"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) The essence of prayer is to get results, to have your prayers answered. Many people pray but get no results because they do not know how to pray effectively. Our Father really wants to answer ALL our prayers but we need to know how to effectively pray and receive these answers.
Prayer is a channel of communication with God and for you to effectively communicate with Him, you need to identify who He is to you. If you see God as a task master you will relate and talk to Him as a hard boss. But if you see Him as a father, you will relate and talk to Him as a child would talk to his father. It is very important to identify your level of relationship with God because this will affect your state of mind and mode of approach in prayers.
In addition to knowing your relationship with God, you need to know and practice the following steps on how to pray effectively:
1. Believe that God will answer you.
Doubting God's will to answer you will produce no result no matter how long you pray and cry to Him. God says in 3 John 2 that He wishes above all things that we prosper and be health, even as our souls prosper. So, you must believe that He will answer you to get results.
2. You need to know and meditate on what God says about that issue you want to pray about.
This will strengthen your faith in God and His willingness to answer you. The Word of God concerning that issue will become very real to you. Also, it will drive away any form of fear, doubt or unbelief that will try to stop you from receiving your answers.
3. Get rid of hindrances to answered prayer
There is need for you to deal with anything the devil can use to accuse you before God. These include unforgiveness, bitterness, unconfessed sin, etc. God is a just judge and if you harbour any of such things, you will not receive your answer. In Mathew 6:12, 14, 15, Jesus encourages us to forgive others so we can receive same from God.
4. Start prayers with thanksgiving and praise
Psalm 100:4 tells us that we are to enter God's presence with thanksgiving and praise. Don't be in hurry to start making your request known to God. First appreciate God for who He is and for His goodness unto you. In the Lord's Prayer (Mathew 6:9-13), Jesus showed us an example of how we must first praise and glorify God before asking for anything from Him.
5. Pray God's words.
God wants you to remind Him of His words, not how bad the devil has worked against you or your loved one. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us that when we pray according to God's will, He hears us and whatsoever we ask He will do for us. Therefore, God answers according to what He said in the bible.
6. Pray for God's kingdom and for all men
We were admonished both by Jesus (Mathew 6:10) and Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-3) to always pray first for God's will to be done on earth and also for all men especially our leaders. Paul says that it is good and acceptable in the sight of our father, God.
7. After making your request known, believe that you have received
As Mark 11:24 says, when you have made your requests known unto God, you must believe that God has already answered you. Believing you have received before you see the result shows that you actually have faith in God and His ability to give you the results you desire. This is a crucial step on how to pray effectively and get results.
8. End with thanksgiving and expect a physical manifestation of your answer.
Thanking God at the end shows that you believe it is settled and done. And Proverbs 24:14 says that your expectation shall not be cut off. You will receive what you expect. So, expect a manifestation of what you have asked of God.
9. Refuse to doubt
Many times after prayers, the enemy will come to test your faith. He will send thoughts of unbelief to make you doubt whether God will do as you have requested of Him. At this point you need to steadfastly resist the devil's suggestions for as long as he persists. The bible says that he will flee when we resist him, James 4:7
10. Declare your victory
Say as often as you can and to as many people who will listen as possible, that you believe that God has answered your prayers. Mark 11:23 says that you shall have what you say. Declaring your victory gets God's attention and puts the angels to work in order to get your results established.
Many people get frustrated and discouraged when they pray and get no results. And this is not the will of God for us. Following the above steps on how to pray effectively will surely ensure you get results. Our father wants to answer our prayers. Even when the answer seems delayed, God will surely bring it to pass. Therefore, next time you get talking to God, practice the steps and you will have the answers knocking on your door.
How else can you pray and get results effectively?
About the Author
Ngozi Nwoke Is a teacher and a counselor. She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy peace, God's love and christian living for more fulfilling life. Want more fulfilling life? subscribe for free email updates today. http://stepswithgod.com
Article Source : http://goarticles.com/article/10-Steps-On-How-to-Pray-Effectively-and-Get-Results-Now/4331963/
