Dear conqueror in Christ:
Let’s give highest praise for the privilege of focusing on ways to make our prayers effective. Fundamentally prayer is communication with God. This communication is sometimes fruitless because it is not done in accordance with divine prescription. Sin is a hindrance to effective prayer. That’s what the psalmist meant when he said: ”If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened;“ (Psalms 66:18). In light of our need for answered prayer, we must take all necessary steps to pray so as to be heard from God. Like the disciples who said: “Lord, teach us to pray,” Luke 11:1), let’s go to Jesus for a lesson.
Jesus teaches that we must pray with faith: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.“ (Mark 11:24). Faith results in miracles. Secondly our prayers will not ascend to God unless done under the wings of forgiveness. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches : “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.“ (Matt 6:12). Additionally, Jesus teaches to pray with fervor like the persistent widow who got justice from a wicked judge. He affirms ”will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?“ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. “ (Luke 18:7-8). Keep praying, for God answers prayer.
Excelsior
Bishop Leon