Hymn 204, “My Need”
Hymn 190, “Teach Us How To Pray”
James 5:16, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Fervent is warm and heartfelt. Effectual is having a feeling of need and being thankful.
What makes our prayer effectual? Our feeling of need and thankfulness will make them effectual.
Mark 11:23 – mountains removed. Faith must accompany our prayer. Believe God hears. We can go to a water tap with confidence that the water will flow. We must believe God will hear our cry and help our need. Jesus said, “Thou hearest Me always.”
Mark 11:25 – if you stand praying, forgive, if you have ought against any. Forgiveness must accompany prayer. There is help in prayer to forgive. Jesus on the cross asked for forgiveness for those still hurting Him.
Mark 9:28, the man the disciples could not help. Jesus said this comes by fasting and by prayer. Fasting is self-denial. Jesus had that background so He could help the man.
Mark 14:37, Jesus spoke of watching. When we’re not praying, are we watching? Watch for doors of temptation to stay awake and aware of.