How to Pray More Effectively
Prayer is commonly associated to a plea or supplication, but it is more than that. It is our way of communicating with God. The Oxford dictionary correctly defines prayer as a "solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship."
Most people would claim to know how to pray because it's not that difficult. God hears all of us. But only a few true Christians would want to have a real meaningful conversation with God. Some of them, however, don't know how to do it. Most preachers agree there are four elements of an effective prayer: humility, sincerity, faith and persistence.
In explaining humility, Jesus told the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The two went to the temple to pray and the Pharisee said aloud: "God, I thank You I am not like other men — extortioners, unjust, adulterers or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess."
On the other hand, the tax collector, who was positioned far from the altar, kept his head down, beat his chest and said: "God, be merciful to me a sinner!"
Jesus said the humble tax collector is more justified than the boastful Pharisee (Luke 18:9–14). Humility is essential when going to God.
The second key element is sincerity. Seeking God without a sincere heart is pointless as 1 Chronicles 28:9 aptly says: "For the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever."
The third important element is faith, which followers should have when asking for something without doubting (James 1:5–6). Jesus said it is impossible to please God without faith, for he who comes to God must believe He rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
Finally, the fourth element of prayer is persistence. Jesus told the parable of the importunate widow who, because of her persistence, was granted her petition by the judge. The judge was prompted to do so "lest by her continuing coming she weary me" (Luke 18:1–7). Humble yourself to God but be persistent as well.
