A Christian addresses the Father directly when he prays, in the authority Jesus delegated to him (John 14:13,14; Matthew 6:6). A non-Christian first needs to call on Jesus to save him (Romans 10:13).
When you have a personal relationship with God, you can be assured that your prayers will be answered (Luke 11:1-13).
What Scripture Says
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).“In Whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him” (Ephesians 3:12).
“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto Him with psalms” (Psalm 95:2).
Jesus set an example of prayer in His own life: “And He went a little farther, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt” (Matthew 26:39).
“...I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also” (1 Corinthians 14:15).
About Prayer
Life-changing prayer occurs when "closeted" with the Father, shutting out all else and keeping your mind on Him (Matthew6:6). You must give the honour, respect and recognition due Him when you come into His presence (Psalm 100:4).To assure that God will answer your prayers, come before Him with a clear conscience and a clean heart.
Be aware of these potential hindrances to powerful, effective prayer (Deuteronomy 1:42-45):
secret sin (Psalm 66:18); indifference (Proverbs 1:24-28); neglect of mercy (Proverbs 21:13); despising God's law (Proverbs28:9); blood-guiltiness (Isaiah 1:15); iniquity (Isaiah 59:2); stubbornness (Zechariah 7:13); instability (James 1:6,7); self-indulgence (James 4:3); and failure to get along with others (Matthew 22:39).
Take a fearless inventory of your life. Repent of all sin as it is revealed to you. Then, in faith, come to God with your prayers, entering His presence with thanksgiving and praise. Most prayers should consist of thanking God for answering your request; even before you ask anything of Him. He knows what you need and answers before you pray (Isaiah 65:24).
If you do not know how to pray for a particular need, you can pray in the Spirit (unlearned language), if you have received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26,27 gives us understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in prayer.
Hundreds of books have been written on prayer. Yet it sometimes remains misunderstood. Even Jesus' disciples desired to be taught how to pray. Jesus told them to pray continually, but simply, and in faith (Luke 11:1-13).
As You Pray
Offer a prayer of thanksgiving and praise, knowing that God answers prayer. In faith, ask Him for the desires of your heart, knowing that the prayers of a righteous person will be heard (1 John 5:14).Suggested Reading
In Jesus' name John 14:13,14Pure conscience 2 Timothy 1:3
Joyfully Isaiah 56:7
Continually 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1
A repentant heart Psalm 66:18
Believing 1 John 5:14,15; Matthew 21:22
In all circumstances Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:18
For all saints Ephesians 6:18
For healing James 5:16
Everywhere 1 Timothy 2:8
Read Favour, The Road To Success by Bob Buess. Also read With Christ In The School Of Prayer by Andrew Murray. Study the topic of "prayer" with a concordance and your Bible. Crossroads is happy to help. In fact, that's the whole reason we exist as a ministry. The daily 100 Huntley Street telecast and the 24-hour-a-day Telephone Ministry line are here for the same reason. You may want to call us as you are reading this: 1-866-273-4444
God loves you and we love you! Please give us the privilege of doing our best to help more. For further ministry, you may contact the Crossroads Ministry Centre by writing to:
Crossroads Christian Communications Inc.
Attn: National Ministry Centre
PO Box 5100
Burlington, Ontario L7R 4M2
