PRAYING EFFECTIVELY

Text: James 5:16 "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much"

I.          CONSIDER THE PURPOSE OF PRAYER

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

A.        The purpose is to fellowship with God.

1.      We can talk with Him daily in a spirit of praise and thanksgiving.

B.        We may also bring all of our concerns to God

Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1.      We should pray for the needs and salvation of others.

II.       CHERISH THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

A.        We have the privilege of speaking directly to God. 

1.      He cares, understands, and is touched by our infirmities 

Hebrews 4:15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

B.        God speaks to us through His Spirit.  He bears witness with our spirit that we are His children

Romans 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

III.    CLAIM THE PROMISES OF PRAYER

John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, will do it

A.        The promises include all the needs of the human race.

1.      They are to be received with respect to God's will and our faith.

B.        God wills that we claim the promises for our needs, health problems, financial needs, marital difficulties, and spiritual needs.

1 Peter 5:7  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

IV.    CONVEY THE POWER OF PRAYER

Matthew 21:22  And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

A.        There is a power in prayer that enables us to reach out and help the needy;  to go, say, and do, what He wants.

B.        We receive power in prayer to witness to the lost. 

1.      The Holy Spirit speaking through us, makes our witness effective

 Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.