By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Many people seem to think that their prayers don't matter. Even people who believe in the power of prayer don't always think of themselves as effective. To be effective means to get results and to "help make things happen." You ask, "Then how do I pray effective prayers?"

The Bible tells us, "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). A righteous person is a person who is in right-standing with God. A righteous person has a personal relationship with Jesus as his or her personal Savior. A righteous person seeks to obey God and yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Righteousness means a person wants what is right according to the Word of God — he or she wants to see God's Truth and God's will established on this earth.

We see the effectiveness of prayer by a righteous person in the Old Testament prophet Daniel. His prayers provide a model for us to follow. Read his powerful plea to God in Daniel 9:4-19. Let's take a look at the key components of his prayer.

START WITH PRAISE

Daniel began his prayer by praising God. Daniel's focus was not on himself, but on God's greatness. He prayed to "the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands" (Daniel 9:4). He acknowledged God as absolutely righteous, but also merciful and forgiving. Begin your own prayers with praise and thanksgiving to God. Praise Him for His glory, His power, and His love. Thank Him for His daily provision in your life, your salvation, and your many blessings. Spend time just adoring God.

CONFESS YOUR SINS

Daniel confessed that Israel had sinned. He didn't try to dismiss, justify, or sidestep the fact that Israel had made a grave error. He didn't make excuses to God, but took responsibility. Daniel stated up front in his prayer, "We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws" (Daniel 9:5). When you go to God in prayer, don't play the blame game when it comes to your sin. Acknowledge any element of sin or misdoing — intentional or unintentional — related to the situation or circumstance.

APPEAL FOR MERCY

Daniel appealed to God's mercy. He said, "O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn way your anger and your wrath from Jerusalem — For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on our desolate sanctuary. , We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy" (Daniel 9:16-18). Acknowledge to God that you do not deserve His blessings, but you receive them because He is a merciful and loving God. Humble yourself before God, realizing that your strength and success come from Him alone.

PETITION FOR GOD TO ACT

Daniel very specifically asked the Lord to take action: "O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name" (Daniel 9:19). Daniel's prayer was not selfish in nature, but he prayed for the Lord to show Himself strong so that the Lord might receive glory on this earth. We are to pray that God will act in a way that brings God the greatest glory and in a way that is the most profound witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God!

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. 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 for.

EFFECTIVE PRAYERS

We must pray with praise on our lips, a confession of our sin, and with 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.

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