Christian Reflection and Prayer

How can I make my prayers effective?

Scripture:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you
make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon
them, and give thanks. Pray this way for kings and
all others who are in authority, so that we can live
in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT

Praying effectively

Paul urges Timothy to lift up requests, prayers,
intercession, and thanksgiving.

A request is a need, a deep desire for something we
don't have — something only God can supply.

A prayer is a word of praise and adoration. A more
accurate translation of this word from the original
Greek might be to "worship in earnest."

Intercession is praying on behalf of others. Our
prayers should regularly reflect this kind of selfless
lifestyle.

Thanksgiving involved remembering those past
prayers that have already been answered,
acknowledging that we not only trust God's
supremacy and involvement in our life but also how
his hand has moved and guided us in the past.

When we pray effectively, we do more than
communicate with God — we commune with him.
We become one in mind and spirit and purpose.
Today, let the focus of your prayer time be to
connect with God in a very real and personal way,
not as a slave would petition his master, but as a
son would enjoy the company of a loving and
gracious father.

Adapted from a devotional by Frank M. Martin in
Embracing Eternity (Tyndale House) p 36