Three Keys to an Effective Prayer Life (2) (Sunday AM – 12/20/20)

Introduction:

A. “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (Jas. 5:16).

B. Evangelism, A Biblical Approach, A.C. Dixon

C. “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).

D. Three keys to an effective prayer life:
1. Maintain a close relationship with the Lord.
2. Freely express our desires to the Lord.
3. Practice committed trust in the Lord.

II. The second key to an effective prayer life: freely express your desires to the Lord

A. First prerequisite to freedom of expression: focus on our relationship
1. Ask implies humble dependence.
2. E. Stanley Jones, “Prayer is surrender….”

B. Second prerequisite to freedom of expression: identify our desires (1 Jn. 5:14-15).

Principles that should guide our desires:
1. Be submissive to God’s will.
2. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
3. Love God with all the heart.

C. Third prerequisite to freedom of expression: name our specific request
1. Ask (Jas. 4:2)
2. Ask anything (Jn. 14:13-14; 1 Jn. 3:21-22)
3. Ask with specificity (Ph. 4:6)

III. The third key to an effective prayer life: place trust in the power of the Lord

Characteristics of God’s power:

A. God’s power is proven (Jn. 15:7; 1:3; 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 path?