And Wait In Expectation!

"In the morning, O Lord,

You hear my voice;

in the morning

I lay my requests

before You

and wait in expectation."

Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

The Bible describes effective prayer as confidently and earnestly drawing near to God on a regular basis; having a humble, sincere, and honest heart; acknowledging who God is; holding fast to one's confession; and trusting in Him for the answer. Sometimes prayer is a cry, a groaning deep within. Sometimes prayer is a spoken voice. Sometimes prayer is a still, meditation of the heart. But however we choose to pray, genuine prayer always comforts, brings God's protection, delivers us from evil, relieves us of fear and worry, bestows God's grace and mercy upon us, and releases God's power to heal and perform miracles.

The Bible describes ineffective prayer as just words or lip service. This occurs when people's hearts are far from God and their reverence for Him consists only of traditions learned. They may draw near to God, but only physically, for their prayers are before man and not God.

"The Lord says: 'These people

come near to Me with their mouth

and honour Me withe their lips,

but their hearts are far from Me.

Their worship of Me is made up of

only of rules taught by men.'"

Isaiah 29:13 (NIV)

Prayer is much more than words spoken. It is the feelings of the heart! Some prayers may sound impressive with their length and articulation, while others sound inadequate, unintelligible, and short. But God only sees the heart, and when the heart is right before Him, prayer is powerful, productive, and miraculous, no matter what it sounds like to us.

"Therefore confess your sins to each other

and pray for each other

so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous man

is powerful and effective."

James 5:16 (NIV)