What Are The Similarities Between Effectual And Availing Prayers

Effectual and Availing Prayers

Prayer is one of the most wonderful privileges afforded the Christian, for it is the Christian’s means of a direct connection with God.

When the electric power fails, we are almost helpless. Some have spent thousands of dollars just to insure against power failures in their homes and places of business; yet, electrical power does not compare to the Spiritual power that is ours simply for the asking. God hears and answers prayers; therefore, we have “an ever present help in time of trouble.” James taught that we could have blessings from God that we do not have because we do not ask. (James 4: 2) Jesus said, “If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” And He also promised, “Ask and it will be given to you;

Next, vain repetition is a common fault; yet, that practice is strictly forbidden by the Lord. He said, “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions…” (Matthew 6: 7) Now, that does not forbid sincerely praying for something repeatedly. The Lord taught us to continue to ask for our needs rather than only a single time. (Luke 18: 1-8)

He is talking about meaningless words and phrases. Fine words and fancy phrases may impress men, but God is not moved by them.

Perhaps, the Lord included the simplicity of prayers when He said, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18: 3) If you wish to hear an eloquent prayer, just listen to the prayer of a child: “Dear God, please bring my Daddy home safe.” “Dear God, don’t let it storm too big.” “Dear God, please make Mommy well, again.”

As simple as they are, no prayers are more eloquent than when a child talks to God.

Then, a prayer that God will hear and answer must be prayed with humility and prompted by right motives. Prayers, asking for blessing to satisfy one’s selfish pleasure will not be heard. (James 4: 3) And, God does not give ear to arrogant

When the husband fails to treat his wife with honor or if he is unkind to his wife, his prayers will be hindered. And the same is applied to the wife in her duties to the husband. (I Peter 3: 7)

Whether this principal applies to brothers and sisters in the church is not stated; nonetheless, we do know that enmity between brethren affects one’s worship, and prayer is a form of worship. (Matthew 5: 23-25)

Now, here is another thing: We have no promise that God will hear a prayer that is not in harmony with the Word of God, but “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (I John 5: 14)

I can’t be holy like God is holy and I can’t be righteous like God is righteous, but I can be holy and righteous as men are holy and righteous. And it’s in that vein that the Holy Spirit said, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (I Peter 3: 12) “And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. (I John 3: 22) And “Whatever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments…” (I John 3: