Some biblical guides to prayer

During a recent sermon called "How can I pray more effectively?" (click here to watch or listen), Pastor Ruttan provided a handout with some biblical guidelines to effective prayer.

This created a signficant amount of interest and conversation, especially in our weekly small groups (called Vine Groups).

We thought it would be helpful to provide the points provided in the handout in blog format. Pastor Ruttan specified that these points are not everything the Bible says about prayer, but simply some of the considerations we sometimes miss.

Scripture references are included.

For a more comprehensive explanation, be sure to re-listen or re-watch the entire message here.

1. Pray according to God’s will
-Matthew 6:10
-1 John 5:14
-James 4:3

2. Pray honestly and simply
-Psalm 145:18
-Matthew 6:5-8

3. Pray with faith, not with doubt
-James 1:5-8
-Matthew 21:22

4. Pray with gratitude
-Philippians 4:6

5. Cherish Christlikeness, not iniquity
-Psalm 66:18
-1 Peter 3:12,
-1 John 3:22

6. Be patient and persistent
-Luke 18:1

7. Trust in God’s wisdom and timing
-Romans 11:33

8. Pray in Jesus’ name
-John 14:14

And when you feel weak, remember Romans 8:26-28…