Effective prayer

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unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#1
The first thing that popped into my mind when I thought about the topic of effective prayer was this scripture.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

There it is, in black and white; the prayer of a righteous person is effective. How do we become a righteous person whose prayer will be effective and what is the healing James is referring to?

Is it..
1. observing divine laws?
2. being innocent, faultless, guiltless?
3. Not judging others according to our own viewpoint?
4. passing just judgement on others?
5. being equitable in character?
6. being humble enough to be truthful about ourselves openly?
7. not segregating God's Word into doctrinal segments?
8. being of a circumcised heart according to Deuteronomy?
9. not being self-interested leading to self-centeredness?
10. focusing on what God has given us without being jealous of others?

Be discriminate if you feel it necessary, without arguing or finding fault with other's comments. What are your thoughts, and how far should we go in the sight of God?
 

loveme1

Senior Member
Oct 30, 2011
8,083
190
63
#2
Be Faithful to the Messiah.. He taught us how to pray.

The Lord's Prayer is perfect.
 

trofimus

Senior Member
Aug 17, 2015
10,684
794
113
#3
"We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him."
J 9:31
 

unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#4
Be Faithful to the Messiah.. He taught us how to pray.

The Lord's Prayer is perfect.
Good point.

Acknowledging that the character of God is perfect and Holy, i.e. His Name.
We want righteousness to be done on this earth as it is in heaven.
We desire our spiritual daily bread.
We know we can't be forgiven if we don't forgive, but repentance and confession accompany forgiveness.
It's His glorious kingdom is really all that matters.

Nevertheless, re-sighting the prayer without heart felt conviction means nothing, because as you point out "Be Faithful to the Messiah."

 
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unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#5
"We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him."
J 9:31
There is a reason for everything God does. Biblcal stories will show us all, that there is something about prayers, and how they are answered.

One of the examples of King David left to us in the Bible is in 1 Chronicles 14, it is confirmed to David that God has set him up as king over Israel. Israel prospers, David has lots of children, and in general, things are going well.

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all of Israel, they determined to destroy him. I can just imagine the Philistines saying something like, “Aha! You killed our great soldier, Goliath, so now, David, we’ll fix your wagon!”

Hearing of this, David went to God and asked Him, “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” God replied, “Attack, I will hand them over to you.” And because God said it, that is what happened. David’s army whipped the Philistines so badly that they even left their gods there when they ran away. Not wanting to pass up a rare opportunity, David ordered his men to burn the Philistine gods to ashes.

As could be expected, that didn’t set well with the Philistines and they came back and raided the valley. Again, David asked God if he should attack and this time God said, “No,” and told David to turn away from the Philistines and engage in battle with them in another particular location. God told David to listen for a sound in the tops of the trees that sounded like marching, and then move out and attack the Philistines. David did exactly what God had told him to do so of course, the result was complete success.

Reading this made me think about how important it is to inquire of God for every move we make, even if it is a repeat of a prior event. If David had assumed God would grant him victory over the Philistines the second time just because He did the first time, I dare say the outcome would have been different. Just because a circumstance is the same as before, that does not mean that the course of events will be the same again or even that the results would be the same.
 
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unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#6
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: (Psalm 66:18)
 

loveme1

Senior Member
Oct 30, 2011
8,083
190
63
#7
That is my belief.. our Foundation is the the Messiah's Testament.. all things through Faith.

I think the Teaching us not to make vain repetition is one to bear in mind.. now some seek riches or power so ask a miss.. I think we First like Taught are to seek the Kingdom of GOD and all things added to meet our needs.

Sometimes we ask a miss.. where we should seek strength, wisdom and comfort we may ask for the solution instead of the strength, wisdom and comfort to work through the situation at hand. So if we are asked to walk 100 miles bare foot ask not for a horse or shoes but the strength to walk the 100 miles like asked..
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,173
2,536
113
#8
If my prayers have anything to do with righteousness let it not be according to my own righteousness but the righteousness of Jesus Christ. If my Prayers have anything to with strength let it not be according to my own strength but the strength of Jesus Christ. If my Prayer is answered yes or no let not be according to my own will but the will of the father.

So if I ask for healing and don't receive it no man can hold me accountable for lacking faith, and no man can hold me accountable for lacking righteousness because it was never my own righteousness that mattered. The righteous and the pure in heart are the ones who rely on his love and his righteousness and his strength because though we will always be lacking he never is
 

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
May 3, 2017
3,706
4,072
113
62
#9
There is a reason for everything God does. Biblcal stories will show us all, that there is something about prayers, and how they are answered.

One of the examples of King David left to us in the Bible is in 1 Chronicles 14, it is confirmed to David that God has set him up as king over Israel. Israel prospers, David has lots of children, and in general, things are going well.

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all of Israel, they determined to destroy him. I can just imagine the Philistines saying something like, “Aha! You killed our great soldier, Goliath, so now, David, we’ll fix your wagon!”

Hearing of this, David went to God and asked Him, “Should I attack the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” God replied, “Attack, I will hand them over to you.” And because God said it, that is what happened. David’s army whipped the Philistines so badly that they even left their gods there when they ran away. Not wanting to pass up a rare opportunity, David ordered his men to burn the Philistine gods to ashes.

As could be expected, that didn’t set well with the Philistines and they came back and raided the valley. Again, David asked God if he should attack and this time God said, “No,” and told David to turn away from the Philistines and engage in battle with them in another particular location. God told David to listen for a sound in the tops of the trees that sounded like marching, and then move out and attack the Philistines. David did exactly what God had told him to do so of course, the result was complete success.

Reading this made me think about how important it is to inquire of God for every move we make, even if it is a repeat of a prior event. If David had assumed God would grant him victory over the Philistines the second time just because He did the first time, I dare say the outcome would have been different. Just because a circumstance is the same as before, that does not mean that the course of events will be the same again or even that the results would be the same.
Hi un...Thats a great point you made there about always going to God first even if He has helped us in the same circumstances, this is telling me from you have wrote that we must never take God for granted, to always call upon His name...Thank you for that...I love picking up little nuggets like that, we are to learn from each other according to Gods Word...xox...:)...
 

MarcR

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2015
5,486
183
63
#10
The first thing that popped into my mind when I thought about the topic of effective prayer was this scripture.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

There it is, in black and white; the prayer of a righteous person is effective. How do we become a righteous person whose prayer will be effective and what is the healing James is referring to?

Is it..
1. observing divine laws?
2. being innocent, faultless, guiltless?
3. Not judging others according to our own viewpoint?
4. passing just judgement on others?
5. being equitable in character?
6. being humble enough to be truthful about ourselves openly?
7. not segregating God's Word into doctrinal segments?
8. being of a circumcised heart according to Deuteronomy?
9. not being self-interested leading to self-centeredness?
10. focusing on what God has given us without being jealous of others?

Be discriminate if you feel it necessary, without arguing or finding fault with other's comments. What are your thoughts, and how far should we go in the sight of God?
There is none righteous no not one. We can't do anything to make ourselves righteous!

When Jesus gives us His righteous, we are righteous. That is the ONLY way.
 

unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#11
There is none righteous no not one. We can't do anything to make ourselves righteous!

When Jesus gives us His righteous, we are righteous. That is the ONLY way.
You're right about that, and to add....

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8)

And if we fail to seek, ask, and knock, with sincerity, we won't receive it.
 
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Joidevivre

Senior Member
Jul 15, 2014
3,838
271
83
#12
In Hebrews 10th chapter, we are invited to come boldly into the most holy sanctuary with no hesitation. For Christ opened up the way. For our hearts have been sprinkled with blood to remove impurities, and we have been freed from an accusing conscience and now we are clean and presentable to God.

The blood of Christ has made us righteous enough to be heard by God. A righteous man/woman knows this and their faith counts for their righteousness.
 

OneFaith

Senior Member
Sep 5, 2016
2,270
369
83
#13
The first thing that popped into my mind when I thought about the topic of effective prayer was this scripture.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

There it is, in black and white; the prayer of a righteous person is effective. How do we become a righteous person whose prayer will be effective and what is the healing James is referring to?

Is it..
1. observing divine laws?
2. being innocent, faultless, guiltless?
3. Not judging others according to our own viewpoint?
4. passing just judgement on others?
5. being equitable in character?
6. being humble enough to be truthful about ourselves openly?
7. not segregating God's Word into doctrinal segments?
8. being of a circumcised heart according to Deuteronomy?
9. not being self-interested leading to self-centeredness?
10. focusing on what God has given us without being jealous of others?

Be discriminate if you feel it necessary, without arguing or finding fault with other's comments. What are your thoughts, and how far should we go in the sight of God?
I think it means physical and spiritual healing. We no longer have miracles, but faith still remains, and can do much good through the power of prayer, if that prayer is in accordance to God's Will. Had we lived with Paul, we would have prayed for him, and he prayed for himself, still God chose to leave the 'thorn' in his flesh, saying "My grace is sufficient for you." But I believe prayer has cured cancer, and helped a brother turn from his wicked ways.
 
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unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#14
I think it means physical and spiritual healing. We no longer have miracles, but faith still remains, and can do much good through the power of prayer, if that prayer is in accordance to God's Will. Had we lived with Paul, we would have prayed for him, and he prayed for himself, still God chose to leave the 'thorn' in his flesh, saying "My grace is sufficient for you." But I believe prayer has cured cancer, and helped a brother turn from his wicked ways.
Amen!!
Within the area in which we are called, it just might be that our hindrances should continue in order for us be be more effective within God's Kingdom through Christ Jesus. In that area, our desires cannot be different than His. When we realize that, His desires become our desires, and then our prayers are effective.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
 
Sep 3, 2016
6,337
527
113
#15
The first thing that popped into my mind when I thought about the topic of effective prayer was this scripture.

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

There it is, in black and white; the prayer of a righteous person is effective. How do we become a righteous person whose prayer will be effective and what is the healing James is referring to?

Is it..
1. observing divine laws?
2. being innocent, faultless, guiltless?
3. Not judging others according to our own viewpoint?
4. passing just judgement on others?
5. being equitable in character?
6. being humble enough to be truthful about ourselves openly?
7. not segregating God's Word into doctrinal segments?
8. being of a circumcised heart according to Deuteronomy?
9. not being self-interested leading to self-centeredness?
10. focusing on what God has given us without being jealous of others?

Be discriminate if you feel it necessary, without arguing or finding fault with other's comments. What are your thoughts, and how far should we go in the sight of God?
We are righteous (complete in Him-pure) by placing our Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross, i.e., Finished Work, i.e., The Blood of Jesus, daily. This allows the Holy Spirit the legal means to keep all laws and commandments and do what needs to be done in the Believes life because they are justified and have entered into progressive sanctification. God will not except anything by man (woman) involving the flesh.

The Believer most humble themselves by recognizing there is no good in them, no strength, and no hope in themselves daily. But today when I place my Faith exclusively in Your beloved Son (who He is and what He has done at Calvary) whom You are please, I am complete in Him and I receive all the benefits of Calvary Cross.

This is a righteous person. Anything and everything else is tingling cymbals and sounding brass.
 
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Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,173
2,536
113
#16
Amen!!
Within the area in which we are called, it just might be that our hindrances should continue in order for us be be more effective within God's Kingdom through Christ Jesus. In that area, our desires cannot be different than His. When we realize that, His desires become our desires, and then our prayers are effective.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
I have always wanted the gift of healing but I like how you said within the area we are called because while I may not be able to have the gift of healing with the physical he has often times used me to heal the inner wounds of people. In seeing him do this I learned there is more than one kind of healing and sometimes the inner healing is needed more than physical
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,173
2,536
113
#17
We are righteous (complete in Him-pure) by placing our Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross, i.e., Finished Work, i.e., The Blood of Jesus, daily. This allows the Holy Spirit the legal means to keep all laws and commandments and do what needs to be done in the Believes life because they are justified and have entered into progressive sanctification. God will not except anything by man (woman) involving the flesh.

The Believer most humble themselves by recognizing there is no good in them, no strength, and no hope in themselves daily. But today when I place my Faith exclusively in Your beloved Son (who He is and what He has done at Calvary) whom You are please, I am complete in Him and I receive all the benefits of Calvary Cross.

This is a righteous person. Anything and everything else is tingling cymbals and sounding brass.
Exactly, it was never our own strength or righteousness that mattered it was always his. I am all to aware of my own weakness and everything i am lacking in and I fall down and screw up so much and yet because I know the freedom in relying on his strength and his righteousness and his love I can get back up and keep moving ahead with completed abandon without fear because while I may be lacking he never is.

This is the freedom of the cross and it is such hearts that know and live in this freedom that the impossible is easily possible,besides it's way to much of a hassle to do all this relying on ourselves
 
Sep 6, 2014
7,034
5,435
113
#18
Pray to the Father from the heart. In truth, with faith, and fear through Jesus Christ.
Also do this without pride, hypocrisy or vanity in your heart.

Psalm 51

Isaiah 59


Matthew 6:5-16

Luke 12:5

James 4


Hebrews 12:28-29

2 Timothy 2:5

Again.......
Pray to the Father from the heart. In truth, with faith, and fear through Jesus Christ.
Also do this without pride, hypocrisy or vanity in your heart.


"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
 

unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#19
We are righteous (complete in Him-pure) by placing our Faith exclusively in Christ and the Cross, i.e., Finished Work, i.e., The Blood of Jesus, daily. This allows the Holy Spirit the legal means to keep all laws and commandments and do what needs to be done in the Believes life because they are justified and have entered into progressive sanctification. God will not except anything by man (woman) involving the flesh.

The Believer most humble themselves by recognizing there is no good in them, no strength, and no hope in themselves daily. But today when I place my Faith exclusively in Your beloved Son (who He is and what He has done at Calvary) whom You are please, I am complete in Him and I receive all the benefits of Calvary Cross.

This is a righteous person. Anything and everything else is tingling cymbals and sounding brass.
Yes, without Faith we truly are nothing. Nevertheless, works must accompany faith, otherwise the faith means nothing according to the half brother of Jesus, James. In your opinion, what should our response be toward His greatness, and giving by His grace? I understand the humbleness we should have, but is there any more that you can think of, for the sake of edification to those that are on this thread? Should we daily study and ask for His will, and then do it as we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ? Including me.
 

unobtrusive

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2017
916
25
18
#20
I have always wanted the gift of healing but I like how you said within the area we are called because while I may not be able to have the gift of healing with the physical he has often times used me to heal the inner wounds of people. In seeing him do this I learned there is more than one kind of healing and sometimes the inner healing is needed more than physical
OH, how true that is! Thank you my friend, for that understanding that you share. It's all about His will isn't it?!