Focus Verse: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24, NIV)
Prayer, first of all, is communication with God, where you fellowship and build relationship with him. In the course of this relationship, God encourages us to ask for the things we need. Andrew Murray, nineteenth century pastor, defines prayer as a way of drawing God’s blessings on us and the people around us.
In the face of adversity, spend time in prayer, and ask God to supply specific needs as he promises in his Word (Philippians 4:19) But there are principles for effective prayer. The late Kenneth Hagin, outlines the following steps to praying with results.
- Ask the Father in Jesus’ Name (John 16:23).
- Pray in faith (Mark 11: 24). Believe that what you ask your Father for, based on the promises in his Word, you have received.
- Forgive others (Mark 11:25). Unforgiveness can hinder your faith and block you from receiving what God has for you.
- Pray in the Spirit (Romans 8:26). The Holy Spirit helps you in prayer. He is the Helper, so depend on him to enable you as you pray effectively.
When you ask God in faith to meet specific needs in your situation, there is no need to keep asking for the same thing. But move to thanking God that he heard and answered your prayer.
Focus Activity: Take some time to read, and prayerfully meditate on the Scriptures related to the steps to effective prayer.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you that you invite me to ask you and I will receive. You are the God who answers prayer. Today, I bring this difficult situation that I am facing ——— (be specific) to you. I ask that you work in this situation ——– (make specific requests). Thank you for the changes that have already started. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
