Effective Prayer 

Effective Prayer
A Lesson on the Power of Biblical Prayer

Introduction
Do you ever feel like your prayers aren’t being heard? That they lack power or result? You are not alone in feeling this way. But God’s Word assures us that prayer is meant to be effective, powerful, and able to “avail much.” In James 5:13–18, the inspired writer reminds us that "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." This passage calls us to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God through prayer. But how can we make our prayers more effective? The Bible reveals several vital principles that can strengthen our communication with God and make our petitions more powerful.

Pray with Faith
Prayer without faith is meaningless. James 1:5–8 teaches that when we ask God for wisdom, or anything else, we must ask "in faith, with no doubting." The one who doubts is compared to a wave of the sea—driven and tossed by the wind. Such a person is double-minded and should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Faith is not just wishful thinking; it is deep-rooted trust in the God who always keeps His promises. In Matthew 21:18–22, Jesus uses the image of moving a mountain to demonstrate that even seemingly impossible things can be done through genuine faith in God. This is not about literal mountain-moving, but about trusting God’s power fully and without reservation. Effective prayer begins with the conviction that God hears and that He is able to act.

Pray According to God’s Will
Not all prayers are granted just because they are sincere. We must pray in harmony with God’s will. In 1 John 5:13–15, we are told that if we ask "according to His will, He hears us." The Bible is God’s revealed will (Ephesians 5:17), and while some things remain in the secret counsel of God (Deuteronomy 29:29), we can know how to pray rightly by aligning our requests with Scripture. Furthermore, we must pray in the name of Jesus (John 14:13–14). This is not a mere phrase to be tacked onto the end of a prayer—it reflects an attitude and approach that is consistent with the authority, character, and purpose of Christ. Just as the apostles acted “in the name of Jesus” (Acts 4:7, 10), we are to come before the Father under the authority of the Son, asking for what Jesus would approve.

Pray with a Pure Heart
Sin in the heart hinders the power of prayer. Psalm 66:18–20 says, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” To pray effectively, we must not be clinging to sin while asking God for help. Proverbs 28:9 adds that even the prayer of one who turns away from hearing God’s law is an abomination. Effective prayer flows from a life that seeks purity and obedience. James 4:3 warns against selfish motives—asking wrongly so we can spend what we receive on our own pleasures. Jesus' parable in Luke 18:10–14 contrasts the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector. The one who confessed his unworthiness and asked for mercy was the one who went home justified. Pride poisons our prayers, but humility draws God's attention and favor.

Conclusion
If we want our prayers to truly avail much, then we must approach God in faith, in alignment with His will, and with a pure and humble heart. These are not optional guidelines—they are essential spiritual principles revealed by God for our good. When we pray with these truths in mind, we are not only heard—we are empowered. God is ready to work in our lives through prayer, if we will only pray His way.

Effective Prayer Outline

Introduction:

 Do you sometimes feel your prayers have no power; that they are ineffective?  Read James 5:13-18.  Prayers can be powerful; they can be effective; they can avail much.  What principles will make our prayers more effective?

 Body:

 I.   Pray With Faith

• James 1:5-8   Talking to God without believing He hears and answers prayers is pointless.  We must trust God and have confidence in Him based upon His character, based upon who He is.
• Matthew 21:18-22   “Moving this mountain” is a figure of speech emphasizing nothing can be done without faith in Jehovah.
• We must have an undivided faith; be single minded.  There must be no going back and forth between trusting God and trusting the world.  Be convinced!

 II.   Pray According to God’s Will

• I John 5:13-15   Pray according to what the Bible teaches, His ”revealed will.”  (Ephesians 5:17, Deuteronomy 29:29)
• Pray in Jesus’ name.  (John 14:13-14)  This means praying in the way that is consistent with His character and His will.  It also means coming to God in the authority of Jesus.  (Acts 4:7, 10)

 III.   Pray With a Pure Heart

• Psalms 66:18-20   Do not harbor sin.   (Proverbs 28:9)
• James 4:3   Do not pray with selfish purposes.
• Luke 18:10-14   Do not have pride.

 Conclusion:

 These principles will greatly enhance the power and effectiveness of our prayers.

 Bobby Stafford

September 9, 2012