Sometimes, in the season of spiritual dryness, we might feel that our prayers to God are ineffective. We might not doubt the mightiness of God, but we doubt if we know how to pray. There might be many reasons for this feeling, not least of which sin that hinders our fellowship with God, but sometimes, it might be because we have forgotten what it means to pray.
It is not a mere concoction of requests and supplications that we think are appropriate to set before God. Prayer is the drawing near and putting our heads near His heart and listening out to the prayer of Christ for us and praying it back to Him. It is a picture of intimacy with Our Lord, made possible through the remission of sins through the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit that resides within us. When we speak of effectiveness of prayer it's not our prayers, but really, Jesus' prayers for us. Hence, we can be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1)
* Instead of presenting our supplications and desires to him, spend an extended time of quietness with God, listening out for His prayer for you today.
"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
It is hard to imagine that a soldier will put on his helmet, sword, belt, breastplate, shield and boots, yet neglect to condition his inner being to be prepared psychologically for battle. Such a soldier will look well prepared on the outside, and flee at the sound of the first gunfire, the sight of the first blade. Likewise, prayer is an essential piece in the armour of Christ that we put on. God will teach us to pray for ourselves, as well as for other people, if we would ask.