Procedure For Effective Praying

Ephesians 6:18

#8 on the Christian's Armor

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints."

One of the most difficult things a Christian is asked to do is to pray consistently.

I personally feel that the difficulty rises because Satan knows just how effective prayer is.

He doesn't want us to pray and he fights us about prayer.

The passage before us follows the description of the Christian Soldier's
armor. While technically not part of the armor, prayer is essential in the
armor's use. Prayer activates the armor and keeps us in touch with our
general, The Lord Jesus Christ.

FREQUENCY OF PRAYER - "always"
Prayer will not always be on our lips, but should never be far from our lips.

Continual prayer is taught several places in Scripture including Psalm
55:17, Acts 6:4, 2 Timothy 1:3 and Philippians 4:6.

FULLNESS OF PRAYER - "all"
Prayer is not just asking God for things. I have had friends whom only
called me when they wanted something. I didn't appreciate this. Imagine how
God feels when all we do is ask. Prayer includes:

Praise - Psalm 47:6-7, Psalm 96:1-2

Thanksgiving - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Request for guidance - James 1:5

Confession - Psalm 32:5

Request for spiritual needs - 1 John 5:14-15

Intercession - Ephesians 6:18 (More on this follows.)

FORCE OF PRAYER - "in the Spirit"
The Holy Spirit should guide our prayers. He will, as we yield to His filling.

FOCUS OF PRAYER - "all saints" and unsaved (1Timothy 2:1-4)
Paul gives us at least four prayers to model in praying for other believers.

Ephesians 1:16-23, 3:14-21, Philippians 1:9-11, Colossians 1:9-14.

We should ask God to save those who don't know Christ.

FAITHFULNESS IN PRAYER - "perseverance"
We should continually be praying according to God's will until He sends the
answer. Luke 18:1-8