Effective Prayer James 5:16b-18 '…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.' Elijah was no different from us in nature. How was he so effective in prayer? Elijah was...led by the Spirit....empowered by the Spirit...righteous before God. The same prayer resources are available to us. So why is prayer often unanswered? Because of.. Unbelief Worldliness Selfishness

The First Objective of Prayer must be the Glory of God The prayer of Elijah Began a time of great hardship for Elijah and for the nation. His prayer had the objective of bringing glory to God. God took care of his needs by supernatural manifestations. The cause of unanswered prayer. Why is prayer that is in the will of God not answered? Self and self seeking. Prayer must be for God's glory. The person praying must be living for God's glory. The greatness of God. The affairs on earth are important because they concern the eternal plan and purpose of God. Isaiah the prophet wrote: Isaiah 40:15a 'Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance:'

George Muller - an example of prayer Objectives: To glorify God To strengthen faith of other believers. To lead a careless world to see the reality of the things of God Methods: The needs of the orphans to be met by prayer and faith. Not sharing needs with people. Purpose: To provide visible proof that God is the same today as He ever was. To show that God is still willing to prove He is the Living God. To give testimony that God is faithful and answers prayer Results: Multitudes came to Christ Christians benefited Orphanages widely known Ten of thousands visited orphanages. Orphanages were enlarged

1. Principles of effective prayer The Holy Spirit must be in control. Prayer must be energised by the Holy Spirit. James 5:16b '…The effectual fervent prayer’ Effectual Greek 'energeo' (energy - to put forth power). To pray in the Spirit we must have understanding of the times. 1 Chronicles 12:32 'And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.' Esther 1:13 'Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:’ The Holy Spirit knows how we should pray. Romans 8:26 'Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.'

2. Principles of effective prayer We must walk in obedience - under the Lordship of Christ. Elijah walked in close relationship with the Lord. 1 Kings 17:1 'And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.' Elijah had power with God because he obeyed the Lord. 1 Kings 19:10 'And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.’ The Holy Spirit is given to those who obey the Lord. Acts 5:32 'And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to them that obey him.'

3. Principles of effective prayer Elijah prayed with authority and power. Elijah had authority because He was under authority. Matthew 8:8-9 'The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goes; and to another, Come, and he comes; and to my servant, Do this, and he does it.’ Elijah had authority and he prayed '…and he prayed earnestly' (James 5:17b). In Greek this literally means 'he prayed with prayer'. Prayer provided Elijah with a means to call upon the Lord. Having a right relationship and coming in the power of the Holy Spirit is not enough. It is also necessary to pray. Elijah had power with God - his prayer availed much. (James 5:16b) Jesus said 'Therefore I say unto you, What things soever you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.' (Mark 11:24).

Summary: Principles for effective prayer 1) We must be under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Energised by the Holy Spirit Understanding the times Led by the Holy Spirit 2) We must be in close relationship with the Lord. Stand in the presence of the Lord Walk in obedience Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit 3) We must be diligent in prayer. We must be under authority to pray with authority We will only see prayer answered by praying. When we pray God’s way then our prayers will have power with God