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 GUIDE TO EFFECTIVE PRAYER

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Apr 8
  • 2 min read

Today’s Readings:

Esther 4:17

Psalm 138:1-3,7-8

Matthew 7:7-12 

I have always found the words of Jesus fascinating when He says: ‘If you, then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!’ (Matthew 7:11)


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This is very interesting because God compares Himself with us. We want to believe that we are good, that we are justified in our choices and decisions. But our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We cannot appropriate goodness unless by divine approval. Sadly, whenever we appropriate goodness, we make God look bad. When you question God’s timing or doubt his omnipresence and power, what are you doing? Express your feelings before God. But before you pass judgment on Him, ask yourself if you are worthy to accuse God.


God is holy, perfect and good. The problem with us is that we want God to do our bidding, forgetting our prayer of trust, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. When we pray and ask God for what we need, He will never give us something useless or harmful. Instead, God always offers us true nourishment, food that sustains both body and soul. He will give you what you need, not necessarily what you think you need. When we think we know how God should treat us or answer our prayer, we pray amiss (James 4:3).


Here is Queen Esther’s guide to effective prayer:

  • Accept your helplessness.

  • Run to God as your only option.

  • Surrender to God.

  • Persist in Prayer and refuse to take no for an answer.

  • Worship God and acknowledge Him (“Blessed are You”).

  • Ask for help (those who go to others bring many troubles on themselves – Psalm 16).

  • Acknowledge your place before God (He is your Father, and you are His child).

  • Speak clearly (ask the Holy Spirit for eloquence, “Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart”).

  • Make your request and trust God to answer (Ask, Seek and Knock – A.S.K)

  • Treat others well (you cannot treat others badly and expect God to bless you).


Task: Prayerfully read Psalm 16 and Luke 9:28-36.

                                                                                    JUDE-MARY OWOH



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.




Prayer:

  1. Eternal Father, I bow down before You. I acknowledge that you are love and all holy. Forgive my presumption of holiness. Forgive my sins and save me from self-righteousness. I place in Your able hands all my fears and worries. Do with me as you please. Amen.

  2. Eternal Father, I do not know how to pray as I ought. Let your Holy Spirit pray in me. Dispose me to accept Your will and trust in your providence as my loving and all-provident Father, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 
 
 

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