SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 4 - EFFECTIVE PRAYER

MEMORY VERSE: "The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.” Proverbs 15:29.

BIBLE PASSAGE: James 5:16-18.

INTRODUCTION

To be effective is to achieve a desired outcome. Prayer involves communicating with God, and effective prayer means conveying intentions clearly and receiving the anticipated response. Such prayer is powerful James 5:16b and aligns with God’s will Philippians 4:6; 1 John 5:14.

OUTLINES

1. THE ESSENTIALS AND OBSTACLES

2. TYPES OF PRAYERS

   1. THE ESSENTIALS AND OBSTACLES

   Uprightness: According to Proverbs 15:8, prayers offered by individuals who demonstrate uprightness, characterised by salvation and righteousness, are considered pleasing to God.

   God’s Word: Effective prayer incorporates the use of scriptural principles, as referenced in John 15:7.
   Obedience: Adherence to divine guidance and acting on faith are identified as significant factors for effective prayer 1 Kings 17:8-14;
   Luke 17:11-14.

   A Heart of Love: Prayers originating from a heart grounded in love are viewed as impactful Matthew 8:5-8, 13. Offering prayers for others is facilitated when motivated by genuine love Matthew 5:44-46.

   Persistence: Consistently engaging in prayer and maintaining an appropriate relationship with God are indicated as essential components for achieving desired outcomes John 16:23-24.

   Potential obstacles to effective prayer include disobedience Proverbs 28:9, impure motives James 4:3, lack of faith or doubt Hebrews 11:6; James 1:6-7, and unwillingness to forgive Mark
   11:25. Additionally, neglecting the needs of the disadvantaged can hinder the efficacy of one’s prayers Proverbs 21:13.

   2. TYPES OF PRAYERS

   Prayer of Faith: This form of prayer is characterised by strong conviction that God responds to the petitions of believers Mark 11:24. It is founded on the assertion of one’s rights and privileges in Christ John 14:12-14; James 5:15 and involves leveraging one’s understanding of God to achieve results through prayer Hebrews 11:6.

   Prayer of Consecration: This prayer seeks to set aside an individual for a sacred purpose John 17:17-19. It entails presenting all aspects of oneself- mind, body, and will-- to align with God’s plans Leviticus 20:7. Rather than a single occasion, this act should be ongoing, reflecting a sustained readiness to submit to God’s will, as exemplified by Jesus Luke 22:42. Believers are encouraged to offer themselves as living sacrifices Romans 12:1.

   Prayer of Intercession: Intercessory prayer involves advocating for others to influence circumstances or outcomes Exodus 32:11-14. In His final prayer, Jesus petitioned for both His
   disciples and the unity of future believers John 17:18-21. The Holy Spirit supports believers by interceding when they lack the words to pray Romans 8:26-27. Hebrews 7:25 highlights Christ’s continual intercession for believers’ ultimate salvation.

   Prayer of Supplication: Supplication refers to making requests or seeking assistance from God, rather than asserting demands Philippians 4:6- 7. Believers are invited to approach God’s throne confidently to receive mercy and support in challenging times Hebrews 4:16. Supplication forms a crucial element of Christian spiritual life Ephesians 6:18 and should be accompanied by thanksgiving Philippians 4:6. Requests may be made on behalf of oneself Philippians 4:6, other Christians James 5:16), individuals in authority, and those who have not yet embraced faith 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

   CONCLUSION

   You too can pray and get results.

   FURTHER READING

   Sun: Mark 11:24.
   Mon: Philippians 4:6. 
   Tue: 1 John 5:14. 
   Wed: 2 Chronicles 7:14. 
   Thurs: James 5:16. 
   Fri: 1 John 1:9, 
   Sat: Hebrews 4:16