“It is the effectual, fervent prayer that influences God.” – E.M. Bounds

“Prayer delights God’s ear; it melts His heart.” – Thomas Watson

“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” – Oswald Chambers

“Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.” – George Herbert

All of us are on our own spiritual journey – a pathway that eventually leads us back to our Creator.  Along the way, we encounter different obstacles that challenge us, help us grow, and provide us with deeper insight into what this life of ours is all about.

This past year, prayer has become an integral part of my own pathway.  I’ve never prayed more and with such intensity!  The Scriptures tell us that as we move closer to God, God moves closer to us (James 4:8), and within this coming together, I have heard from Him more and seen Him at work within my life in ways I never have before.  For me, prayer has made the separation or the veil between this world and the heavenly realm more transparent – feeding my soul and strengthening my inner man – the part of me that matters most.

This focus on prayer has brought with it many questions:  What kinds of prayers deepen my connection with God? Is there a mindset or a ritual that makes prayer more effectual?  Are there prayers that move us even closer to the Lord than others?

Here are some things I have pondered about effectual prayer, and I hope you do as well when it comes to your own prayers and communication with God.

Persistence

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and persistent in prayer.” – Romans 12:12 BSB

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 4:2 NKJV

“Be unceasing and persistent in prayer…” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Amplified Bible

God wants us to be persistent in our prayer life.  There is something about determined, tenacious prayer that moves His heart closer to ours.  Resolute prayer reveals our level of faith, clarifies our motives, and gives us a sense of peace within the circumstances we face.

Faith and Expectancy 

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” – Jesus speaking in Mark 11:24 NLT

“And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” – 1 John 5:15 NLT

God is moved by the level of our faith in Him.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, demonstrates that faith to a greater degree than expectancy – a confidence that what we ask for in prayer is already accomplished and completed.  This unique combination adds power to our prayers in a way that is beyond our ability to fathom!

Throughout the Scriptures, faith and expectancy were always rewarded!

“Listen!  The Lord’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call.” – Isaiah 59:1 NLT

Sincere, Righteous Humility

 “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” – James 5:16 NLT

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” – Psalm 145:18 NIV

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:6 NIV

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.  And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” – Romans 3:22 NLT

When we approach God with sincerity and with truthfulness about who we are and what we face, God moves closer to us as the Psalmist writes above.  This kind of humility shows God our reverence toward who He is and His power to act within our lives.

The “righteous” person is not someone who does everything perfectly, but one who believes that Christ has made them righteous before the Father.  By this humble recognition of what our Savior has done for us, we can approach the throne of grace boldly, knowing he intercedes for us!

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16 ESV

“Therefore He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God].” – Hebrews 7:25 Amplified Bible

Listening for the Gentle Whisper

“When I think of whispers, I think of tenderness, gentleness, and beauty, and that was God’s voice.  The hard part with whispers though, is we have to be listening for them.  They are just loud enough that only the people listening will hear and those who are distracted won’t.” – Jefferson Bethke

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

God promises to answer our prayers, but too often we never wait and listen for His response.  I love the quote above from Bethke – reminding us that God himself humbly speaks to us in whispers – never intrusive or demonstrative, but gentle, loving, and merciful in nature.

My own prayer life improved ten-fold when I began the practice of quietly listening for God’s voice deep inside.  That voice inside never contradicts His principles or His written Word, and you will recognize it when you hear it.

“My sheep know my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27 NIV

Thy Will Be Done – Surrendering the Outcome

“Thy kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” – Jesus teaching us to pray in Matthew 6:10 CSB

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” – Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26:39 ESV

Prayer that is filled with surrendering all to God’s will is prayer that is guaranteed to be answered! When we let go of our own wishes and desires and ask God to work out His way and His will within our circumstances, we can be assured that the BEST answer to our needs is on its way.

When I have prayed for needs to be met yet relinquishing my will and the outcome to God’s will, I have noticed how God began to influence my perspective – revealing His will for me in the situation I faced.  Effectual prayer can change us as we move closer to God and His wisdom within our circumstances.  Like Jesus, add to the end of your prayers, “Not as I will, but as you will.”

I hope today you start praying more and thinking about the keys that make your prayers more impactful and meaningful.  Trust that God is moved by your fervent persistence, your faith, and the expectancy you have in your heart – knowing He will answer you as He has promised. 

With reverence, humbly come to Him in truth and sincerity – pouring out your heart and your needs to Him.  Be open and honest – knowing that you can approach God boldly because of the righteousness imparted to you through your faith in Jesus Christ.  Your right-standing with the Father comes from Him! 

Take time during your prayers to listen for that gentle whisper inside – from a God who promises to give us the answers we seek.  As you draw closer to God, He has promised to draw closer to you – providing the guidance and direction you need.

Most importantly, surrender all you pray for to God’s will and desired outcome – knowing that His way is perfect and His timing within your circumstances impeccable!  Trust that His answers are always the BEST for you, my friend!

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything!  Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4: 6-7 NLT

May God bless you today and always!