In Jesus Name, Amen.

Many times when I am cleaning my apartment, I come across sermon notes from church services throughout the year. I hate throwing them away, but I know that I can't keep them forever. I used to have a notebook that I took notes in, and I should probably get back into practice with that, but that is beside the point. Today I came across some notes I took during a service on prayer. I just wanted to take a quick moment to blog these notes so that I can feel okay before throwing them away. Storing my notes here guarantees that I can go back to them whenever I want and it also gives me a chance to share them with anyone that might be blessed by them. 

When you pray...
1. You must be in good standing with God. Confess any sin before Him and repent. If you have wronged someone, make it right before going to God in prayer. Come before Him with clean hands and a pure heart. 

2. Pray in the will of God. Many times this is hard because we are trying to find out what the will of God in our lives is. {Tip: Pray the word of God.}

3. Believe that God wants to answer your prayers. 1 John 5:14-15

4. Persevere in your prayers. They are not always answered immediately. If it helps, write them down so that you can go back and look at how God has responded over the years.

5. Praise God and thank Him. Not only for the things He has already done, but also for the things that He will do in the future. 

"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you."

John 15:7 ESV