Learn To Pray Effectively

In recent weeks the Lord has been ministering to me through Luke 11. In it, the disciples say to Jesus “Lord, teach us to pray”. From there Jesus begins to teach them some very profound things concerning prayer. Life changing actually (see Luke 11:13). Recently, I came across a book by Andrew Murray entitled “Lord, Teach Us To Pray”. Since I was reading this passage in Luke I decided to check out the book. For those of you
that don’t know

, I am a fan of Andrew Murray and have many of his books. Just a few pages into this one I came across this passage and thought I would share it with you.
Concerning prayer he says:

‘Lord, teach us to pray.’ Yes, we feel the need now of being taught to pray. At first there is no work appears so simple; later on, none that is more difficult; and the confession is forced from us: We know not how to pray as we ought.

Then he goes on to say:

It can only be learned in the school of much prayer, for practice makes perfect. Amid the painful consciousness of ignorance and unworthiness, in the struggle between believing and doubting, the heavenly art of effectual prayer is learnt. Because, even when we do not remember it, there is One, the Beginner and Finisher of faith and prayer, who watches over our praying, and sees to it that in all who trust Him for it their education in the school of prayer shall be carried on to perfection.

I like where he says “Amid the painful consciousness of ignorance and unworthiness, in the struggle between believing and doubting, the heavenly art of effectual prayer is learned.” Wow! How often have I felt those very things, been painfully aware of my faults, and therefore I didn’t pray. Yet, here he reminds us that it is in those times that we learn to pray most effectively. The truth is, the Holy Spirit is our guide in prayer and Jesus is waiting to commune with us in prayer. So how are we going to learn to pray effectively? By praying without ceasing, regardless of how we feel!

If you would like to check out the book for yourself, you can get it for free on both the Kindle store and the iBooks store.