How to Pray, and see results.

[Adam Knowlden]

I just wanted to post this as many seem to not understand the true meaning of how to pray.

First remember you can talk to God about anything.

And don't be afraid to express your true feelings. If you are hurt tell God, if you are mad, angry, etc. tell Him, and tell Him you need help to stop being like that.

"God that person really makes me mad, he/she did this to me (insert complaint here). I know I am not to hold bitterness in my heart. But I do have bitterness/anger/hate. I need you to help me with the power of the Holy Spirit, to remove that yoke. Get it out God. You said in your Word,you would break the chains for the humble in heart. Well I'm humbling myself before you. Help me."

I do all the time. We're real people that have real problems. He understands, that's why He's there. We don't need to do all that religious acting in front of Him. He sees in our heart so there really is no point in pretending with Him.

Jesus established God as a Father. Before Jesus started calling Him "Our Father" it was unthinkable to characterize God in this manner. No Jew would have prayed to God calling Him "Father". But Jesus told us to talk to Him like a Father. Telling Him everything, openly and honestly.

Here are some commands on prayer, its very important to follow these instructions:

<font color="red"> And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.


</font>

So Christ said:

1. Don't do religious prayers- ie, repeating lines like they are some sort of magical ritual.

God doesn't respond to that. The Lord wants a relationship with us, not some superficial relgious phoniness.

2. Spend time alone with God daily and have a set place to do so. I pray in my closet! Its a secret place where God can meet you.

3. Do not pray small- God has heaps of blessings stored up. But people roll over and say, "thy will be done", Christ only did that after He presented His case to God. He argued with God until God said "no", and so can you. Do not settle for "thy will be done" before you present the case to God and He says, "no". Do not be afraid to pray big. God likes that. In fact I argue with God in my prayers.

<font color="red"> 5 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
</font>

Come boldly, we are the righteousness of Christ. Do not let the devil remind you of all your sins. Come to Him boldly and declare the blessings you want. There may be a price for your requests, but we'll talk about that later. The main point is, don't limit God and pray boldly.

God likes that. Remember we have a blood covenant. God is bound to His Word, He does not lie and He does not break His promises. And when He sees you He sees His Son, perfect and Holy.

I will explain more later.

I just want you guys to have effective prayers. I think many have the wrong impression of how to pray.

[Kitosho]

Oldschool - Thanks for this! Trust me, it has not fallen on deaf ears here - this really helped me.

[bennyhanna1]

awesome! thanks a bunch!

[Adam Knowlden]

SUre thing guys! I'll get into more later. Prayer is the single most powerful thing on this planet. Its vital to understand the truth of prayer. Satan clouds us with religion to keep us away from this right we have to tap into the Blessings of God. God desires to work in our lives, but He wants us to ask Him to do it...

Before I go...There is also this notion that when we pray it has to be some long drawn out procedure. Not so. We need to get out of that relgious mentality.

"I've been a good Christian, I did my 30 mins today!" Why do we think that gives us brownie points to God? He wants authentic prayer, not rituals. Prayer with meaning and power.

Moreover, prayer is not a burden, but a privelage!

"Ug, I have to do my praying today"

Think about this, you have the ability to talk to a God who has unlimited resources and is just waiting for you to ask Him for them!

"Ye have not because you ask not".

How is that a burden! That is a huge honor! Its all due to Jesus too. We have the same rights to come to God as He did because we have His righteousness!

Also don't end prayer with "In Jesus name" without fully grasping what exactly you are saying. That is that religiousness again, like that is some magic line. You need to understand what that means for it to be effective. There is a revelation behind that!

Much more to come...

[bennyhanna1]

AMEN! right on OS!

[KrYptic.x]

This is a great reminder of what a gift prayer is. NEVER doubt the power of prayer! I have witness numerous miracles that have been the product of humbling one's self before God and praying.

I'm looking forward to the full study Adam!

[respa]

Thanks OS for sharing your knowledge with me/us.

[ecto no more]

"God doesn't respond to that"....

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
I have witness numerous miracles that have been the product of humbling one's self before God and praying.


[/ QUOTE ]

/forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif Cool testimony brother! You're a warrior!

Is it really all right to argue with God?

Now first I don't mean acting bossy or disrespectful towards God. But presenting your case. In the end God wins, but you have full right to make your case. God likes that and responds to it.

God does want to act bold before Him. He is that type of God. He wants warriors, not cowards.

"But isn't He our king?"

Yes and ultimaltly God will do what He wants in your situation, as He sees fit. But the point is, God will respond to our pleas if they line up with the blood covenant we have with Him.

Look at Abraham in action, in this example, God was going to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gohmorrah for living in sin. This city was practicing disgusting sexual sins, as a result God was going to destory it...

But Abraham pleaded His case, and God, though ultimately He destroyed the city, did accpet Abraham's request:

<font color="blue">21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
</font>

It is emphasized Abraham stood, he did not roll over and say "thy will be done" without a fight.


<font color="blue"> 23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Here is an important principle when argueing with God. Remind Him of His character. In this case Abraham reminded God of His mercy.</font>

<font color="blue"> 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? </font>

He reminded God of His character, a God of mercy and fair judge. He did not say, "Oh please don't God, its not fair! wah!" No, he came boldly before God and staked a claim based on God's character.

<font color="blue"> 26 And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
</font>

God responded. He is pleased with Abraham's case. As we read on, Abraham continues with God, getting Him to overlook the sins of the cities on the account that God would find just 10 holy people in the city. God granted His request.

Now the city was destroyed. But this brings up a point. Don't be afraid to ask God for things, because you may not get it. If its not in God's plan for you, you wont get it, but that does not mean not to ask or plead a case.

<font color="blue"> 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD, which am but dust and ashes:

28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.

30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

31 And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.

32 And he said, Oh let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

33 And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

</font>

Here is Jacob, who refuses to let God go until He grants His prayer...

<font color="red"> 23 And he took them, and sent them over the brook, and sent over that he had.

24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.

25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.

26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.

28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed
</font>

Jacob refused to compromise on God's promise, and God responded.

The key is not to give up. Here the enemy was attacking Jacob trying to get Him to doubt God, for fear of his brother. But He refused even during deep temptation, to allow the enemy to steal his blessing. That please God and blessed Him beyond compare.

Now this is powerful,

<font color="red"> 9 And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people:

10 Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

11 And Moses besought the LORD his God, and said, LORD, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people, which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?

12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever.

14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
</font>

Literally God wanted to disintegrate Israel and start over with just Moses.

Check out what God said initially, "10 Now therefore let me alone". God said leave Him alone.

But Moses argued effectively,

First He praised God and gave Him glory,

"which thou hast brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand?"

Then he reminded them of His reputation,

"12 Wherefore should the Egyptians speak"

He reminded God of His Name. God delievered Israel, now He was going to destroy them...What would that say about God's reputation?

Then He reminded God of His covenant,

"13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou swarest by thine own self, and saidst unto them, I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever."

We also have a covenant, and a better one, as we are under the blood,

The result of praying for mercy...

"14 And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people."

God did not destroy Israel.

This shows prayer can change a situation.

Jesus said,

<font color="red"> 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
</font>

That is extremely, extremely powerful--that is our new covenant, remind God of this when you pray. Now this is not an excuse to be vain and get greedy asking for mansions and to win the lottery.

We need spiritual gifts more than material possessions. Its more fulfilling to ask for wisdom in a particular situation, intercession for a friend who does not know Christ, power to break strongholds in your life. If there is a fruit of the spirit you are weak in pray for that, and make a case.

Don't just go, "sweet I want a new mercades God! Give it because you have to!" That is not the message here!lol

The message is seek God's Will, and make a case before God. Believe for what you need and desire, and remind God of His word. Our prayers are answered on Jesus' finished work.

But it is important to read the rest of the above verse,

<font color="red"> 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
</font>

This means you can not go around on the weekends getting drunk and living in fornication, then come around praying for God's will in your life.

We need to be obedient to God. If we love Him we will.

<font color="green">46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
</font>
<font color="brown">15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
</font>

For example, I've received several PM's asking how to beat lust. That is awesome, it shows you want to obey God even in areas of the mind. This is a huge stronghold that requires help from God to beat.

<font color="brown"> 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
</font>

The chief and most valuable prayer you can have is strength to be obedient to God's Word. Daily put on your armour. I personally pray for God to suit me up daily. I go through each piece of armour and ask God to put it on me, like a squire. This is not beneath God, He wants to help us.

Try this daily and see if the attacks on your mind are not dispersed instantly. My sinning was literally cut in half the first few days I did this.

Think on this, if you sin just 3 times daily in your mind. Say someone cuts me off, I curse them in my mind. A girl walks by, I lust after her. A guy drives by with a nice car, I covet him.

Those sins may not be acted upon, but I have sinned in my mind. And those numbers are being pretty lenient.

That is 3 sins per day. Times a week, that's 21, times 365, well you see where I'm going. That is a lot of disobedience. But God requires us to love Him with all our mind.

So pray for God to personally guird you up with the armour daily.

It is a circular blessing.

God says do His commands and He will take care of the rest. So pray to be obedient to His commands and you will everything you need in your life and more,

<font color="red"> 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. </font>

Getting back to our example, if you are struggling with sexual lust, the key of defeating this sin, is controlling your eyes. For guys we lust with our eyes, then let our imagination run wild. That is sin.

This is very hard these days as a lot of girls dress scantily.

But God can help us if we want Him too:

<font color="brown"> 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, </font>

Its very important to quit doing this, Christ already told us to,

<font color="red">27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

</font>

How do we do that? He told us how,

<font color="red">29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
</font>

Does that mean I am to literally cut out my eyes? No. It means to cut off the thoughts as soon as the notion enters your mind. This can be done by praying that all of our thoughts are laid captive in Christ. Do this on a daily basis. And throughout the day if needed.

Now, here again, we don't have to pray for an hour straight to be effective. There is nothing wrong with praying for hours, but don't be religious, doing it to earn points.

Look at the Lord's prayer. How long is it? Maybe 3 minutes, if that?

That is our example.

If you are struggling with lust, when it comes on you, stop, take one minute and pray,

"God help me. You said if I were to ask you would make all my thoughts obedient to Christ. You command me to be pure in thought. Well there is a situation here that is tempting me. I need your help. Remember your mercy God, and put the helmet of salvation over my mind. I believe you gave me the power to go and sin no more, as Christ told me I have."

That's in. 30 seconds. That is authentic and humbleing. Do you think God is going to reject that prayer? no he is going to honor it!

Now also note that when you start praying for different fruits and gifts, the enemy is going to tempt you hardcore in these areas. But stay persistant, and he will give up. I'm telling you. When the bible says, "Resist the devil and he will flee". That is a long term statement. Consistently defeat him and he'll give up.

Ok, I will stop here. I don't want to say too much at once. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[Andrew G.]

Wow OS! Great stuff, thank you!

I've really been struggling lately, im gona try harder now!

THANK YOU!

[OUTLAW20SICX]

awsome post, but i got a question. when u talk to him do you talk to him like a normal person. like are u prone to using slang. im sure some will lol at this but ill call him bro when i pray /forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

Sure thing bro. Start with this:

Memorize these verses:

<font color="red"> 11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
</font>

Put on flash cards each piece of armour, and what is does.

Satan attacks with what is known as "fiery darts". In other words he projects temptations, doubts, fears, at our minds. It is with the armour of God that we repel these darts.

Now, it is unlikely that Lucifer himself personally visits us all each day. We are not sure exactly how the spirit realm works. We know spirits can be anywhere instantly. So it is possible. Moreover, he spends more time attacking Christians than non-Christians. He already has them where he wants them, he just has to keep them discouraged and away from hearing the gospel. He works hardest on us, as we have the power to stop his plans. His chief desire is to steal our joy.

Now there are differnet types of demonic spirits. Spirits of lust, jealousy, anger, bitterness, you name all the lusts of the flesh, there is a demon that specializes in that. These demons then attack us in the spirit realm.

We have armour on to defend these attacks, and the word to fight back.

Belt of truth- Defends against the dart of deception.

The ancient soldier's entire dress and armour was held in place by his belt. Every other piece of armour could be in place but it would be of no use without the belt to secure it tightly to his body.

Breastplate of Righteousness- Defends against the dart of disapproval.

We are the righteousness of Christ. When we mess up the enemy will try to make us guilty. Remember guilt is never from God, conviction is from God. Guilt from satan. He will try to keep us condemned so we will live in fear and rob us of our joy.

Gospel of peace- Defends against the darts of dissention

In ancient times, the army would put darts in the ground, point up, like a land mine. Soldiers would wear thick soles to protect their feet on the battle field.

This piece of armour will protect us from satan's lies.

Shield of faith- Defends against the dart of fear

We could get into the laws of faith here, but know that satan operates in fear.

<font color="red"> 1 John 4
18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. </font>

The shield protects us from his projections of doubts in God's promises, security of who we are in Christ, etc. All of our daily fears that satan attacks us with like "God won't help you", "who do you think you are asking God for that", "remember what you did! How dare you ask God for that"

Helmet of salvation-

Dart of discouragement-

Satan is going to attack your mind. It is very important to put on this helmet every day of your life.

Sword of the Spirit-

This is our only weapon, the Word of God. All other devices for defeating sin are not from God.

We have a defense for all satan's weapons, but he has no defense to our weapon.

He knows that and will try to get you to keep it sheathed.

He does not want you to study the bible, memorizie it and dwell and meditate on it.

Satan will want to distract you in every way possible from studying the word, as in it lies the secrets to crushing his desire to wreck your life.

Study it daily and pray.

Put all the pieces of armour on a note card and what they do. Look at it several times a day and memorize it.

Now every morning go through each piece and ask God(this is not a ritual prayer, be sincere and use your mind's eye to see yourself being guirded up in the armour as you go through each piece) to put each piece of armour on you.

I promise you'll love the results! /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif And I say to do this in the morning because this is when the enemy attacks you.

If you can get you depressed, mad, discouraged, upset, or get you to walk in the flesh in whatever manner, you will mostly likely live defeated all day.

So do this first thing, daily.

[Adam Knowlden]

[ QUOTE ]
when u talk to him do you talk to him like a normal person.

[/ QUOTE ]

I talk to him like I'm a normal person if that helps explain it.

I don't put on some "spiritual" act. Like "look how spiritual I am God". You can't fool Him. He knows everything about us and knows us better than we know ourselves.

I just come to Him openly and honestly.

If you want to call Him bro, that's cool, just remember who He is! /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

But Jesus is your friend, so I see nothing wrong with it, if you are comfortable with that.

I call Him "Master" keeps things in perspective.

He is not only the master of my life, but also He is a master of walking in the spirit. No one walked in the spirit like He did. He was literally the master of it. He never sinned in thought, deed, or action one time in His entire life.

Since I am His disciple, my goal is to be exactly like Him.

[OUTLAW20SICX]

^ thanx that helps

[LegendaryWatcher]

I have been in and out with my Main Man over the past few years. The one cool thing is He is always there. He's a chill Dude in my book, that's what I call God when I'm talking to him, it's like Dude or Bro, that kind of stuff.

I must admit, my faith has been much less than adequate lately and I have really been in my own head trying to run the show. Not good. I will try to improve my spirituality.

[William Ustav]

Adam, this was truly fantastic! Probably the best study yet!!! /forum/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

You really did it this time! /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif Purely awesome!

[Floods]

Good stuff Old School.

I know all about prayer from doing in-depth studies on it at Bible College. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif Your teaching is very sound, and it's great to see Biblical backup for what you're saying as well.

[Adam Knowlden]

Thanks guys! When I get some more time, I'll add more!

[thevoice]

wow I am really impressed. I am so pleased you posted this Oldschool. My praying has always been starting with the Lords prayer at start and end or doing the Farther, Son, Holly Spirit hand movment quite a lot. Last night I prayed in a repsectful manner but spoke to him like a best mate. I really did feel closer and more connected..I was telling jokes and talking about how my day was and what id like to improve on(to be a better person) and asking his opinons on things etc. It really was quite a moving expirence.

[ryancostill]

from someone who has not been a spiritual person in recent years this has been a fascinating thread. reading and studying alot of the spiritual posts on this site is making me reconsider my beliefs (or lack thereof!). keep up the good work OS.

[Adam Knowlden]

That's awesome voice! It really is!

Now, don't get the wrong idea, there's nothing wrong with repeating something like the Lord's prayer. But often we do it without even really putting our heart into it.

Like with communion, when I take it at my house, I was getting into a ritual routine. We are to do it in rememberance of Christ. I had to stop this, and started being more spontaneous in my praying. Just praying what was on my heart and pouring out my heart.

Now its Ok, to repeat lines, but we often do it in this ritualistic way. "Say these lines and God will hear."

Our prayers have to come from our heart.

For example take the sinner's prayer.

Often you will hear a preacher say, "Pray this after me to be saved".

Now is it the actual words that are saving you? Like some sort of magical words? no.

Its the intent in the unbelievers heart of genuine sorrow for sinning against God, and their genuine desire to long for God's forgiveness for their sins and to turn from their sins.

It is that desire of the heart, that is then confessed with the mouth that saves the person, not simply repeating the lines.

<font color="red">8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

</font>

Good to hear these testimonies fellas! /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Adam Knowlden]

Many say, "Well God is going to do what He wants, so that's why my prayer didn't get answered!"

This is mentality is called, "God's sovereignty", or God is going to do what He wants to do, so oh well if I didn't get my prayer met.

But this is faulty. I agree, God is going to do what He wants to do. Here's the catch though. His choice is do whatever we ask Him to do! That is His sovereignty!

All of God's choices are already decided!

Understand that God cannot do whatever He wants to do! Huh?

God's sovereign Will is to be bound to His Word! That is His sovereignty!

Prayer is not:

1. Trying to get God to do something. God has already done everything He is going to do!
2. Not to get His attention. He already gave us His Word.

Prayer is communication with God for what you believe and receive from His Word.

Prayer is saying to God what God has already said to us.

The responsibility of answered prayer is on us!

What we need is an effective prayer language. This will result in effective communication.

Remember that God does not think the way we think, or operate the way we operate.

If you want to talk God's language...Get in His Word!

"but I don't have time to study the Word!",

Then prepare to have no prayers answered! Remember that is not God's fault. Another biblical principle is daily study time!

Most of us have no basis for what we pray for except, "I want it!"

Saying, "That's God's Will" is no excuse for unanswered prayer.

<font color="red"> 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
</font>

The "whatsoever" is bound to what is in the Word. So to pray effectively, learn what the Word has to say. By doing so you already have God's Will.

If prayer is not answered there are two reasons:

1. Wrong motives
2. Wrong methods, fear based (fear is the reciprocal of faith)

Finally, don't wait for catastrophes to start praying, stop some of them before they happen!

The most important objective is our love walk and obtaining the fruits of the Spirit.

[psaturn]

AMEN !!!

[psaturn]

And to Outlaw...yes speaking Slang is Cool to the Big Papa. He understands slang.

He even understands Greek ! If you speak Greek and it sounds greek to everyone else, He still hears it and will answer it !

I used to pray in Chinese, then I moved to Spanish, now I pray in English.

From experience, it is when you speak for the very depth of your heart that He hears. The very inside of your being. From the belly, the prayer of the inner being bubbles out.

That is why language does not matter, whether it is slang, high English, Latin, Greek or Hebrew or Chinese...

[KrYptic.x]

Never be afraid to ask.

The Lord is all-powerful, but he cannot answer the prayer that isn't asked /forum/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[TheMac]

This thread is truely inspiring...it is because of this site i have vastly improved on my connection to God and in doing so became a much better person. Living my life for God is much more meaningfull (and easier), nothing can really upset me anymore as i know that there is always a reason for God's actions and that he is always there in time of need. There is no one i trust more (including myself) than him.

PS. I have also started to read/study the bible every night thanks to ABC, thank all of you for showing me the light! Old School your posts never cease to amazing me!

[Adam Knowlden]

Thanks buddy! After I am done with JHR I have a few new studies in the works for you guys. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Venom]

Wow, TheMac. I can't tell you how much that motivates me. /forum/images/graemlins/smile.gif Great job!

[Leafy Green Vegetables]

[ QUOTE ]

So Christ said:

1. Don't do religious prayers- ie, repeating lines like they are some sort of magical ritual.

God doesn't respond to that. The Lord wants a relationship with us, not some superficial relgious phoniness

[/ QUOTE ]

There is a Psalm that has particular meaning to me (Psalm 123) that I say after each prayer. I am not repeating it for ritual purposes, but because I truely believe in the strength it gives to me. Thoughts on this?