INTRODUCTION:

A. “When we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do” (Dixon).
1. Prayer can accomplish much (Jas. 5:16).
2. Christians must learn to pray effectively.

B. “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Lk. 11:1).
1. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (Jn. 15:7).
2. Three keys to an effective prayer-life:

I. WE MUST MAINTAIN A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD.

A. The first essential to maintaining a close relationship with the Lord is to let His word abide in our hearts (Jn. 15:7; 5:38; 8:31-32; 1 Jn. 2:14; Ps. 119:11; 2 Jn. 9).

B. The second essential to maintaining a close relationship with the Lord is compliance with His word (Jn. 15:10; 1 Jn. 3:24; 1 Jn. 2:6; Rm. 6:17; Jn. 14:15).

C. The third essential to maintaining a close relationship with the Lord is to make love your guiding principle (Jn. 15:9-10; 1 Jn. 4:12, 16).

II. WE MUST FREELY EXPRESS OUR DESIRES TO THE LORD.

A. The first pre-requisite to freedom of expression in our prayers is to focus on our relationship to the Lord (Jn. 15:7).

B. The second pre-requisite to freedom of expression in our prayers is to identify the desires we wish to bring before the Lord (1 Jn. 5:14-15).

C. The third pre-requisite to freedom of expression in our prayers is to name our specific requests (Jas. 4:2; Jn. 14:13-14; 1 Jn. 3:21-22; Ph. 4:6).

III. WE MUST TRUST IN THE POWER OF THE LORD.

A. God’s power is proven (Jn. 15:7; Rm. 1:20).

B. God’s power is effective (1 Jn. 5:14-15; Eph. 3:20).

C. God’s power is reliable (Jas. 4:3).

CONCLUSION:

A. Prayerless people are powerless people (Gal. 3:27).

B. Is there grass on your prayer-path?