Effective prayer
The Beginning of the creation of God
‘And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, “These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God”’ (Rev 3:14, NKJV). Why does Jesus address the Laodicean Christians in this manner?
And the woman shall say ‘Amen, Amen’
In Numbers 5:22, the word ‘Amen’ is mentioned in the Bible for the very first time: ‘And the woman shall say, “Amen, Amen”’ (ESV). What important lesson about the ‘Amen’ does God want us to learn?
Through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken
The Bible tells us: ‘For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:20, NIV) How does your ‘Amen’ sound before God?
If two of you agree
Jesus says: “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” (Matt. 18:19, ESV) How can we begin to pray in agreement with one another?
That your Father may forgive you
Jesus says: “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25, ESV) Is there any unforgiveness in your heart?
When He has tested me
Are you still waiting for God’s answer to a prayer you’ve been praying for a long time? Why does God make us wait?
And he was called a friend of God
The Bible tells us that ‘“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” – and he was called a friend of God’ (James 2:23, ESV). Do you want to be a friend of God?
As a little child
Jesus says: “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14, NKJV) Do you go to God as a little child?
Your faith has made you well
“Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” (Mark 5:34, ESV) These were the words of Jesus to the woman who touched His garments. How much faith do you have?
Repentance
What is repentance? And what has repentance to do with being able to pray effectively?
Every one, turned to his own way
‘All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way.’ (Isa. 53:6a, ESV) When you pray, do you expect things to be done your way?
Arise, call out to your God!
When God hurled a great wind upon the sea, the ship captain had to awaken Jonah: “What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your God!” (Jonah 1:6, ESV) What is your attitude towards prayer?