer rooted in deep confidence that God hears and answers prayer (Mark 11:24). It is also based on the demand of your rights and privileges on Christ (John 14:12–14; James 5:15). It involves applying your knowledge of God to get results through prayer (Hebrews 11:6).

2. Prayer of Consecration

This is a prayer to be set apart or dedicated for a holy cause (John 17:17–19). It involves presenting your whole self; your mind, body, and will to God's plans (Leviticus 20:7).

Prayer of consecration is not a one-time event but must be life-long, demonstrating a willingness to continuously yield to God's will, like Jesus did (Luke 22:42). Believers are called to offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1).

3. Prayer of Intercession

This is standing in the gap on behalf of others to change a situation or course of events (Exodus 32:11–14). In His final prayer, Jesus prayed to the Father not only for His disciples but also for the unity of all future believers (John 17:18–21).

The Holy Spirit intercedes for believers, helping us in our weakness when we do not know how to pray (Romans 8:26–27). Hebrews 7:25 emphasises that Christ, our High Priest, continually makes intercession for our ultimate salvation.

4. Prayer of Supplication

Supplication involves approaching God with a plea for help or to make requests, rather than making demands (Philippians 4:6–7).

Believers approach God's throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16). Supplication is seen as a vital part of a Christian's spiritual walk (Ephesians 6:18). It should be accompanied with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6).

Supplications can be made for oneself (Philippians 4:6), other Saints (James 5:16), those in authority and the unsaved (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

CONCLUSION

You too can pray and get results.

QUESTIONS

What are the keys to effective prayer?

Mention the four kinds of prayers that you know.

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: Mark 11:24

MON: Philippians 4:6

TUE: 1 John 5:14

WED: 2 Chronicles 7:14

THUR: James 5:16

FRI: 1 John 1:9

SAT: Hebrews 4:16

ASSIGNMENT

Using your understanding of the keys of effective prayers, list five (5) areas you can and will engage the prayer of intercession for your family, friends and nation this week.

(2×5 = 10 marks)