I believe that since the movie The War Room, prayer closets have become more of a thing. However, I’ve found that having a designated place to meet with God, helps me to avoid all the pitfalls and distractions I often encounter when I settle down to pray.
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If you want to help your mind and heart get focused and down to business, having a place to do that is a great way to start. 

Over the past few weeks, I’ve given tips and shared my thoughts on how to pray more effective prayers, such as checking your motives, keeping a journal, and praying according to scripture. But there’s more to effective prayer than just doing things. It also requires that we be present. Get quiet. Open our hearts and ears. And most of all, that we pray without ceasing.
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This week we will discuss how to Abide. Or, how to include the Lord into your daily activities, decisions, and triumphs.

When we pray according to God’s word, there is no room for dispute or doubt. God’s word is true. When we pray according to scripture, we are lining up our will and desires with those of God. Do you want your prayers to be effective? Find a scripture that backs up what you are praying for. Don’t forget to watch for your answers to come. Document them when they do so that you won’t forget God’s power in your life.

Below are a few scriptures that I’ve collected and turned into prayers. I do not pray the scripture word-by-word. I want to make it personal. So, some of the words have been changes to fit my life and situation. If I’m praying for a friend, I will insert their name. Or if I’m praying for a situation, I do the same: naming the issue I need help with.
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Do you have a favorite scriptural prayer that I’ve not included? Share in the comments. I’m always on the lookout for more to collect. 

Last week I talked about creating a prayer journal and how it can help us to have a more effective prayer life. This week, I'll go through the sections I include in my journals and provide a few pictures as well. 

Please keep in mind that this is how I put together one of my prayer journals. Each one changes a little as I get more comfortable with this technique. These are merely suggestions. If you choose to make one of your own, then do what works for you. 

​Let's get started...

Effective prayers start with a plan. In a successful battle, strategies are planned out beforehand. What weapons should be used? How many people should be sent out? Where will it be fought and how? 

​Have you ever considered the ‘why’ behind what you pray for? Do you even remember what, exactly, you prayed for the last time you went before the Lord God Almighty? 

The Lord’s Prayer

“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.
 for yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever. Amen.’”

Matthew 6:9-13

I've been a believer all my life. Yet, understanding how prayer works, how to pray effectively, and even understanding why I want to learn this, came much, much later. 

There is something about having God's ear, about knowing that he is not only listening to me, but he wants to listen, to help, to be a part of my life. This deep-hearted understanding has helped to keep me from feeling alone.
Isn't it crazy how alone we can feel at times, even in a world full of people, even in a house full of family? We think that nobody understands us. That nobody really cares. That nobody is listening.

I'm here to tell you that is a lie from the enemy.
It's not true. You are valuable. You have been created for a purpose here on earth and into eternity. God paid a great price so that you can get close to Him. 

​Welcome to my new series of blog posts about becoming an Effective Prayer Warrior. If you want to step out of the mundane, to rise above the chaos of this world and society’s way of thinking, then that change starts with effective prayer. If you want to see changes, but feel they are beyond your abilities to make a difference, I want to direct you to what God said in 2 Chronicles 7:14--

This promise is just as truthful as it was back when it was first penned.
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Come along, and let’s take a little journey toward learning how to become a true Prayer Warrior so that you can make a difference in the Kingdom of God and the world we live in.