3 Keys to Effective Prayer

3 Keys to Effective Prayer

by Pastor Russell Henderson

Have you ever wondered if there was some secret formula to praying and seeing answers?  Is there a specific method by which we are to pray effectively?  Well, I think Paul gives us a great formula for prayer in Colossians 4:2.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

In this short, simple verse Paul gives us three keys to living an effective prayer life:  be devoted, be watchful, and be thankful.

BE DEVOTED

Paul’s first point is to “devote yourselves to prayer”.  Two words best describe this phrase:  to be constant and to persevere.  Paul said in Romans chapter 1, “…how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times….”  He also said, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.” (Eph 6:18 NIV).

If you want to see answers to your prayers (the result of effective prayer), you must be whole-heartedly devoted to praying on a continual basis.  You cannot allow yourself to waver or grow faint.  Hebrews tells us that God is a rewarder of those who seek him.  He always honors an unwavering and devoted prayer life.

BE WATCHFUL

The next step to seeing our prayers answered is being watchful.  Being watchful means to be alert and vigilant.  It also means to be awake.  This means we always have to be looking; our eyes always need to be open.  What should we be looking for?  We should be looking for the answer to come at any moment.  We need to be expectant that God is going to answer our prayer.  The problem comes when we turn our eyes or stop looking.

Psalm 73 gives us a great example of this.  In verse 2, the worship leader, Asaph, makes a statement that his foot had almost slipped.  In other words, he almost blew it; he almost fell into sin.  Why?  For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (Psa 73:3 NIV).  Asaph recognized that there was a moment when he took his eyes off of God and off of the things he was praying for, and he began looking at things of the world.

As you pray, you cannot allow your eyes to wander.  Your faith will wane as your eyes wander off of the things of God.  Keep your eyes on the prize.  Be alert and watchful and expect that the answer to your prayer is coming.

BE THANKFUL

The last point in seeing your prayers come to pass is having an attitude of thankfulness.  Yes, it is possible to be thankful while you are praying.  Be thankful that God listens to the righteous prayer.  Be thankful that he will never leave you or forsake you.  And you can even thank him in advance for answering your prayer.  That’s where faith comes in.  Faith is being thankful for something that you have yet to see.  Are you praying for that lost family member to come to Jesus?  Thank Him that his heart is softening.  Are you praying for your finances to turn around?  Thank Him for provision.  Are you praying for your body to be healed?  Thank Him that He is the healer.

One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Anytime we are instructed to come before the Lord, both in the Old and New Testament, we are first told to come with thanksgiving.  God honors those who are thankful.  Thankfulness is the first step to come fully into the presence of the Lord (Psalm 100:4).  That tells me that we can’t even come near to God unless we are first thankful.

I don’t know what it is that you are praying for.  But God is looking for praying people who are devoted, watchful, and thankful.  Don’t give up.  Don’t quit on God.  Be vigilant and watch as he works everything out for your good.