Introduction:
A. Every Christian must learn to pray effectively (Jas. 5:16; Lk. 11:1).
B. “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).
C. Three keys to an effective prayer life:
1. Maintain a close relationship with the Lord.
2. Freely express your desires to the Lord.
3. Place your trust in the Lord.
D. How can we maintain a close relationship with the Lord.
I. By Letting His Word Abide in Our Hearts
A. Effective prayer is conditioned on letting His word abide in our hearts (Jn. 15:7).
B. What does it mean to have God’s word abiding in us? (Jn. 5:38).
C. Three blessings result from giving God’s word a home in our hearts.
1. Freedom (Jn. 8:31-32)
2. Power to overcome sin (1 Jn. 2:14; Ps. 119:11)
3. Fellowship (2 Jn. 9)
II. By Compliance with His Word
A. There must be evidence of compliance in our lives (Jn. 15:10; 1 Jn. 3:24; 2:6).
B. There must be an obedience that engages the heart (Rm. 6:17).
C. Compliance required for a close relationship with the Lord (Jn. 14:15).
III. By Making Love Your Guiding Principle (Jn. 15:9-10; 1 Jn. 4:12, 16)
Conclusion:
A. Before you can maintain a close relationship with the Lord, you must establish it (Eph. 1:3; Gal. 3:27; Rm. 6:3).
B. Sometimes a close relationship must be re-established (1 Jn. 1:9).