Here are some keys for unlocking a deeper prayer life. They also assure us that the Lord hears our petitions, because we know that we are praying according to His will:
1. Let nothing clog up the channel between you and God. If dirt gets into gasoline, it will keep the engine from running properly. The same is true of us. If there is something in our life that shouldn't be there, it can keep our prayers from being answered (Psalm 66:18).
2. Be consistent.
3. Don't be concerned whether your faith is big or little. Take what faith you have and do something with it (Matthew 17:20).
4. Faith is the big key (Hebrews 11:1). Put actions behind your faith when praying.
5. When we pray for others, we plant a seed of faith. Are you sick? Pray for others who are sick. Not only are we lifting others up, we are planting seeds for our own healing.
6. Make sure your prayer lines up with the Word of God. Then believe that you will receive an answer to your prayer.
"But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed" James 1:6
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." James 2:14-18
It is important to know the Word of God. Don't look at the circumstances. Don't receive a bad report. God's Word is true; it doesn't lie. You and I can count on that Word!
When you have a need, stand on the Word like you would stand on a rock. As the song goes, "When all else fails, stand."
Excerpted from the book "Mountains Are Moved By Prayer" by Dolly M. Holland
