In order for our prayers to be effective, it is important that we know God's Word and consistently respond to it in obedience. That way we can pray the will of God and hear His call to us to be His hands and feet in every situation. Why?
When we read Scripture, it prepares us to pray the will of God. How can you be assured that you are praying for God's will and not your own to be done? Jesus said that we are to seek first the things of God and that God would respond by taking care of our needs (see Matthew 6:31-33). Immerse yourself in the Word of God. The more you know the mind of God, the more you will begin to understand what He wants for your life. As you pray for specific requests, always check them against Scripture. You can be sure God's desires for you will never go against His Word. As you read God's Word and study it, ask the Lord to give you a greater awareness of specific promises that He wants you to pray about and believe.
Continue to pray, knowing that at God's appointed time, your harvest will come.
When we know the mind of God and align our will with His, our prayers become effective. We must pray with praise on our lips, a confession of our own faults, and a petition that God will act in the way that accomplishes His purposes and brings Him glory. Then we must listen very closely to what God may lead us to say or do.
God uses individual people to accomplish His purposes. Be willing to be used. As you pray, never lose sight of this Truth: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). Continue to pray, knowing that at God's appointed time, your harvest will come.
Prayer: Father, help me to spend more time in Your Word so that I will be better equipped to pray Your will. Help me to respond in obedience when I sense You leading me to do something. And help me not to give up! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands" (Psalm 119:60).
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