How to Pray Effectively

Communication Etiquette with the Commanding Officer

Proper prayer makes the difference between getting answers and being deceived.

As a soldier on the front lines, communicating with your Commanding Officer is key, and getting His response is even more important. When He responds, one of the ways to implement His commands and desires is by praying them into reality. Therefore, prayer is not to be done carelessly or ignorantly. It is one of the four ‘pillars’ that the early church ‘continued steadfastly’ in (see Acts 2:42).

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. We need to learn how to pray. In this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), we will explore the art of effective prayer.

1. What Is Prayer? #

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” – Matthew 6:9

Prayer is both communication with God and a weapon of warfare. It allows us to interact with the Lord—giving thanks, making requests, and receiving help for ourselves and others. A true relationship involves both giving and receiving, and prayer enables this exchange with God.

Jesus prayed, “Your will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.”– Matthew 6:10. Through prayer, we seek God’s will and establish it on earth. Matthew 18:18 is better rendered thus: “Whatsoever things have been bound in heaven, be bound on earth, and whatsoever things are loosed in heaven, be loosed on earth.” When we discern what God wants, we agree with Him in bringing it into reality.

The world is broken, and we cannot meet all needs on our own. Someone must draw healing for the sick, direction for the lost, provision for the needy, forgiveness for the sinful, peace for the restless, and victory for the oppressed. Heaven is whole—people are healthy, needs are met—and we should want the same for the earth. Even though we are limited by our mortal bodies and the darkness of this age, God still wants us to share in what He’s made available for now, and we access this through prayer.

Prayer is also part of our spiritual armour. “And 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 saints.” – Ephesians 6:18. Jesus also said, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” – Matthew 26:41. Prayer and alertness go hand in hand. Every soldier must stay on guard.

2. Who Can Pray? #

“The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works”. – Psalm 145:8-9

Anyone can pray to God.

Believers: Acts 12:1
The Righteous: James 5:16, 1 Peter 3:12, Psalm 32:6, Proverbs 15:29
The Saints: Rev 5:8, Rev 8:3-4
The Afflicted: Psalm 34:6, James 5:13
Leaders: Numbers 21:7, 1 Samuel 12:19, 23
The Humble/Repentant: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Luke 18:13-14

However, not everyone gets the same response. Factors like righteousness and how one prays determine the response one gets from their prayers:

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16 (NKJV)

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. James 4:3

So, often, God looks for righteous people who will stand in the gap for others:

So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30 (NKJV)

The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 (NKJV)

3. Who Should You Pray For? #

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” – 1 Timothy 2:1

Everyone should be prayed for.

Your persecutors – Matt 5:45, Luke 6:28
For the Saints/church – Eph 6:18, John 17:9, 20
For kingdom labourers – 2 Thess 3:1-2, Romans 15:30-32, Col 4:3-4
The sick – James 5:14, Mark 16:18
Leaders/Those in authority – Ezra 6:10, 1 Tim 2:2
Your country/territory – Psa 122:6, Jer 29:7
The Remnant of God – Jer 42:2, Isaiah 37:4

Different Kinds of Prayer

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” – 1 Timothy 2:1

Supplications / Petitions

From the Greek word deesis and Hebrew word techinnah, it implies entreating another from a state of need, indigence, or penury.

“Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears…” – Hebrews 5:7 (NKJV)

Other references: Ephesians 6:18, Psalm 143:1, Psalm 28:2, 1 John 5:14-15, Psalm 86:6-7

Thanksgiving

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4 (NKJV):

It is simple courtesy to say thank you for the good that has been done to you. God has done us great good—every day, in ways seen and unseen. That’s why the Bible says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” Thanksgiving is how we approach Him rightly. It’s not just good manners; it’s the way into His presence. When we thank God, we acknowledge His goodness and remind ourselves that if He could do what He has done, He can do other things that need to be done.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)

Even when you are weighed down with trouble, the proper procedure is to enter the Lord’s presence with Thanksgiving.

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery. Eccl. 8:6 (NIV)

Other references: Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Intercession

“Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” – Isaiah 53:12 (KJV) Intercession connotes pleading with or entreating God on behalf of another; it paints a picture of coming in between two parties.

You’re familiar with the well-known story of how Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed?

While that still happens today. People can intercede for family members, nations, and so on.

Other references: Jeremiah 27:18, Romans 8:26-27, Hebrews 7:25.

Prayer of Agreement

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV)

In Acts 4:24–31, after being threatened not to preach in Jesus’ name, the believers lifted up their voices to God with one accord. How did they do this? Was it because everyone was saying the same words? Likely not. It’s more likely that one person led the prayer, and the others responded with “Amen.” But it wasn’t just about saying “Amen”—they were of one mind in that moment. They were in agreement, united in heart and purpose. That’s what mattered.

Inquiry Prayer

“Therefore, David inquired of the Lord, saying, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord said to David, ‘Go and attack the Philistines, and save Keilah.'”1 Samuel 23:2

One thing David was known for was making inquiry of the Lord. As he said in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.”

As a disciple—one truly submitted to the Lord—you must not only obey what He says but also actively seek His guidance by asking for His thoughts. David had his wives taken, his property threatened, yet he still found it necessary to ask God if he should fight back. This was the secret to David winning all his battles. You can win too—if only you will ask God.

This kind of prayer is about seeking God’s opinion on a matter of concern. It means asking for His will and patiently waiting for His answer. It is a prayer of inquiry, a prayer to hear from God before you move.

Other scriptures – Psalm 27:4, 1 Samuel 23:2, 2 Kings 3:11

4. Why People’s Prayers Are Not Answered #

Praying Outside God’s Will.

1 John 5:14-15 (NIV) — “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have what we asked of him.”

To have prayers that are always answered, you must abide in Christ and let His words abide in you. 1 John 5:14 tells us that when we ask according to God’s will, He hears us. Obedience and continually doing God’s will align our desires with His. In that place, we only speak what God wants us to speak. Just like Jesus, we must learn to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

When we meet the Lord, one thing we will thank Him for is the prayers He did not answer. We often think we know what is best for ourselves, but the God who knows us completely knows better. His “no” or “not yet” is great kindness.

Other scriptures: John 15:7, Proverbs 28:9

Times and Seasons

Galatians 4:4 — “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law…”

A time had been ordained by God for the birth of Christ on earth. No amount of prayer could have brought about this birth before the appointed time because it was not yet the season. The same applies to us and certain requests we make of God. This is why inquiring from God about our desires is so important.

Other scriptures: Genesis 15:16, Ecclesiastes 3:1, Luke 1:20

Wrong Motives

James 4:3 (NIV) — “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

Asking with selfish motives can hinder prayers from being answered. God examines the heart behind every request.

Other scripture: Matthew 6:5–6

Insufficient Prayer / Lack of Perseverance

Hebrews 6:12 (NIV) — “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

Revelation 5:8 refers to golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints, suggesting accumulation.

This implies a need for persistence in prayer—to continue until a certain “measure” is reached before answers manifest. Sometimes, it’s not just one person praying, but the number of people praying together that must increase to bring the right amount of incense before God. Prayer can be a collective offering, growing stronger as more voices unite in faith and agreement.

Other Scriptures: Hebrews 10:36, Daniel 10:12–13

Misinterpretation / Ignorance.

John 5:39–40 — “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”

The Lord Jesus was the answer to the Pharisees’ prayers for the Messiah, but they rejected God’s response because they had their own ideas of what the Messiah should be. Their answer lived among them, yet they believed their prayers had not been answered. Don’t put God in a box or dictate how He should respond to you, lest you miss His answer when it comes.

5. How to Pray Effectively #

According To Scripture/Understanding.

Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Many think prayer is the primary way to fight, but Scripture says it’s through wise counsel that you wage war. Prayer without understanding is like punching the air—many pray long hours with no result because they lack the Word. Strength comes from knowledge; a man of understanding increases in strength. The Bible is a multitude of counsellors—wisdom is found in God’s Word, and it is by that Word you war effectively. True power in prayer comes when it’s rooted in revelation and counsel, not just emotion.

Other scriptures: John 15:7, 1 John 5:14-15, Ephesians 6:17-18.

According to the leading of the Spirit

Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

We saw earlier the importance of praying according to the word of God, but specific, strategic leadings in prayer (and all spiritual warfare) come from the Spirit. We must be led by the Spirit when making requests, because the Spirit knows the mind of the King, and teaches us how to pray.

Other scriptures: Psalms 143:10 BBE, Ephesians 6:18, Jude 1:20

Live a life of obedience and righteousness.

1 Peter 3:12 (NIV)

“For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

Don’t be deceived—if you live in evil, your prayers won’t be heard, even if you call yourself a Christian. God listens to the righteous, those who obey Him, not just talk about righteousness. It’s not about long prayers but prayers from clean hands and a steadfast heart. Righteousness gives you access; God says, “Let that one in anytime.” When righteous people pray with faith and persistence, answers come quickly, even shaking nations.

Other scriptures: James 5:16, Prov 15:29, Isaiah 59:1-2, John 9:31

Conclusion #

Prayer can be much more enjoyable and effective when we do it right. And we will see more answers to our prayers as we draw near to God with single hearts, seeking out his will alone.

Further Reading/Other Resources

VIDEOS #

Sun. Oct , 30 2022 ~SW: Prayer and Warfare: Conversation, Spectacle, or Bluster? || Ita Udoh || GLH

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxMX6H-18H8

The True Definition of Prayer || Ita Udoh – YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF5veQEJAWk

Is Prayer the Master Key: How to Have a Balanced Prayer Life?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F4NV5i_dn4

Fri Aug 05, 2022 ~ SW ~ How to Provoke Answers from Heaven | Ita Udoh | God’s Lighthouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4Zm8-mbOiA

Victories Without Much Praying?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwrWE6UcfEs

How to Become Powerful In the Spirit Realm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-2J0g1j9JA

Sun Oct 31, 2021~ [1st Serv] |How to Defeat the Enemy | Ita Udoh | God’s Lighthouse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmwd6x3YdgM

The Job of Watchmen: Why You Need them in Your Life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsz3Vc8BaMA&t=3s

Sun Jan 16, 2022 [1st Serv]| Disciples vs The Son of Perdition| God’s Lighthouse Google Drive Page

Effective Prayer Strategy: How to get answers to your prayers.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1aycAMajYLbZLelpnxfdg0Rws32508Xx2?usp=sharing

Sat Jan 8, 2022| Righteous Government: Prophetic Parallels from Isaiah 32| God’s Lighthouse Google Drive Page

Why does it seem my prayers are not answered?

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OylfQQZgK0AJITK3yZVSEYU9zHqRSy-F?usp=sharing

Sun, Jan 2, 2022|| Heavenly Warfare: Recovering Gifts|| God’s Lighthouse Google Drive Page

Impatience: Why many are never positioned properly to receive answers to their prayers.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/121Ig5ySphawy0DBis47JmtawtCpHfY6J?usp=sharing

Sun, Dec.12, 2021|| Dark Days Looming || God’s Lighthouse Telegram Channel

What are the ethics and components of effective prayer?

https://t.me/Godslighthouse/2290?single (Message – 46 MB)

https://t.me/Godslighthouse/2289 (Testimonies – 20.8MB)

Sun, Dec 5, 2021 || How to Encounter God || God’s Lighthouse Telegram Channel

Declarations vs Inquiry: Which is the acceptable approach to our God and King?
Why people are many times disappointed when they come to God in prayer.

https://t.me/Godslighthouse/2213?single (Message – 52.4 MB)

https://t.me/Godslighthouse/2212 (Testimonies – 12 MB)

Prayer and Warfare: Conversation, Spectacle, or Bluster?

https://youtu.be/DYbPYroEzMQ

Wed, Oct 12, 2022 || Discipleship: Prayer, Callings & Preparation for the Antichrist

Fri, Aug 19, 2022||House of Prayer or Den of Thieves –The Difference

https://bit.ly/3T35Noc

Sun, Jul 10, 2022 || Fully Effective Prayer

https://youtu.be/NGa1H4yqZjQ

Sun Apr 24, 2022 [Morning] || Proper Time and Procedure: Church Conduct|| God’s Lighthouse Telegram Channel || God’s Lighthouse Google Drive Page

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10OR9pl_QxpvsjqRc72YboqWEj5H59esO?usp=sharing

https://t.me/Godslighthouse/3563?single