True prayer is a heartfelt, one-on-one conversation with God, which is something the world knows nothing about. Many of us as children learned our bedtime prayers word for word, but that was simply by memory. A real conversation is a two-way communication process, and as our heavenly Father, God very much wants to talk directly with us. God is love, and learning to speak His language makes it easier to hear what He has to say to us.

It can be irritating when our children whine and beg for something they want. Yet, many of us, when it comes to our prayer life, feel we have to whine and beg for what we want from God. Begging and pleading won’t work with God, because as His children our prayers should reflect our true relationship with Him. We have received grace as one of His gifts to us, and prayers based on this grace are powerful (1 Peter 3:12).

God has given us everything we’ll ever need to live a holy life. Effective prayer gives approval for the manifestation of what we’ve already received through the finished works of Jesus, rather than a petition for something we don’t already have. Because of Jesus, we’re now under grace and no longer under the Law (Romans 6:14). eHe re-opened the gates of heaven to us by His death and resurrection, so a healthy dose of thanksgiving is in order. “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Asking God for something is perfectly acceptable, but religion has incorrectly taught us to ask meekly. As His children, we have the right to confidently come into His presence. “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Believing we’ve already received what we pray for is based on our confidence level. When we pray out of belief and not doubt, God will honor our request.  “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24, NKJV).

Life can throw a curve ball when we least expect it, and sometimes we’re caught by surprise. Sickness, pain, and suffering are parts of life we don’t like to deal with, but they’re no match for the power of prayer. When you pray, speak God’s language by declaring His Word over your situation. In other words, don’t pray the problem, pray the solution. Also, God is well aware that there will be situations when loved ones need help and we won’t know what to do, so He counsels us to turn to Him. God hears our intercessory prayers on the behalf of others (James 5:13-16).

When we ask Him for direction and guidance in life, He’s happy to oblige. There’s no need to shout or repeat the same thing over and over—God isn’t deaf! “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matthew 6:7, 8). A sincere prayer from the heart is all that’s needed.

When we strengthen and maintain our relationship with God, we can better withstand the attacks and onslaughts of the devil, who is constantly plotting against us. He knows he’s already been defeated, but he’ll still do anything he can to keep us from getting the answers from God that we seek. This life or death struggle is real, but we win when we let Him fight our battles for us (Ephesians 6:10-18).