The conditions of a successful prayer | Back to articles | Articles sitemap |

Conditions are a part of every day human life. People must meet certain “conditions” if they want to immigrate into another country. For an invention to work properly certain “conditions” must be met first. For example a light bulb needs electricity to work properly. A car needs fuel to drive and a computer needs a hard drive to store information. Did you know that prayer also has conditions that must be met to be successful?

Firstly, contrary to what many believe, there is a right way to pray, and a wrong way to pray. The biggest prayer mistakes are prayers based on fear. Fear based prayers can be disastrous. When an issue arises that needs prayer, remember first what the Word of God has to say about it. Then use God’s Word to back up your prayer, and trust in Him. God’s Word cannot fail. Now by praying this way you are praying in faith, not fear. A faith based prayer, having faith in God, is the first step towards a successful prayer. Remember the Bible tells us we are to "walk by faith, not by sight". (see 2 Corinthians 5:7)

For a prime example of successful prayers we can look at Jesus. Some might say: “Oh he was the Son of God, of course his prayers always got answered!” However, did you notice how much time Jesus spent in prayer? Or how much Jesus fasted? By the time some sort of crisis arose Jesus was already prayed up and fasted up. He didn’t wait until there was a problem to start fasting and praying. He knew if he did it would be based on fear, not faith. Jesus believed he overcame the obstacle put in his path before the problems was even there! We should follow Jesus’ example.

Also remember that we don’t need to have great amounts of faith, but faith that does not waver in any way. The Bible tells us this: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:5-8) If our faith begins to waver it’s because we are letting fear take control. Faith wavers because of fear. Now we know that we don’t need to have huge amounts of faith because Jesus said: “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible unto you.” (Matthew 17:20) A mustard seed is tiny! However take note that a mustard seed does not cross pollinate with any other seed, thus even further underlining how important it is for our faith not to become contaminated by fear. We can keep faith uncontaminated and unwavering by keeping our spirits filled with the Word of God. Rebuke fear, doubt anxiety and worry. You must refuse to doubt in your heart.

When it comes to answered prayers, your faith must be put to use in the right areas. When you’re praying for something, believe what you’re praying for will be given. Believing is having faith. Take authority and command to come to pass what you’re asking. God gave our words such power because he intended us to use them this way.

Pray for God’s will. God’s will is always the best way. What God has planned for us is better then anything we can plan for ourselves. Sometimes it may seem like we are being led in another direction, however keep in mind that God does not operate, or think like we do. Also we cannot see the future, or know what lies ahead. He does. When you pray do not say “Lord, if it is your will” concerning something that is definitely promised of God in His Word. If He has already promised it, then it is His will.

When your done praying continue to stand in faith unwavering. Thank, praise and give glory to God for giving you what you asked for. Keep in mind however that "no" is also an answer to a prayer. The purpose of this article is not to help get us whatever it is "we" think we need from God; it is to offer prayer guidance. God's sovereign will has the final say and we must learn to accept a "no" from God when He chooses to deny us. We might not always understand God, but that should not stop us from trusting in Him completely. Finally remember to stay away from sin, and operate in love, because "faith worketh by love." (Galatians 5:6). Keep your life and heart clean, as well as your relationship with the world. These guidelines are not something new. They are all from the Bible. When we follow the Bible, and therefore God’s Word, we cannot go wrong.

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