The Secret of Effectual Prayer

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: Romans 11:36Everything begins with God. He is the source of all things, and everything leads back to Him. Everywhere we look, we see that Jesus is the power, preserver, and purpose of creation. Romans 11:36 says, “For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.”When we understand that prayer is a cycle—that, like everything else in this world, it revolves around Jesus—we will learn the secret of effectual prayer.The origin of prayer is rooted in the purposes of God.God has given us the privilege of working with Him. Prayer creates a special bond with our Creator, who designed us to depend upon Him.Prayer is also God’s way of disciplining us; any prayer that is not rooted in God’s will does not come to fruition.Adrian Rogers says, “Prayer does not bend God’s will to fit our will; prayer finds the will of God and gets in on it.”The operation of prayer relies on the power of God.God gives us the desire to pray; as sinful creatures, we have a natural inclination not to pray. Once we are saved, God puts His Spirit in our hearts which stirs up the desire to pray.He also gives us direction in our prayers: guiding us in what we should ask for and leading us to know the will of God.We can’t conjure up faith, or make ourselves believe by our own strength. The dynamic of faith comes by hearing the Word of God; when He speaks in our alone time with Him, our faith grows.Finally, the objective of prayer is the praise of God.The purpose of prayer is to glorify God. When we become interested in His glory over our own personal glory, we’ll see our prayers answered.Adrian Rogers says, “Prayer goes into God’s presence to carry something away. Praise goes into God’s presence just to stay there forever and ever.”Apply it to your lifeThe secret of effectual prayer is that it happens by God, through God, and to God. Spend some time in prayer today and ask God to direct your prayers, so that you may know His Will. Spend some time praising Him today, as well; stay in His presence and seek His glory.