Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8617 prayer, advice for effective

8617 prayer, advice for effective

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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