Principles Of Prayer

 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Love for God – When we pray, we should focus on God and not on everything around us.  Our prayer time with God should be a special time and not time we have to “put in”.  Think of your sweetheart or someone you really love; you look forward to your time together and you’re not anxious for it to be over.  We don’t have to be on our knees to pray to God either.  We should constantly be aware of His presence all day and talk to Him as needed, “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Love yourself – If you don’t think much of yourself, you’re going to limit the effectiveness of your prayers.  Be encouraged by these things:

• Jesus died for your sins.  Believe it, ask for forgiveness, and don’t listen to the devil.
• You are righteous. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
• You are a child of God.  “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” 1 John 3:1 (NIV).
• You have been “set apart” or sanctified. “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” Hebrews 10:14.
• God loves you!  He thinks you’re cool; don’t question Him.

Love others – This is the hard part! Jesus said, “…Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44”. Those that hate you, cuss you, talk bad about you, hurt you…yes, we’ve got to love them, forgive them, bless them, do good to them, and pray for them!  No retaliation, Jesus said He’d take care of that. “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19.  When we act like this, in love, to our enemies, they’ve got no defense for it.  Love is an act not a feeling and, “Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:8.