How to Pray and Get Results
Throughout the Bible, God calls people to partner, or co-labor, with Him, and the same is true for us today.
1 Corinthians 3:9, NIV says, “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.”
When we pray, we are partnering in agreement with Him that His will be done on earth as in heaven.
In ministry, Jesus was so multi-faceted. He was boldness and kindness, gentleness and firm; all embodied as God in the flesh. So when his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, he did so without batting an eye.
“Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.’”
Luke 11:1, NKJV
Throughout His word, we see the goodness of a loving Father who longs to teach us and give revelation to those who seek Him. And that encompasses insight into prayer, as well.
Prayer Is Something You Are Taught
Sometimes we pray for something and don’t receive the results we had hoped for or expected. And it is in these circumstances that I think the devil tiptoes in to persuade us that prayer doesn’t work. However, we know it does work!
Just like within marriage, prayer is a skill you learn. It is a mutual relationship that requires intentionality and work.
As you are intentional about connecting with God through prayer, you will grow together, learn how to pray, and learn more about who He is in your life and those around you.
Prayer Doesn’t Require Perfection
Can you imagine what it would be like to be there with the disciples in Luke 11:1? Here we have Jesus praying and one of his disciples so desperate to pray like Jesus did that he simply asked to be taught.
I believe when we come to God with the same spirit of longing to be taught, He will listen and teach us all the same.
I have been a believer longer than I have been married, and I have been with my husband for over four deceased! However, even though I have been a believer for over half my life, I still feel like a novice pray-er!
Be encouraged; we aren’t meant to be perfect when it comes to the treasures and disciplines of the kingdom of God. And while you may not feel skilled at praying, take heart; just because you feel unskilled doesn’t mean it isn’t working.
Prayer Requires a Childlike Faith
Go to God as a child would, believing with childlike faith.
My grandchildren amaze me because they believe so effortlessly!
My young granddaughter was visiting, and when I asked her if she wanted to do something, she simply and matter-of-factly said to me, “Mawmaw, my daddy says I am just too little.”
While her daddy wasn’t stifling the things she could do, he did know what her little body could handle. And she knew the boundaries her daddy placed because she believed what he said to be true.
That’s exactly how God wants us to come to him – believing what He says as truth and knowing without a shadow of a doubt that if He says He will do something, we can wholeheartedly believe it.
So how do we learn to pray effective prayers? Here are three practices to strengthen your prayer life.
3 Effective Ways to Strengthen Your Prayer Life
Have Ongoing Conversations with God
Throughout your day, carry on conversations with God. Talk to Him on your morning walks, while you’re running errands, and as you are cooking dinner. He just longs to be with you, so engaging in this practice is an intentional way of bringing Him into your day.
Ask God to Give You the Grace to Pray
Ask God daily to help you pray effective and meaningful prayers. He is a good Father who gives to those who ask in His name. His grace is countless, and His heart is merciful. Just ask Him!
Listen
Prayer requires the skill of listening. As you engage in prayer time, I encourage you to start by quieting your mind, body, and emotions. Take a deep breath and exhale the clutter in your thoughts. Then, meditate on his goodness and how much you love Him.
Sister, keep praying and believing for the big things! We can ask anything in Christ’s name, and He will do it because He says so.
So beloved students of God, let’s keep learning how to pray because there is a world out there that needs you.
What bold and effective things are you praying for?