What I Learned Today: Effective Prayer

I'm sure you have all heard the phrase "ask and you shall receive". This is sometimes misinterpreted as, if I want this  new 7-series Beemer, ask God for it and it will be done. But the scripture doesn't stop at "ask and you shall receive". It continues on to say, "keep his commands and do what pleases him" (1 John 3:22). It's the second part, abiding by God's commandments, that makes our prayers more effective.

Effective prayer is first trusting in Him ==> He will then put prayers from His heart into our own hearts ==> we'll then pray that back to Him and receive it

Essentially, what we "ask" and then "receive" comes from the heart of the Father and is in our best interest.  So, yes, "ask and you shall receive", but what God thinks is best for you...not always want you want.

This was enlightening to me. Hope it was for you. Peace!