Bible prayers are powerful. They put things into perspective. For example, Paul prayed that God would give the Ephesians ‘the Spirit of wisdom and revelation…that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…and his incomparably great power’ (vv.17-19 NIV). With this model in mind, JoHannah Reardon writes this:

1) Make your prayers God centred. The creator of the universe has given you the privilege of bringing your requests to Him. When you tell God how great He is, you’re filled with an expectancy that something great can happen because you’re talking to the One who can do anything.

2) Make them praise filled. Paul starts by saying, ‘I have not stopped giving thanks for you.’ The key isn’t to focus on your troubles, but to thank God and praise Him because He knows what He is doing. Learn to say, ‘I don’t know why I’m having this problem, Lord, and I would love for You to change things. But if You don’t, I know You will use it for good in my life.’

3) Make them life changing. Most of our prayers are asking God to change our circumstances. But maybe He wants to change you. That doesn’t mean He won’t ever intervene; He supplies needs, opens doors, and heals people in incredible ways every day. But when you spend years praying for something that never happens, it may be a clue you’re not praying the right way. Paul found joy in a prison cell, and when God opens your eyes, you will find joy in your situation too.