1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing. (KJV)
Prior to becoming intentional in my walk with God, I used to treat prayer like medicine. I only did it when I felt like I needed it and I was never sure if it would work.
Many of us believers still do this even though we know the word of God makes it clear that we are to pray always, without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and actually believe in God for what we are praying for (Matthew 21: 22). However, by abiding by biblical principles of prayer, we can transform our prayer lives for the better.
This way we can take full advantage of the power of prayer to draw us closer to God and partner with Him to effect change in our personal lives and the world. Here are 4 keys to strengthening your prayer life.
Believe That God Hears Your Prayers and Will Respond
“Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Mark 11:24
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”1 John 5:14-15
Always Pray, No Matter What
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Partner With Other Believers to Pray
“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:19-20
Live Righteously
“And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.” 1 John 3:22
“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” James 5:16
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the opportunity to connect and communicate with you through prayer. I repent for any way in which I have taken prayer for granted and I pray that you will forgive me in Jesus’ name. Lord, help me to abide by these biblical principles of prayer that I may be a more effective and fruitful servant of Yours, in Jesus’ name. Amen.