Praying Effectively--- Messages from the Heart

By Shana Miller | Guest Columnist | Somerset-Pulaski Advocate

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Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)----Throughout the Bible, there are so many scriptures regarding prayer. Prayer is simply us talking to God and it is one of the ways that we communicate with Him. God’s word is the perfect instruction to help us be able to pray effectively. Jesus' spoke of the model prayer in Luke 11:1-4, and it shows us in that prayer to address God as our Father, to seek his will, to ask for our daily needs, and even forgiveness. Matthew 6:5-15 speaks of that same prayer, but Jesus teaches not be praying for show or to get approval of others. The prayer should be sincere, and He even tells us to go to our secret place to pray to our Father. 

Philippians 4:6 is a beautiful reminder that whatever we are requesting or asking from God, to do it with thanksgiving in our hearts. Regardless to what situation or circumstance we may be in, there is always room to praise God for His goodness, faithfulness, love, and mercy. We should always be practicing thanksgiving and gratitude with our prayers. Matthew 21:21 remind us to have faith when we ask. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done." (Matt 21:21 NIV)

What about prayer among our brothers and sisters? Jesus did tell us to go to that secret place, but in James 5:16 it reminds us “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (KJV) We are not to stay silent in our struggles, we are to speak up with trusted brothers and sisters in Christ so that they may pray for us and pray over us. Anytime the Lord put somebody on your heart, then lift them up in prayer. You may not understand why they are on your heart, but God already does. 

Finally, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “Pray without ceasing.” (KJV) Without ceasing means continuously without stopping. This does not mean that you are going to keep your hands folded, sitting down nonstop praying until Jesus comes back, but as we go through our day, we should be talking with Him and yes, praying. When we pray without creasing it increases our strength to continue in prayer, even if it’s one we have said before. Daily we should be asking the Lord to feed us, to guide us, and to watch over us. These are prayers we should never stop asking and praising when God is faithful to do so. 

When you pray today ask yourself these questions.

• Do you praise God?
• Do you ask for your daily needs?
• Do you ask for forgiveness where it is needed?
• Do you state that God is your Father?
• Do you seek God's will or your own?
• Are you truly honest with God about every thought and emotion?

He already knows, but your prayer is the chance to fully open and let Him in. Allow your faith to increase through your conversations with God. Ask God to redirect your prayers to align with His will and let God reveal to you what area you need to decrease so he can increase. So today, pray without creasing.