Conditions for Praying
When we pray, remember these:
- We need to pray with our hearts prepared.
Known sin must be confessed to God (1 John 1:9). Then fellowship with God needs to be maintained by continuing obedience to His Word (John 15:7, 1 John 3:21-24).
- We need to pray with a desire for God’s glory
that He might be glorified by the answer (John 14:13).
- We must pray according to the will of God.
Read and study the Bible and make your requests consistent with its principles.
- We must pray in Jesus’ Name.
Our access to the Father is only through the Son (Ephesians 2:18, 1 Timothy 2:5).
- We must pray with sincere meaningful language.
Our prayer must come from a sincere heart which desires to be in the presence of God. Make our prayers personal, as if we were talking visibly to Him, face to face.
- We must pray definitely and specifically.
A prayer list of specific requests is helpful. Record the date you first asked and the date God answered.
- We must pray persistently with boldness
until God answers (Luke 11:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:17). Give God time to answer.
- We must pray believing that God will answer.
Faith is essential. Claim the promises regarding prayer and claim their fulfilment, thanking him already for the answer. “No” is just as much as an answer as “yes”.
- We must pray with a submissive spirit.
‘Not my will, but yours be done’.
- We must praise God and pray
even when we least feel like it. Be honest with God. He understands.
- Pray with a friend, or with a group of God’s people.
This can ease burdens and bring real encouragement.
