InstaStudy

How to Pray Effectively

This study explores the principles and practices of effective prayer, guiding believers to a deeper and more powerful connection with the one true God.

1. Understanding Who We Pray To

1.1 The One True God

Verses: Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5; 1 Timothy 2:5
  • God is one, the sole Creator and Sustainer of all things.
  • All prayer is directed to this singular, all-powerful God.
  • There is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

1.2 God Manifested in Christ

Verses: John 14:9; Colossians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:19
  • Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
  • Through Christ, we have access to the Father, for He is the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
  • He is our High Priest, interceding for us before the throne of grace.

1.3 The Spirit's Role in Prayer

Verses: Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 1:20
  • The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, interceding for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
  • We are to pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
  • Building ourselves up on our most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.

2. The Foundation of Effective Prayer

2.1 Approaching God with a Pure Heart

Verses: Psalm 66:18; James 4:8; 1 John 3:21-22
  • If we regard iniquity in our heart, the Lord will not hear us.
  • Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you; cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.
  • If our heart condemns us not, then we have confidence toward God and receive what we ask.

2.2 Praying with Faith

Verses: Mark 11:24; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6-7
  • Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
  • Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
  • Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

2.3 Praying According to God's Will

Verses: 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 6:10; Luke 22:42
  • If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
  • Our prayers should align with God's purposes, seeking His kingdom and His righteousness first.
  • Like Jesus, we should pray, 'Nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done.'

3. The Elements and Authority of Prayer

3.1 Adoration and Thanksgiving

Verses: Psalm 100:4; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2
  • Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise.
  • In everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
  • Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

3.2 Confession and Supplication

Verses: 1 John 1:9; James 5:16; Philippians 4:6
  • If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
  • Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
  • Make your specific requests and needs known to God through supplication.

3.3 Praying in Jesus' Name

Verses: John 14:13-14; John 16:23-24; Acts 4:12
  • Whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
  • Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
  • There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved and through which we pray.

4. Persistence and Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer

4.1 Persistence in Prayer

Verses: Luke 18:1; Romans 12:12; Colossians 4:2
  • Men ought always to pray and not lose heart.
  • Be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.
  • Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.

4.2 Overcoming Hindrances

Verses: James 4:3; 1 Peter 3:7; Isaiah 59:1-2
  • You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
  • Husbands, dwell with your wives with understanding, lest your prayers be hindered.
  • Our iniquities have separated us from God, and our sins have hidden His face from us, so that He will not hear.

4.3 Expecting an Answer

Verses: Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:7-8; Ephesians 3:20
  • Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.
  • Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
  • God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.