8617 prayer, advice for effective

Scripture provides guidance concerning what attitudes and actions are appropriate for effective prayer. It also identifies a number of motives which are likely to lead to prayers being unanswered.

Hindrances to prayer

Sin Isa 59:2 See also Ps 66:18; Jer 14:10-12; La 3:42-44; Mic 3:4

Disobedience Zec 7:13 See also Dt 1:43-45; Pr 1:28-31

Selfishness Jas 4:3

Injustice Isa 1:15-17 See also Pr 21:13; Isa 58:1-7

Lack of faith Jas 1:6-7

Qualities that lead to effective prayer

Humility Lk 18:9-14 See also 2Sa 7:18; 2Ch 7:14; Ps 51:16-17; Isa 57:15; Mt 8:8 pp Lk 7:6

Obedience 1Jn 3:21-22 See also 1Sa 15:22; Jer 7:22-23

Righteousness Pr 15:29 See also 1Ki 3:11-12; Ps 34:15

Single-mindedness Jer 29:13 See also Dt 4:29; 1Ch 28:9

Faith Mt 21:21-22 pp Mk 11:22-24 See also Mt 7:7-11 pp Lk 11:9-13; Mt 8:5-13 pp Lk 7:1-10; Mt 15:21-28 pp Mk 7:24-30; Jn 14:12-14

See also