Effectual Prayer When someone has been wronged and seeks justice, they can present their case before a judge in a courtroom. There, a petition is submitted, a ruling is made, and restitution may even be awarded. The courtroom is a place where real help can be given, but entering that place of resolution requires an understanding of the court’s expectations—how to appear, how to speak, and how to show proper honor. It also requires knowledge of established precedent, where the court’s will is already established. A person may have a valid case, yet a careless or dishonorable approach to the place of help can greatly hinder the possibility of a favorable outcome. It is not that the judge is unwilling or unable to help. Rather, honor for the authority of the court is the first consideration, and it influences everything that follows. In the same way, we have been given access to the throne of grace—only because of what Jesus’ blood has prepared for us in righteousness, and because of faith that gives us confidence before God the Judge. Everything we need has already been provided through the work of the cross. When we ask, there is potential for full resolution and overwhelming blessing. Still, how we approach that throne matters. The ways of God’s court must take precedence over personal opinions and desires. When we understand that God has already provided what we need, and we align ourselves with His will, we place ourselves in agreement with His prior judgment—and this greatly increases our expectation of favor. But to rush into God’s presence without submission to His righteousness, demanding outcomes that contradict His revealed will, is to undermine our own confidence before Him. It is not that God lacks power or mercy; it is that our posture can interfere with our ability to receive what He is ready to give. There is no limit to what God can do for a heart that is humble and reverent toward His mercy and grace. Our own perspectives and preferences can place limits on what we experience of His power. But when our hearts are confident toward Him—resting in faith and aligned with His will—God is able to bless us far beyond what we could ask or imagine. Notes There is a place at the throne where God’s power is available in prayer. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. At His throne is power to do way more than we can ask or imagine. Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) 20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Preparations for an effective approach A cleared conscience enables power in prayer. 1 John 3:21-22 (NLT) 21 Dear friends, if we don’t feel guilty, we can come to God with bold confidence. 22 And we will receive from him whatever we ask because we obey him and do the things that please him. James 5:16 (NKJV) 16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (AMPC) 16 Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]. Patience in the promises provides direction for what to do with joy’s strength. James 1:2-8 (NKJV) 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Forgiveness Mark 11:24-26 (NKJV) 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Consideration of God’s will above ours 1 John 5:14-15 (NKJV) 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. James 4:3 (NLT) 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. Honor for those in our care. 1 Peter 3:7 (TLB) 7 You husbands must be careful of your wives, being thoughtful of their needs and honoring them as the weaker sex. Remember that you and your wife are partners in receiving God’s blessings, and if you don’t treat her as you should, your prayers will not get ready answers. Humility in holiness brings resolution in a God answer 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT) 14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. Overview Access to God’s Throne We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). At God’s throne there is mercy, grace, and real help. God is able to do far more than we ask or imagine (Eph. 3:20). Our Access Is Through Jesus We come confidently only because of Jesus’ righteousness, not our own. Everything we need has already been provided through the cross. Our Approach Matters God responds to honor, humility, and faith. We must value God’s will above personal desires. Agreement with God’s Word aligns us with what He has already judged as good. Preparations for Effective Prayer Clear Conscience Confidence grows when we walk in obedience and repentance (1 John 3:21–22). Confession and prayer bring healing and restored strength (James 5:16). Faith and Patience Maintained faith through trials develop patience and maturity (James 1:2–4). Ask God for wisdom without doubting (James 1:5–8). Forgiveness Unforgiveness blocks confidence in prayer (Mark 11:24–26). Forgiveness keeps our hearts open to receive. Right Motives God answers prayers that align with His will, not selfish desires (1 John 5:14–15; James 4:3). Honor in Relationships Dishonor in close relationships can hinder prayers (1 Peter 3:7). Humility and Holiness Humility keeps us dependent on grace. Holiness keeps us sensitive to God’s voice and direction. Prayer: Father, By the blood I now come with boldness to Your throne of grace to seek Your face and to find the grace You’ve prepared for me there. I submit completely to Your Word and as that my life would be consecrated to Your righteousness and made acceptable before You. Let my prayers and petitions come from an honor of Your will and Your ways, and may Your power be effective to accomplish what only You can. Let everything I do, say, and ask for bring glory and honor to Your name. In Jesus’ Name Declarations I come boldly to the throne of grace and receive mercy and help. I pray from righteousness, not from fear or striving. My heart is clean, my conscience is clear, and my faith is strong. I forgive freely and walk in peace with others. I desire God’s will above my own. My prayers are powerful and effective because I am in Christ. God is working beyond what I can see, ask, or imagine. I receive God’s answers with joy and thanksgiving.