EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERIf we don’t pray much it is probably because If we don’t pray much it is probably because we consider it supplemental not fundamental we consider it supplemental not fundamental to life.to life.

Jesus considered it a fundamental necessity Jesus considered it a fundamental necessity because because

Prayer is spiritual warfarePrayer is spiritual warfare..

““Our fight is not against human foes but Our fight is not against human foes but against cosmic powers, against the authorities against cosmic powers, against the authorities and potentates of this dark world, against the and potentates of this dark world, against the superhuman forces of evil in the heavens. superhuman forces of evil in the heavens. Therefore give yourselves wholly to Therefore give yourselves wholly to prayer and entreaty; pray on every prayer and entreaty; pray on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spiritoccasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.” .” Ephesians 6:12-18Ephesians 6:12-18

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYER The movie WAR ROOM is the reminder The movie WAR ROOM is the reminder

we needed - we needed - Prayer is Spiritual Prayer is Spiritual Warfare.Warfare.

Miss Clara constantly monitored what is Miss Clara constantly monitored what is going on in the spiritual battlefield, and going on in the spiritual battlefield, and prayed specifically, watching to see what prayed specifically, watching to see what God is doing in response to her prayers.God is doing in response to her prayers.

Without prayer, which is the key weapon Without prayer, which is the key weapon in our war chest, we are like a soldier in our war chest, we are like a soldier going to battle without a weapon.going to battle without a weapon.

Prayer is the mighty instrument that God Prayer is the mighty instrument that God has given us to tap into His power. has given us to tap into His power.

Ephesians 3:14-21 Ephesians 3:14-21 

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERUnited PrayerUnited Prayer

““From the Day of Pentecost, there has From the Day of Pentecost, there has not been one great spiritual awakening not been one great spiritual awakening in any land which has not begun in a in any land which has not begun in a union of prayer, though only among two union of prayer, though only among two or three; no such outward, upward or three; no such outward, upward movement has continued after such movement has continued after such prayer meetings have declined”  prayer meetings have declined” 

A.T.Pierson (1837 -1911) - Lessons in A.T.Pierson (1837 -1911) - Lessons in the School of Prayer.the School of Prayer.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERUnited PrayerUnited Prayer

It was at a It was at a united prayer meetingunited prayer meeting that the that the mighty power of Pentecost was released and mighty power of Pentecost was released and the church born.the church born.

The missionary enterprise had its birth in a The missionary enterprise had its birth in a united prayer meetingunited prayer meeting of church leaders. of church leaders.

“ “And as they ministered to the Lord and And as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them……So they being sent forth have called them……So they being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.” Acts 13:2-from thence they sailed to Cyprus.” Acts 13:2-44

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERUnited ChurchUnited Church

Spiritual warfare associated with what Spiritual warfare associated with what God is doing in bringing His church God is doing in bringing His church together in John 17 unity is very real. together in John 17 unity is very real.

These three, the devil, the world, and These three, the devil, the world, and the flesh, war against us believers the flesh, war against us believers getting into our “War Room,” or getting into our “War Room,” or gathering with other saints to gathering with other saints to participate in the most powerful activity participate in the most powerful activity in this world.  in this world. 

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERFervent Prayer to a Sovereign GodFervent Prayer to a Sovereign God

John Knox is considered to be the greatest John Knox is considered to be the greatest Reformer in the history of Scotland. Perhaps Reformer in the history of Scotland. Perhaps more than anything else, John Knox is known more than anything else, John Knox is known for his prayer ‘Give me Scotland, or I die.’ for his prayer ‘Give me Scotland, or I die.’

 “ “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe” Mary, all the assembled armies of Europe” Mary, Queen of ScotsQueen of Scots

Knox’s greatness lay in his humble Knox’s greatness lay in his humble dependence on our sovereign God to save dependence on our sovereign God to save His people, revive a nation, and reform His His people, revive a nation, and reform His church” (Burk Parsons, “Give Me Scotland, church” (Burk Parsons, “Give Me Scotland, or I Die,” Ligonier Ministries, or I Die,” Ligonier Ministries,

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYER Fervent PrayerFervent Prayer

Lukewarmness in prayer as in everything else Lukewarmness in prayer as in everything else is revolting to God.is revolting to God.

““They must always pray and never lose They must always pray and never lose heart.” Luke 18:1heart.” Luke 18:1

It took seventy years of faithful intercession It took seventy years of faithful intercession before Daniel witnessed Israel’s release from before Daniel witnessed Israel’s release from captivity. Nor was his prayer uncontested. captivity. Nor was his prayer uncontested. Both invisible and visible enemies Both invisible and visible enemies endeavoured to keep him from the act of endeavoured to keep him from the act of prayer.prayer.

● ● Prayer is often a contest between angels Prayer is often a contest between angels who minister and demons who hinder. who minister and demons who hinder. ● Prayer unanswered is not always ● Prayer unanswered is not always prayer denied.prayer denied.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERFervent PrayerFervent Prayer

From Daniel we learn that it is invisible From Daniel we learn that it is invisible forces which rule the world and that the forces which rule the world and that the course of global events can be course of global events can be influenced by the persistent praying of influenced by the persistent praying of one man.one man.

““The effective, fervent (boiling, The effective, fervent (boiling, hot, glowing) prayer of a righteous hot, glowing) prayer of a righteous man avail much”. James 5:16man avail much”. James 5:16

Our prayers are the link between God’s Our prayers are the link between God’s inexhaustible resources and people’s inexhaustible resources and people’s needs. We must pray persistently with needs. We must pray persistently with hearts filled with love and compassion.hearts filled with love and compassion.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERPray in the will of GodPray in the will of God

““Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that Now this is the confidence we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.us.

And if we know that He hears us, whatever we And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know we have the petitions that we have ask, we know we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”asked of Him.” 1 John 5:14-15 1 John 5:14-15

With the Holy Spirit’s help to saturate our With the Holy Spirit’s help to saturate our minds with scripture (God’s Word) it will be minds with scripture (God’s Word) it will be easier to distinguish His will from our easier to distinguish His will from our thoughts.thoughts.

““However, when He the Spirit of Truth has come, However, when He the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into He will guide you into allall truth;” truth;” John 16:13John 16:13

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERAudacious PrayingAudacious Praying

““Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He Whatever you ask the Father in My name, He

will give it to you.” will give it to you.” John 16:23John 16:23

GodGod employs every universal term in our employs every universal term in our

language in His promises to those that pray:language in His promises to those that pray:

whatsoever, wheresoever, whensoever, whatsoever, wheresoever, whensoever,

whosoever, all, any and everywhosoever, all, any and every. The only . The only

limitation and condition of prayer – “Accordinglimitation and condition of prayer – “According

to to your faithyour faith be it unto you” be it unto you”

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYER When praying for individuals, Jesus When praying for individuals, Jesus

summed up the essence of spiritual summed up the essence of spiritual warfare as binding and loosing, “first warfare as binding and loosing, “first bind …then loose”bind …then loose”

“ “Or else how can one enter into a strong Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? And then he will first bind the strong man? And then he will spoil his house.” Matthew 12:29spoil his house.” Matthew 12:29

Jesus againJesus again::

“ “I will give unto you the keys of the Kingdom I will give unto you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth of heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever you shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYER Praying with authorityPraying with authority

Jesus said, “Behold I give you Jesus said, “Behold I give you allall authority … authority … over over allall the power of the enemy” the power of the enemy” Luke Luke 10:1910:19

Our Lord’s order in prayer was to first bind Our Lord’s order in prayer was to first bind

the “strong man”. When admonishing Peter, the “strong man”. When admonishing Peter, Jesus said, “Get behind Me, Satan!” Jesus said, “Get behind Me, Satan!”

He first confronted the evil forces behind theHe first confronted the evil forces behind the situations/conditions. situations/conditions. E.g. Burma missionary, Handle with Prayer, p19.E.g. Burma missionary, Handle with Prayer, p19. We need to exercise that authority. When weWe need to exercise that authority. When we do Satan dreads nothing more.do Satan dreads nothing more.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERPrayers of the RighteousPrayers of the Righteous

The Lord is committed to answering the prayers of The Lord is committed to answering the prayers of the righteous.the righteous.

“ “ We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, God anyone is a worshipper of God and does His will, God listens to him.” listens to him.” John 9:31John 9:31

“ “The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.” prayers of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29Proverbs 15:29

“ “ For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their prayer.” His ears are open to their prayer.” 1 Peter 3:121 Peter 3:12

NoteNote “ “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will

forgive our sins and cleanse us from all forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9John 1:9

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYEROvercoming StrongholdsOvercoming Strongholds

A stronghold is an area of A stronghold is an area of sin sin that has that has become part of our lifestyle.become part of our lifestyle.

Our weapon to tear down these strongholds is Our weapon to tear down these strongholds is The Sword of the Spirit – God’s WordThe Sword of the Spirit – God’s Word

We need only to ask God in faith to tear down We need only to ask God in faith to tear down a stronghold and He will do it but we must a stronghold and He will do it but we must then renew our minds with God’s Word. then renew our minds with God’s Word. e.g. Pray God will breakdown the e.g. Pray God will breakdown the stronghold of condemnation, then name out stronghold of condemnation, then name out loud – loud – “There is therefore now no “There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus”. Romans 8:1Jesus”. Romans 8:1

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERAgonizing PrayerAgonizing Prayer

Our Lord’s prayer in the Garden of Our Lord’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is our most extreme Gethsemane is our most extreme example however there are many other example however there are many other examples in scripture. examples in scripture.

Epaphras, Paul’s fellow-prisoner prayed Epaphras, Paul’s fellow-prisoner prayed “agonizing” prayers according to Paul “agonizing” prayers according to Paul for his fellow Christians in Colosse – for his fellow Christians in Colosse – “Always wrestling for you”.“Always wrestling for you”.

It was Epaphras kneeling that kept the It was Epaphras kneeling that kept the Colossian Christians standing.Colossian Christians standing.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERPrayer & FastingPrayer & Fasting

Want clear direction from God then do as Daniel Want clear direction from God then do as Daniel did fast and pray.did fast and pray.

Jesus saidJesus said, “Moreover , “Moreover when (not if) you fastwhen (not if) you fast do not be like the hypocrites, with sad do not be like the hypocrites, with sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly I say to you, they have received their Assuredly I say to you, they have received their reward. But you, reward. But you, whenwhen you fast anoint your you fast anoint your head and wash your face so that you do not head and wash your face so that you do not appear to men to be fasting but to your Father appear to men to be fasting but to your Father who is in the secret place; and who is in the secret place; and your Father your Father who sees in secret will reward you who sees in secret will reward you openly.openly.””

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERPrayer of ThanksgivingPrayer of Thanksgiving

The importance and spiritual benefits of The importance and spiritual benefits of thanksgiving in our prayers cannot be thanksgiving in our prayers cannot be overemphasized. There are two main things we are overemphasized. There are two main things we are always to thank God for:always to thank God for:

1. 1. His work in creationHis work in creation

“ “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and by Your and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” will they exist and were created.” Rev 4:11Rev 4:11

2. 2. His work in redemptionHis work in redemption

“ “ And they sang a new song, saying, ‘You are worthy And they sang a new song, saying, ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood.’ slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood.’ ” ” Rev 5:9Rev 5:9

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERAmbition in PrayerAmbition in Prayer

Prayer of Jabez Prayer of Jabez – “Oh that You would – “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I might not cause pain! So God evil, that I might not cause pain! So God granted him what he requested.” granted him what he requested.” 1 1 Chron. 4:10Chron. 4:10

There is therefore ambition in There is therefore ambition in prayer which is well pleasing to prayer which is well pleasing to God. We should honour Him by God. We should honour Him by bringing worthy petitions.bringing worthy petitions.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERPraying in TonguesPraying in Tongues

““For he who speaks in a tongue does not For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one speak to men but to God, for no one understands him (unless one interprets that understands him (unless one interprets that the church receives edification); however in the church receives edification); however in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”the spirit he speaks mysteries.” 1Corinth 1Corinth 14:214:2

“ “He who speaks in tongues edifies He who speaks in tongues edifies himself.”himself.”

1 Corinth 14:41 Corinth 14:4

Paul said, I thank God that I speak in tongues Paul said, I thank God that I speak in tongues more than you all. It was obviously extremely more than you all. It was obviously extremely important for his private prayer life.important for his private prayer life.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERPraying in TonguesPraying in Tongues

As we pray in tongues we edify ourselves. The As we pray in tongues we edify ourselves. The Holy Spirit will minister to us deeply. We will Holy Spirit will minister to us deeply. We will be blessed through this outflow of Holy Spirit be blessed through this outflow of Holy Spirit prayer to the Lord.prayer to the Lord.

It is a great way to start your prayer session It is a great way to start your prayer session and come into joy and freedom.and come into joy and freedom.

Paul says, Paul says, “I will pray with the Holy Spirit, “I will pray with the Holy Spirit, and I will pray with understanding also: I and I will pray with understanding also: I will sing with the Holy Spirit, and I will will sing with the Holy Spirit, and I will sing with understanding also.”sing with understanding also.”

1 Corinth 14:151 Corinth 14:15

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERWHY PRAYERS GO UNANSWEREDWHY PRAYERS GO UNANSWERED

1.1. We must We must seek HIM firstseek HIM first not just answers to not just answers to our life’s problems. Be consumed with the our life’s problems. Be consumed with the Giver not His gifts.Giver not His gifts.

2.2. God withholds answers to teach God withholds answers to teach trust and trust and persistencepersistence in prayer. in prayer.

3.3. God may be God may be preparing uspreparing us. Sometimes we . Sometimes we need to grow spiritually in some areas need to grow spiritually in some areas before He will allow all the spiritual and before He will allow all the spiritual and material blessings He has in store for us.material blessings He has in store for us.

4.4. God may even have God may even have something bettersomething better for for us than what we asked for.us than what we asked for.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERWHY PRAYERS GO UNANSWEREDWHY PRAYERS GO UNANSWERED

5. 5. Family Relationships Family Relationships need to be put right. To need to be put right. To fellowship with our loving heavenly Father, we can’t fellowship with our loving heavenly Father, we can’t have resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness and have resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness and indifference exist in our own families.indifference exist in our own families.

6. 6. Wrong motivesWrong motives – “You ask and do not receive, – “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3your pleasures.” James 4:3

7. 7. Unwavering faithUnwavering faith – “But let him ask in faith, – “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering, for he who doubts is like a wave nothing wavering, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” James 1:6

8. 8. Focus on His WordFocus on His Word regardless of the storms and regardless of the storms and circumstances that come our way.circumstances that come our way.

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYER9. 9. SelfishnessSelfishness hinders our prayers. “Whoever hinders our prayers. “Whoever

shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.” Proverbs 21:13cry himself and not be heard.” Proverbs 21:13

10. 10. Indifference to God’s WordIndifference to God’s Word. God detests . God detests (abomination) the prayers of a man who has no (abomination) the prayers of a man who has no delight in His Word. When we live with a closed delight in His Word. When we live with a closed Bible we live with a closed heaven. Proverbs Bible we live with a closed heaven. Proverbs 28:928:9

11. 11. Unconfessed sinUnconfessed sin. Isaiah wrote, “Behold the . Isaiah wrote, “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. But save; nor His ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you for your your iniquities have separated you for your God; and your sins have hidden His face from God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2you, so that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2

EFFECTIVE PRAYEREFFECTIVE PRAYERPrayer TripletsPrayer Triplets

““Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. Choose for us some men and go out, fight Rephidim. Choose for us some men and go out, fight with Amalek.with Amalek.

Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.of God in my hand.

So Joshua did as Moses said to him and fought with So Joshua did as Moses said to him and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top Amalek. And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill.of the hill.

And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed ; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed ; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.prevailed.

But Moses hands become heavy, so they took a stone But Moses hands become heavy, so they took a stone and out ir under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and and out ir under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other side, and his hands were steady until the the other side, and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:8-13 going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:8-13