 (Matthew 5:34-37) But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; {35} or by the earth, for it is his footstool; …{37} Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.

 (James 5:16b) The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  (Isaiah 59:1-2) Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. {2} But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.

 (2 Corinthians 1:10-11) He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, {11} as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

 Do I pray for God’s will or just my own will (1 John 5:14-15)?  Do I realize I must stay close to God and pursue His priorities for God to answer my prayers (John 15:7, 8, 16.)?  Do I believe God answers prayer in great ways (Ephesians 3:20)?  Why don’t I pray more (spiritual obstacles, excuses)?  What must change for me to pray more? What is my prayer plan? (1 John 5:14-15) This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. {15} And if we know that he hears us-- whatever we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him. (John 15:7-8) If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. {8} This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (Ephesians 3:20) Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…,