We are told in the Bible in Jas 5:16b, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” So, we ought to recognize the great power of prayer and utilize it to its fullest. Effectual prayer is prayer that gets an answer. Fervent prayer is earnest prayer, importunate prayer [troublesomely urgent; unreasonably solicitous], full of zeal, sincerity and intensity. God says that when we pray that way, we can get something done.

Prayer Types

1 Tim 2:1 identifies four major types of prayer – they are:

· Supplications [humble prayers like Jesus prayed in Gethsemane Matt 26:39, “nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt],

· Prayers [be specific – a man traveling on foot to a revival meeting prayed for seat near the front because he couldn’t hear, shoes because his were worn out an unsightly, and a bed because he couldn’t make prior arrangements for a place to stay – the Lord answered all three of his prayers the first day he arrived at the standing room only meeting],

· Intercessions [Paul prayed for others Rom 1:9 and requested that they pray for him Eph 6:18-20, Samuel said it was a sin not to pray for others 1 Sam 12:23], and

· Giving of thanks [praying with thanksgiving 1 Thes 5:18, Phil 4:6]

Prayer Instructions

· Pray without reservation – Heb 4:16 with 2 Cor 12:7-10 my grace is sufficient for thee

· Pray without worry – Phil 4:6-7 don’t worry and fret – just pray and trust God

· Pray without ceasing – 1 Thes 5:17 without ceasing – always Lk 18:1

· Pray without vanity – Matt 6:7 don’t use vain repetitions like Hail Mary’s – but praying continually the same request is ok [not vain to pray for your kids to get right with God] Lk 18:5-8, Lk 11:5-10 importunity keeps praying till the answer comes through

Prayer Conditions

· Ask – Matt 7:7

· Ask in Jesus Name – Jn 14:13-14 this is not a mere formality

· Ask in agreement with others – Matt 18:19-20 get some people praying with you

· Ask according to the will of God – 1 Jn 5:14-15 – so study the Bible to know his will

· Ask believing – Mk 11:24 – with Jas 1:6-8 and not wavering – rest in the quiet confidence that the Lord is going to take care of your request

· Ask in fellowship with the Lord – Jn 15:7 – it’s always easier to ask when you are in good fellowship with the Lord

· Ask for God’s glory – Jn 14:13, Ps 50:15

Prayer Hindrances

· Unconfessed sin – Is 59:2, Ps 66:18

· Not honoring your wife – 1 Pet 3:7

· Not asking – Jas 4:2 with Mt 7:7

· Asking selfishly – Jas 4:3

· Neglecting the words of God – Prov 28:9 if you are not going to listen to God, why should he listen to you