How To Pray Effectively | Pastor Elisha Satvinder

Praise God. I want to talk about how to pray effectively. We hear so much about prayer, don’t we, Church? We often say, “I’ll pray for you,” and sometimes we wonder, “What is it to pray? How does it look like to pray better? How is it to be more effective?” We go through all these different thoughts and struggles. The thing is, why am I asked to pray effectively? How do I pray effectively?

Last week, we looked at the battle that Jesus had—an external battle and an internal battle at the Garden of Gethsemane. There were two battles there: one against the spiritual forces that were coming, as the devil definitely didn’t want Jesus to fulfill God’s purpose, and, of course, the internal one where Jesus asked, “Father, can I go through this?” So, Jesus actually taught us a crucial lesson. 

Jesus taught us crucial lessons on overcoming struggles through awakened and persistent prayer. I put the word “awakened” intentionally because many times, I can have a casual prayer, an anemic prayer, a sleepy prayer. This is about an awakened prayer.

Let’s look at the scripture we used last week. Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” It sounds so simple: “I go over there and pray.” I’m going to go and pray, but what is the dynamic that takes place?

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Imagine, he didn’t take them to the school of the Bible or the School of Prayer. Bible school is good and all these different training, but he was giving them the greatest lesson of watching him wrestle with the Father, with destiny, with purpose, with demonic principalities, with his emotions and doubts. Jesus was very transparent, and remember, there’s only one thing the disciples asked him to teach them: “Lord, teach us how to pray,” not “How to walk on water.”

If it was me, I would say, “Show me how to multiply fish and bread,” because we’ve got to feed too many people. I would want to learn that—how to multiply fish and bread because it’s very lucrative. We would put Gardia and Mimo out of business if we could do that.

Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “Father, my Father, if it is possible, take this cup away from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

What is Jesus doing? He’s praying there, dealing with the most crucial thing in his life. So often, we read and skim over it. God’s word is a treasure. He says, “Could you not watch one hour?” He said, “I’m leaving. There are going to be challenges. There must be something here that you pick up because you asked me to teach you how to pray. Watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible,”—remember the switch? First, “If it’s possible, take it from me,” and now, “If it’s not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it,”—I realize I’m the only one who can fulfill this mission. All of us have a mission in life, a purpose in life. All of us are required by God to respond to his truth, his promises, his commandments, his purposes. He says, “If it’s not possible unless I drink it, may

your will be done.” When he came back again, he found them sleeping because their eyes were heavy.

Now, there are four ways people can come up with to learn how to pray effectively. Number one, by understanding the battles we face. If I don’t understand the challenge I’m in, I curse people, get upset, get angry, get disappointed, lose hope in God, lose hope in church, lose hope in God’s word. I’m sure all of us at some point go through these things. The first way to learn how to pray effectively is to discern the battle we are facing. If it’s an emotional thing, doubt—ask yourself, “What is the battle?” If you don’t know what you’re fighting, how are you going to win?

The second way is by learning from Biblical examples. We’ve seen one great one here from Genesis all the way through Revelation. The Bible is loaded with examples of people who went through challenges and how they overcame them.

The third way is by learning from others. We can read autobiographies of men and women who amazingly engaged God on their knees or people around us we know who stand in the gap, pray, and engage. 

The fourth way is to take practical, intentional steps for our daily lives. If I have a need, I’m given a pick, a bucket, and different things to go into the mountain and search for gold or gems. I have to be practical and very intentional.

The battles we face, what are those? We looked at Jesus—external and internal. External: the imminent arrest, the suffering, the crucifixion, all that he was going to go through. His battle was not just against people and authorities but spiritual forces. Paul speaks of this in Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

What is the internal battle? Jesus experienced deep sorrow and distress. When you are sorrowful, he knows how you feel. He doesn’t leave you abandoned and alone. He felt distressed in the midst of prayer. When I’m really feeling blah, disappointed, hurt, discouraged, the first thing I don’t do is pray, and that’s dangerous.

Matthew 26:39 says, “Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘If it is possible, take this cup from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'” Jesus’ internal conflict was a battle of submission to God’s will. Our internal conflict is a battle to submit to God’s will. It’s a battle because we can be fed with the idea that everything is going to be right, but when we face problems and go into the valley, that’s where we get stuck. We cannot pray effectively or engage.

Jesus’ internal conflict was a battle to submit to God. Our internal conflict, dear friends, is a battle to submit to God’s will. It’s a battle. We look at Hebrews 5:7: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” God answered, but Jesus finally said, “Not my will, I submit myself. Not my will, but yours be done.” 

Every weekend, we read The Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come, your will be done.” We engage Him. If prayer was necessary for Jesus, if submitting to the Father’s will was necessary for Jesus, then prayer and confidence in God are essential for us. If it worked for Him, then it works for us.

Jesus’ example teaches us that prayer is not optional but essential. In our struggles, we must engage in earnest prayer, submitting our hearts to God’s will, trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. The sovereignty of God means that He is the ultimate authority and ruler over all creation, exercising complete control over nature, history, and human affairs. It encompasses His supreme power and ability to accomplish His purposes and providential care, ensuring that everything works according to His will for His glory and the good of His people. This doctrine assures believers of God’s control and purpose, even in difficult circumstances, encouraging trust in His divine plan.

One classic example is Joseph. He was the father’s pet and favorite, got the coat of many colors, and had dreams from God. But he ended up in the pit because of his mouth, was sold as a slave, worked in Pharaoh’s house, was seduced by the wife, and then thrown into prison. If you and I were Joseph, we would give up. We would say, “What kind of God is this? You give me promises, but why am I in prison? Why am I going through this?” We go through this stirring, this challenge, this sorrow, this anxiety in our hearts. But Joseph became number two in Egypt, saved a pagan nation, and the known world from famine. Something had to happen in Joseph’s life.

Think of Abraham, who moved away from his convenience and did all kinds of dumb things, but God said, “You will be the father of many nations.” It was a place of difficulty. Have you, during your challenging time, walked away from God and never come back to say, “It’s all about you, God. I come back to the heart of worship”?

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When I’m in trouble, can I be thankful? The answer is usually no. We often don’t say, “God, praise you for this challenge.” We say, “Boss, where are you?”

When I bring my request to God, something changes in me. I become more reliant on God, and I begin to see the glimmer of a diamond. God says, “Come on, draw in.” He says, “With thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When I’m in trouble, can I be thankful? The answer is usually no. We often don’t say, “God, praise you for this challenge.” We say, “Boss, where are you?”

Verse 7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Circle “peace” and “anxiety.” They are opposite of each other. He says, “Don’t do this, but do this. When you do this, this is what happens.” The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds. It is in our hearts we get corrupt, bitter, angry, and in our minds, we get confused and lost. These two areas God

says, “Hey, in the midst of the battle, come draw before my throne of grace. As you come in this manner, I’m going to work in you first so that when you go out, you will know how to help others.”

Does this verse make more sense? Let’s make this practical. How do we practically watch and pray effectively? Jesus urged his disciples to stay awake and not fall into temptation. Temptation isn’t just about lust; it could be making shortcuts and violating principles. I’m tempted to short-circuit the whole thing because I cannot wait for God. What happened to Abraham? He wanted to short-circuit the whole thing. He said, “God, you’ve given me a promise, but my wife is barren. There’s nothing happening with us. This guy Eliezer’s child is going to take over all

this that you gave me.” When we short-circuit things, it messes us up. Temptation comes in so many forms, not just lust. Temptation comes in pride, arrogance, compromise, and wrong choices. That’s temptation. When we do it our way, we must be alert to spiritual dangers and maintain a constant prayer life.

Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Every time at the end of the service, we say, “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Many times, we know our spirit is alright, but we are too tired, lazy, discouraged, angry, or confused. We just don’t want to do it.

How do I stay alert? I must deal with temptation. Ephesians 6:18 says, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” God builds His case. In medieval times, castles and cities had big walls around them with watchmen. Modern-day security guards are the watchmen. They look out for trouble. We are all called to be watchmen. We all have this anointing to be watchmen. All of us are called to watch, to stand in the gap, to pray, and to engage.

The second thing is to submit to God’s will. Matthew 26:42 says, “He went away a second time and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is not possible,’”—the first time He asked, “If it’s possible, take it away,” now He says, “If it’s not possible, let your will be done.” Jesus is asking, “Make this whole ordeal successful by being with me as I submit to you.” Jesus transitioned from “If it’s your will” to “God, make this whole thing a success,” demonstrating submission to God’s plan. Our prayers should submit to God’s will, purpose, and desires.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” A sailor will trust the captain of the ship to give directions. How many of you have boarded a plane before? Why do you trust the pilot? We trust things in our daily life, but we find it so hard to trust God.

Perseverance in prayer is my key point. Luke 18:1 says, “Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them they should always pray and not give up.” Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Jesus prayed persistently, receiving strength from the angel. Luke 22:43 says, “An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.” Jesus was faithful, so we must persist in prayer, especially when we have challenges, knowing that God will provide strength. We want the problem to be taken away, but God says, “I want to

shape you through the problem and give you the sweetest victory you can ever imagine.” It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

What does praying without ceasing look like? Is it even possible? Pray continually, without ceasing. How can I pray continually 24/7? It feels impossible and intimidating. It’s not about constantly talking; it’s about a continuous conversation. Without ceasing means constant communion with God, a constant awareness of God. A child may not be talking to their mother all the time, but they are very aware of the mother’s presence. It’s a constant awareness and an open conversation.

We can rehearse anger, negative words, and worry over and over in our minds. We wake up with the problem, dream about it, have breakfast thinking about it. David, when he was chased by his son Absalom, said, “You make me lie down in the midst of my enemies.” He was running away from Absalom but could sleep because God was with him. Your purpose and plan will take place.

Prayer is not about clever words or quoting the Bible, though it has a role. Prayer is trusting and relying on God, even when you do not see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s impossible without this continuous conversation. If we can rehearse the negative, we can rehearse the positive. That’s why we have memory verses. We memorize them, pray them, and let them digest in our lives. Let them become a weapon. Jesus said to the devil, “It is written.” You can say what you want, but I will overcome you not the way you think.

The Bible is loaded with this, but it’s up to us to pick up the bucket and go for the treasure that God has for us. Sometimes, we get opinions and counsel that seem right but are not from God. Without ceasing looks like constant communion, an attitude of dependence, living in dependence. Proverbs 3 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Lean not on your understanding.” We often struggle with this, relying on our understanding and others rather than God.

We must integrate prayer into our daily lives. Begin and end your day with prayer. Commit your life to the Lord in the morning, start with a passage, a verse, a chapter. In the evening, before you sleep, thank the Lord for the day. It’s been challenging, but give me peace as I rest. Speak to my heart. Integrated prayer becomes a natural action and response. If we have already said prayer is difficult, we manifest that negativity in our lives. The fruit is demonstrated in our conversation, actions, and reactions. Don’t make prayer something unreachable. Daniel prayed three times a day while running an empire.

Use reminders on your phone to pray throughout the day. Excuse yourself for two minutes to connect with God. If we don’t practically and intentionally do it, we miss the treasure. Pray without ceasing. We can grumble without ceasing. Instead of negativity, meditate on God’s word, and it shapes and builds us. 

Remember church bells to remind people of prayer times? Different religions have prayer times. Don’t mock because we don’t do it. We can learn from them. The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness, intercedes for us through wordless groans. Invite the Holy Spirit to help you.

Misconceptions about prayer include misunderstanding the command to pray without ceasing. It’s practical to lace prayer through the day. We carry burdens for people we care about; can we not carry God’s promises? It doesn’t mean 24/7 on our knees. We can trust the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our understanding. Integrate prayer into daily life with quick prayers for guidance, silent prayers in our hearts.

Begin and end your day with prayer. Start with one passage, one verse, one chapter, and 20 minutes. Commit your life to the Lord in the morning, end with gratitude in the evening. Don’t make prayer difficult. Remind yourself to pray throughout the day. Use reminders on your phone. Excuse yourself for a few minutes to connect with God. If we don’t practically and intentionally do it, we miss the treasure. Pray without ceasing.

Remember, the role of the Holy Spirit is to help us in our weakness, intercede for us, and guide us in prayer. Misconceptions about prayer include misunderstanding the command to pray without ceasing. It’s practical to lace prayer through the day. We carry burdens for people we care about; can we not carry God’s promises? It doesn’t mean 24/7 on our knees. We can trust

the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our understanding. Integrate prayer into daily life with quick prayers for guidance, silent prayers in our hearts.

Let’s embrace this. Let us pray this together: Father, we thank you for the gift of prayer and the opportunity to commune with you continually. Help us to cultivate a lifestyle of constant prayer, rejoicing in your abundance and strength. May we integrate prayer into every aspect of our lives, and may the Holy Spirit guide our prayers according to your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.