Are You Praying Effectively?

Bonnie Stebbins
Church on the Rock - Melbourne

Do you want your prayers answered? Of course you do. After all, that is one reason you pray. Jesus gave us a clue to assuring we receive what we want.
He said, “If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it shall be done for you.” (Jn 14:7)

Jesus said his words should live in us. The most effective prayer is done by the person who reads God’s word and believes it. That person can then pray back God’s promises to Him. He can say, “God, I am reminding you that you said this, and I am believing you to be true to your word. Do as You said.” Prayer not based on God’s promises has no foundation to stand on. The promises of God reflect His will. As we base our prayers on those promises we can know we pray the will of God.

But ask yourself – do you really want God’s will? Studying and meditating on God’s word gives the Holy Spirit opportunity to change our hearts. As we walk out God’s word in our lives, as it becomes a part of us, our will comes in tune with God’s will. Then as we pray those promises, we will desire those things that touch God’s heart. Faith in God’s word and His promises will grow in our hearts.

God’s word and faith together release the power of God. He said it, we believe it, we pray it, and He does it. What has God promised? Find out. Read His word.