1. Matthew 6:7-8 (NIV2011)
7  And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

2. Introduction
Is it possible for Christians to engage in prayer that is repetitive, monotonous, unintelligible, rigidly formal and ultimately meaningless?

3. Clearly, that is exactly what Jesus is trying to teach us.
Yes!
Clearly, that is exactly what Jesus is trying to teach us.

4. For our prayers to reach God and to be heard, they must be genuine, sincere, meaningful and with purpose.
Continued

5. How can we pray so that we are heard?

6. How can we pray so that we are heard?
We must ask ourselves what prayer is & what is its purpose in the Christian life.
(Let us remember that the disciples of Christ asked Him to teach them to pray – Luke 11:1)

7. Simply put, prayer is talking to God and listening to His answer.
What Is Prayer?
Simply put, prayer is talking to God and listening to His answer.
NIB Matthew 6:9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "`Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, NIB John 17:1 After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.

8. But!
NIB 1 Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15 So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
Prayer must also include our whole being, i.e. heart, mind, body and soul! Only then can we engage the Lord in ‘conversation’!

9. What is the purpose of prayer?

10. To share and to seek!
To speak with Him and share what no- one else can share, our inner most thoughts. Seek His counsel & guidance!
NIB Matthew 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Mat 6:10 NIB) CNVS Matthew 6:10 愿你的国降临， 愿你的旨意成就在地上， 如同 在天上一样。

11. Our Lord’s example.
As Jesus was preparing to face the unknown for His death on the cross; being overcome by this prospect He sought the Father’s comfort. His comfort was absolute faith in the father’s will!
NIB Luke 22:41 He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

12. To be heard in prayer means that we must pray in a manner that gives careful, reverent thought to what we wish to say , (what is really in our hearts and on our minds).
Therefore,

13. Simultaneously convey our willingness to listen and obey!

14. So, for our prayers to be effective.
Our words to Him must be completely our own and from hearts.
So, for our prayers to be effective.

15. Which also means
That we need to be in a proper relationship with Him and not one built on pretence or hypocrisy!
(Mat.6:2-6)
NIB James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

16. Let me re-cap. Prayer is,
Seeking His counsel
Listening to God
Sharing with God

17. That is the process to effective prayer!

18. Is the process to effective prayer!
That the Lord will listen to!

19. In Conclusion
Prayer is our only means for properly communicating with the Lord.
Prayer can only be meaningful & acceptable to God when we commit our total self to the conversation.