Effective prayer doesn’t require:
-Being physically fit
-Eloquence with words
-Ability to speak in front of crowds
-Being rich
Effective prayer DOES require:
-Sacrifice of time
-Obedience to the Word of God
-Humbling yourself
-A genuine relationship with God
One of the best ways that we can show love to others is by praying for them.
We are to follow God’s example and walk in the way of love. Ephesians 5:1
We are to not only love our family and friends, but also strangers and our enemies. Hebrews 13:2, Matthew 5:44
We too often tell others we will pray for them, and then continue on with the responsibilities of our day. We show love to others when we sacrifice the time that would’ve been spent doing other things, to pray for them.
When we pray for others, we are expressing our love to Him by obeying His Word. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
When we pray for others, especially our enemies, we must humble ourselves. Proverbs 13:10 says, “Where there is strife, there is pride.” If we can humble ourselves and pray for our enemies, it helps us get rid of our pride.
Lastly, when we spend time in prayer, we grow closer to God. When we make it a habit to pray constantly throughout our day, God draws near to us. James 4:8
Prayer is powerful. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
When we pray, we are showing love to God and to others.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
