Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8600 Prayer and worship of the believer » 8602 prayer » 8617 prayer, advice for effective
Scripture provides guidance concerning what attitudes and actions are appropriate for effective prayer. It also identifies a number of motives which are likely to lead to prayers being unanswered.
Hindrances to prayer
Sin
Isaiah 59:2 See also Psalm 66:18; Jeremiah 14:10-12; Lamentations 3:42-44; Micah 3:4
Disobedience
Zechariah 7:13 See also Deuteronomy 1:43-45; Proverbs 1:28-31
Selfishness
James 4:3
Injustice
Isaiah 1:15-17 See also Proverbs 21:13; Isaiah 58:1-7
Lack of faith
James 1:6-7
Qualities that lead to effective prayer
Humility
Luke 18:9-14 See also 2 Samuel 7:18; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 51:16-17; Isaiah 57:15; Matthew 8:8 pp Luke 7:6
Obedience
1 John 3:21-22 See also 1 Samuel 15:22; Jeremiah 7:22-23
Righteousness
Proverbs 15:29 See also 1 Kings 3:11-12; Psalm 34:15
Single-mindedness
Jeremiah 29:13 See also Deuteronomy 4:29; 1 Chronicles 28:9
Faith
Matthew 21:21-22 pp Mark 11:22-24 See also Matthew 7:7-11 pp Luke 11:9-13; Matthew 8:5-13 pp Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 15:21-28 pp Mark 7:24-30; John 14:12-14
See also
6020 sin 8154 righteousness 8276 humility 8453 obedience 8827 selfishness