SPECIAL TOPIC: EFFECTIVE PRAYER

A. Related to one's personal relationship with the Triune God

1. Related to the Father's will

a. Matt. 6:10

b. 1 John 3:22

c. 1 John 5:14-15

2. Abiding in Jesus

John 15:7

3. Praying in Jesus' name

a. John 14:13,14

b. John 15:16

c. John 16:23-24

4. Praying in the Spirit

a. Eph. 6:18

b. Jude 1:20

B. Related to one's personal motives

1. Not wavering

a. Matt. 21:22

b. James 1:6-7

2. Asking amiss

James 4:3

3. Asking selfishly

James 4:2-3

C. Related to one's personal choices

1. Perseverance

a. Luke 18:1-8

b. Colossians 4:2

c. James 5:16

2. Discord at home

1 Peter 3:7

3. Sin

a. Psalm 66:18

b. Isaiah 59:1-2

c. Isaiah 64:7

All prayer is answered, but not all prayer is effective. Prayer is a two-way relationship. The worst thing God could do is grant believers' inappropriate requests.