Seven Plus One Causes &

Cures for Ineffective Prayer 

We tend to think that prayer is some peoples’ jobs but not the real work of daily life and work for me, for God and for mankind. Ask yourself, “What do I believe about the importance of my own prayers?” 

Then  look at my actual practice of prayer.

A simple method of daily prayer anywhere, anytime

 Dick Eastman (author of The Hour that Changes The World by Prayer) suggests taking one or two of the 96 fifteen minute periods in a day, spend the the first five in thanks and praise, then five in prayer for closest relationships, then five for the nations and peoples of the world. Many prayer tools are available like the Ignatius style daily devotional heard at http://www.pray-as-you-go.org/

The point is to overcome the obstacles to prayer we need a plan, a program, a habit, a way, an accountability.

John Wesley reformed the culture of Great Britain and brought continuous transformation in the lives of generations and nations through his method of prayer and small group accountability, which became the basis for the Methodist Church. He said, “God will do nothing apart from prayer.”  

     

In last week’s sermon I referenced Paul Billheimer’s book Destined For The Throne, where he writes that prayer is the training program for us, the body of Christ, to prepare us to share his throne as his bride in the fullness of his eternal kingdom. Individually and corporately, we are his temple, his house of prayer for all peoples, and our work, our business, our school, our relationships, our use of all the resources of earth, our part in the reformation of the culture all spring out of abiding in Him to come into heart agreement and pray.

Obstacles We Must Overcome to Pray

     1.     Exchange prayerlessness for prayerfullness “the more you pray the more you will pray.  

             the less -the less”

     2.     Exchange sinful weak character  (unforgiveness, selfishness, laziness, apathy of the 

             flesh) with the inward righteousness of person and presence of Christ.

     3.     Exchange pride in religious practice (like going to church) with humility and     

             brokenness.

     4.     Exchange focus on performance, personality, gifting or position in others or even 

             ourselves with God’s heart.

     5.     Exchange reliance on programs and ideas with actual prayer alone and together.

     6.     Spiritual Warfare and resistance of demonic authorities.

     7.     Lack of perseverance to press through these obstacles.

Plus One: the main cause and main cure for ineffective prayer

     

The problem is lack of faith.

“Be it unto you according to your faith.”

     

The cure is faith which comes by God’s Word spoken in my mouth and activated in my heart by the Spirit of God.

      

“Speech is the instrument for the manifestation of the spirit.” God spoke the Word into creation. He has given us the power of life and death in our tongues. Jesus said, “The words I speak to you are spirit and life.” Therefore when we speak His word from our spirit man, God is creating and acting.

      

The Scripture is the inspired word of God. Jesus is the Living Word. Man shall not live by bread alone but by the proceeding word of God. The word of God is near you, even in your mouth. Faith comes by hearing God’s Word. If you abide in me and my words abide in you will ask what you will and it shall be done for the glory of the Father.

      

Here are some more:  I watch over my Word to perform it...ask and keep on asking...everyone who asks receives...Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them and you shall have them…

 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. Mark 11:22-24.

2012 God Present; pruning and producing: John 15:2 Abide in God and his Word abide in you, then you will have his love, his joy and He will produce fruit that will last forever as you pray and work.   

-PD