Prayer

The definition of exercise means to exert energy for muscle development. Exercise is a common term that relates to building the physical body, but we also have a spiritual body that needs development. In the Faith & Fat Loss program, spiritual exercise is the soul on its knees, before God, in prayer.

Effective Prayer

There is no question that praying to God is effective. Scripture has proven, repetitively, that when the people of God sincerely seek His face and pray, He responds by answered prayer. As Christians, we must continue to effectively pray.  Many years ago there was a term frequently used that has now become nearly extinct in today's fast-paced society.  The term we are referring to is praying-through.  Praying-through is staying before God until you receive your answer; at the same time, trusting Him without any reservation or doubt.

Prayer requires conviction and sincerity, without time constraints.  Because of our busy hectic lives it is easy to make excuses not to pray.  The Bible tells us about a situation where Daniel set his whole heart to seek God.  He prayed-through expecting God to answer; regardless, of how long it took.  His seeking God lasted 21 days. The length of time was not the cause for Daniel's answered prayer. It was a combination of his commitment, his mind-set, his consistency, his intensity, his motive, and his faith in God.  In these trying times God is bringing us back to what He considers to be effective prayer.

 Helpful Suggestions to Effective Prayer

• Faith is not an option, but a requirement to answered prayer.  We are instructed in the book of James that when we pray it must be in faith; otherwise, we shouldn't expect to receive anything from God.  James 1:6-8 states, "Let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways."
• Unforgiveness puts a breach between you and God making it hard to receive your answer to prayer. Matthew 6:15 says, "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your (heavenly) Father forgive your trespasses."
• There is no better way to learn how to pray than to pray.  There is no better way to be consistent than to set an appointment for prayer and meet that appointment daily, without fail.  Luke 18:1, "He spoke a parable unto them to this end that men ought always to pray, and not to faint."
• It is important in developing an effective prayer life to know and pray God's Word - this is a safety parameter.  God Himself wants us to pray His Word. The Holy Spirit will confirm His Word. Last, but not least, the Word of God is His will for our lives.
• Prayer is not a thought, but a conversation with God. Our thoughts and feelings are solidified by the words we speak. We are made in the image of God; therefore, we have some of His attributes.  There is power in God's Word and Scripture clearly reveals there is also power in our words.  Life and death is in the power of the tongue {Proverbs 18:21}.