Does Your Prayer Life Need a Makeover?

For a quick lesson on prayer, note these principles from Nehemiah’s remarkable prayer life:

• Pray to meet the needs of others. Nehemiah’s awareness of the conditions of the people around him moved him to pray and find a way to help them.
• Pray with an open mind. Be willing to be the answer to your own prayers. As Nehemiah prayed, he came to understand that God’s purpose involved him!
• Pray with a willing heart. Nehemiah committed himself to obeying God’s desire to use him. He willingly set aside certain activities so he could carry out God’s plan.
• Pray for others to join in the work. Nehemiah asked God to move the hearts of others to assist him in accomplishing God’s work.
• Pray with persistence. Don’t give up too quickly. Nehemiah prayed for four months before he received a clear, concise response from the Lord.
• Pray for blameless conduct. Nehemiah was constantly concerned about his own sinfulness and the need for God’s forgiveness. Nehemiah prayedto be fit for the Master’s use.
• Pray for direction. Nehemiah prayed at every step and every decision to know and do God’s will.
• Pray and then act. There should be a balance between faith in God and following God. Sometimes there is only enough time to lift up an “arrow prayer,” and then act. At other times, prayer continues for months. Whenever God’s answer does come, move out with the strength of faith.

InKnowing God Through Prayer by Jim George, he shares the keys to meaningful communion with God. We could all benefit from some guidance on how to pray with more fervor and faithfulness. And there are no better prayer mentors than the men and women of the Bible. They talked with God and touched His heart. Get to know them through this great resource!

Read Does Your Prayer Life Need a Makeover? on Elizabeth & Jim George.