Questions in this section
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How can I be more confident in prayer?
You first need to believe God exists, and then you need to believe He rewards those that diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). Claim His promises about prayer – He wants you to trust Him in this special privilege to access His powerful help in your life. He is vulnerable to your prayers, like allowing Jacob to win their wrestling match! He has promised to hear and answer your prayers, and the Bible is filled with powerful examples of prayers that were answered in every part of life. He encourages prayer, enhances your prayers, and can easily exceed your requests.
See Also
For a summary of encouragement in prayer: Confidence in Prayer.
For sermon outline examples of powerful prayer: Power of Prayer.
For slides from Bible study about power in prayer: Power of Prayer-II.
For slides from Bible study about a mustard seed: How Big Is Your Faith? -
Should Christians today fast?
Yes, certainly. The New Testament has its own examples of fasting. Nothing has changed to diminish the value of fasting. It shows God a greater degree of earnestness on your part, and He does not miss the extra effort to seek His blessings. In fact, there are certain situations that cannot be remedied without fasting (Matt 17:21). The Roman Catholic concept of fasting for Lent is hardly fasting by any definition, and it is so steeped in paganism as to be void of value.
See Also
For much detail and encouragement about Bible fasting: Fasting.
For analysis of the need for fasting for a lunatic: Faith Like A Mustard Seed.
For a Biblical refutation of Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday. -
What is effectual prayer?
Effectual prayer, from James 5:16, is effective prayer – it accomplishes its goal – it is prayer that works. For prayer to work, it must satisfy the Bible rules for prayer, which are clearly revealed by example and instruction in the Bible. If you want your prayers to be heard – your prayers must be effectual – so you should diligently learn God’s rules for prayer in the Bible.
See Also
For a summary of the Bible rules: Guidelines for Effectual Prayer.
Detailed study of the Bible rules: Effectual Prayer.
Another study of the Bible rules: Effectual Prayer.