STEPS TO EFFECTIVE PRAYER BY MOMMY PDJ

PROPHETESS DR. JUSTINA

Today, I'm going to teach on steps to effective prayer. Understanding how to make your prayers effective is crucial, as our lives are meant to be continuous in prayer until Jesus returns. Even in heaven, intercession is a key aspect, highlighting the importance of prayer. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, recognizing that prayer was central to His miracles and breakthroughs. I've written about prayer and am working on a new book, as prayer is an ongoing commitment. I've identified five key points to discuss today, supported by scripture.

Praise the Lord. James 4:3 states, "You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives." Effective prayer requires asking properly, as God is obliged to respond when we pray correctly. Many Christians face frustration due to ineffective prayer. The Bible emphasizes that humble prayer will be answered and warns against praying with a wavering heart. Jesus advised choosing life wisely. I pray this teaching ignites our prayer lives, restoring passion and fervor. The first step to effective prayer is repentance. The Bible says the prayer of a sinner is an abomination before God, so repentance is essential before approaching Him in prayer.

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To have an effective prayer, begin with repentance. Repentance means recognizing that you are a sinner, acknowledging your sins, and admitting that you have acted against God's will and humanity. Confess your wrongdoings, ask for mercy, and understand that approaching God with unconfessed sins will not yield effective results. The scripture teaches that God's hand is not too short to save, nor His ear too dull to hear, but sin creates a barrier between Him and us. Christians who continue in sin while praying, expecting God to overlook their actions, are deceiving themselves. A sincere and humble heart is essential; God values humility and will not despise a contrite heart. Approaching prayer with an impure heart, or praying for harm to others, is misguided. The Bible recounts men who conspired to harm Paul, demonstrating wickedness by using their energy to afflict rather than address their own issues. Believers should not pray with malice or assume God is unaware of their actions; He sees all and desires repentance. The example of King Manasseh, who repented and was restored despite his wickedness, illustrates the power of genuine repentance. Manasseh's humility before God led to his restoration. Understand that repentance is akin to showing humility before God, which is crucial for a fruitful relationship with Him. Praise the Lord.

The second step to effective prayer is expressing gratitude to God for what He has already done and for what you anticipate Him to do. Give thanks. Repent and express gratitude. Thank Him for your life. Thank Him for His unwavering love, grace, and mercy. Appreciate every good thing you can identify in your life. Thank Him. If you have children, thank Him for them. If you have a husband, thank Him for him as well. Thank Him for the blessings you expect. Believe that before the end of August, God will reveal His work. Say, "Thank you. I can already see that you are acting on my behalf. I can see you are working it out for me. You are my refuge. You are the reason I sleep and wake up. I have returned like the healed leper to express my gratitude. I have come to say, oh God, how did you create the earth? How mighty are your creations? How powerful are your deeds? How glorious are you?" Imagine if you were God and someone prayed to you in this manner. How would you respond? Would you wait for them to finish speaking? Consider this scenario: at an event, when a musician sees a senator entering, they announce, "Give it up for the senator," with enthusiasm. The senator, intending to sit down, feels compelled to give generously due to the praises. Praises can inspire people to act beyond their intentions. Are you understanding? If people help you and say, "Don't mention it," ensure you express gratitude to someone who will relay it to them. Don’t only focus on complaints; acknowledge the good others do for you, and it will bring more blessings. God desires appreciation. Critically consider this: there is one thing God cannot give Himself—praise, worship, thanksgiving. Imagine if someone boasts about their own achievements; it would seem foolish. However, when appreciation comes from someone with firsthand experience, even the audience and angels will take notice, acknowledging, "That is our God." Remind Him of His awesomeness, magnificence, purity, and glory. Acknowledge how He has watched over you and spared you. Say, "Thank you for your silence. You are my Father." If you neglect to thank Him, your blessings will not be complete. Thanksgiving is a request for more. If you desire more from God, engage in thanksgiving. Praising someone makes them want to do more for you. Understand this and don't ignore what can transform your life and destiny for the better.

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Number three, steps to effective prayer: Present your case before God. Remember, God is a judge. When you approach a judge, you present your case, not rant. You wouldn't stand before a judge and complain about how the judiciary has failed you; that would bias the judge against you. Similarly, God is a judge. If you want God to intervene in your concerns, after expressing gratitude to Him, you will have the opportunity to present your case. There is a difference between presenting a case and reporting a case. When you present your case, you respectfully approach the judge. For example, "I, Justina, Mrs. Ojogwu, come before you, Lord, because I have a health issue and need your guidance. Is it serious? Should I pray more? Is it an affliction? Please help me, Lord. I need healing and restoration." This is presenting your case. On the other hand, reporting is like saying, "Oh God, have you seen Rebecca? She's always hindering me. Even my mother made poor choices in marriage, affecting my life. The government closed schools when I was ready to study." This is gossiping, and God doesn't engage in gossip. He knows Rebecca better than you do. The Bible says God knows our problems; He wants us to show wisdom in asking. If you lack wisdom, ask, and He will provide it. Many of us have been reporting rather than praying. For instance, if you have a family issue, don't just complain about it. Instead, say, "My Lord and my God, I have noticed forces hindering my progress. I ask for your help to overcome them." This is presenting. Reporting involves lamenting and doubting, which doesn't work with God. You might realize now that you've been letting the devil win, thinking you were praying. This understanding should encourage you to change your approach. Praise be to Jesus. Stop playing around in prayer.

Begin by presenting your case clearly. Approach God openly and sincerely. "Oh Lord, I have come to seek you. The Bible advises that in times of trouble, we should call on the Lord's name. So I come to you, Lord, admitting I am in distress. This trouble is beyond me, as I can sense my adversaries closing in. Oh Lord, please assist me, for strangers have turned my kindness into wickedness and seek to end my life prematurely. Do not remain silent on my behalf. Rise according to your word." However, if you approach God casually, saying, "I have tried, I have tried," it will be like a scene from a Nigerian movie, merely entertaining but not meaningful to God. He has empowered you with words to declare things and make them happen. Complaining is not the way to declare. Imagine a child returning from school, always saying, "I was beaten by my classmate." As a parent, you would eventually advise them to stand up for themselves. Similarly, God expects you to act. He feels embarrassed when you continually complain about being wronged. He might question, "The strength I gave you, is it for nothing?" Remember, David asked God to teach him how to fight. You must change your approach. There's no magic in what I do; I simply know how to approach God effectively. I understand the right moments and methods to engage with Him. I also recognize when I lack the strength to fight and wait for the right time. With understanding, I can undo years of hardship with a single prayer. Present your case logically, not emotionally. Judges won't grant freedom without a solid, well-organized case.

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If humans cannot tolerate, why diminish God with your jargon? God invites us to call upon Him. He is ready to answer our prayers, but He has determined how they should be answered. That's why I encourage people to use Psalms if they struggle with prayer, as Psalms provides a systematic approach. For example, if you seek deliverance, the Bible guides you with phrases like "Save me, Lord" and "Have mercy upon me." This structured way of approaching God is effective. He fought battles for 40 years without defeat, facing communal, foundational, family, and marital battles. Present your case to your Creator, as He is always listening, seated on the judgment throne. In Revelation, it mentions that elders gather our prayers, which rise like smoke. So, child of God, why neglect prayer? This is the key. Don't labor in vain or error, or pray ineffectively and blame God. Present your prayer clearly. Write it down if needed, as sometimes our words are sharper than our prayer points. My upcoming book will include systematically constructed prayer points for various issues, helping you engage effectively and achieve results. When you engage correctly, your results become evident. Praise the Lord. Are we still together, or have you left me?

Number four, steps to effective prayer. Use the word of God to ask for your blessings. The word of God serves as evidence for your requests. Just one word from God can transform your entire life. A single rhema word, such as "it is well with you," if it resonates within your spirit, can be used to remind God, "You have said to the righteous, it is well with me." As a believer in Christ Jesus, I am deemed righteous, thus entitled to the assurance that "it is well," meaning all is good. Utilize the word of God in your prayers, to make requests, and as documentation for your case. For those who believe, they shall be called the sons of God. Express your belief to God. Ask God for victory. The Bible states that a thousand may fall at one side, and ten thousand at the other, but it shall not come near you. In times of disaster, declare this truth: a thousand may fall here, and ten thousand there, but because I bear the mark of Christ, you cannot approach me. When you declare this, nothing can withstand the spoken word of God. Relying too much on your traditional sayings in prayer is ineffective. Proverbs from your family lineage or things your parents said won't work in prayer. What your mother said is not equivalent to the word of Jesus. The outcome is determined by the word of God. In spiritual battles, the enemy is not afraid of you. Let me make this clear: do not think you are so anointed or powerful that the devil fears you. What anointing do you possess? The devil has more anointing than you do. Have you ever dwelt in God's house in heaven? The devil lived with God for countless years. The Bible states that God's gifts are irrevocable, so all the virtue, greatness, power, and glory of God remain with him, though they no longer benefit him and are used for wickedness. That's why he still appears wherever God gathers. Even in churches, he or his demons may be present. When confronting the devil, simply laying hands and commanding him to leave might result in defeat. There are instances where people, confident in their deliverance skills, confronted the devil, even locking the door, only to be overpowered. They underestimated the seriousness of the situation. There are individuals whom I respect.

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Those individuals whose names God has inscribed in the glow of power and light are people I avoid when their names are mentioned. It's as if you haven't faced any challenges since you arrived. He gave them a severe beating, leaving them without clothes, making them appear half-mad. Can you imagine that? They didn't understand, even when the devil reminded them, saying, "Paul, I know, Jesus, I know; who are you?" May your enemy never outsmart you in battle. But do you know something now? Let me tell you what surprises me about God. What amazes me about God is where I have to humble myself before Him. Those people went out to evangelize, trying to promote God, but God does not support foolishness. He allowed them to be seriously beaten, not by a human, but by a demon. A human punch might shift your face, but when a demon beats you, you'll look like a car that's been to a panel beater. God observed their foolishness and thought, "I've told you to read the Bible, and you refused. Let this demon correct your madness." Do you think they will go unprepared next time? They will certainly prepare. The disciples were thrilled that Jesus left them to do God's work. On that day, Jesus left them, just for that day. Every other day, Jesus was around. The man didn't bring his epileptic son when Jesus was present. He came when Jesus wasn't there. Imagine, you think it was easy for the prophets or the apostles? The man didn't know Jesus wasn't in the church, yet he came with his son, whose condition defied medical reports. He brought him to the disciples, and when they said, "Your father is a hero, aren't you a hero?" they decided to act as God's sons. What happened? They struggled with the child, and the epilepsy likely affected some of them. They prayed until the child's father told them, "My dear, come out. What an embarrassment. Leave my son alone. I didn't come for you fools. Where is your master?" If Jesus hadn't returned that day, where would the disciples have gone? The whole place would have been in chaos. The disciples couldn't help. When Jesus arrived, He explained that this kind required backup, evidence, and the word of God. Don't pray empty prayers; they won't work. God won't answer your prayer out of pity. God is just and doesn't compromise. If Muslims follow His principles, they are blessed; if Christians follow them, they are blessed. He said, "I give rain to both the good and the bad, but on the last day, I will separate my own." So if you think God will stop answering Muslims because they worship the moon, you're mistaken. As long as they align with the truth in their beliefs, they will see results, while you may continue to cry.

Prayer can be deeply painful, especially when you invest your whole heart into it and see no change. Many people feel discouraged when their efforts seem fruitless. It's important to understand that every battle requires a specific tool or word from God. For Moses, it was the rod; for Joshua, it was treading upon the land; and for Samson, his strength was in his hair. Each person has a unique word for their situation, often needing to overcome fear. Fear can prevent blessings from manifesting, but through prayer and faith, you can overcome it. Life is risky, but without taking risks, you cannot achieve greatness. Embrace life's challenges with the word of God, and do not let fear dictate your actions. Whether it's in interviews or other life situations, approach them with boldness and faith. Your limitations can be overcome by engaging with the word of God. Hold on to God and His promises, and face life courageously. Every problem has a solution, and with faith, you can turn your challenges into testimonies. Praise the Lord.

Number five, to conclude: Offer a seed of faith. If you believe you have crafted your prayer well and are ready to face the battles ahead, give a seed of faith because prayer is a ritual. You cannot perform a ritual without making a sacrifice. When you seek significant change in your life, don't just pray and then do nothing. You're praying for a major transformation. After your prayer, present a seed of faith to show your commitment to that prayer. If you lack the faith to offer a seed, it may be because you doubt the effectiveness of your prayer. You might pray for God to eradicate poverty in your family or to bring total transformation. You want your life to change, distinct from your family members. You ask God to raise helpers for you, as promised in His word. After you finish praying and are confident, give a seed that matches your expectations. If you neglect this step, remember that those who oppose you, such as those consulting witch doctors, never leave empty-handed. They offer sacrifices like animals or money to achieve their goals. When you pray to God for transformation and change, don't just sit idly afterward. If you only give small offerings, your problems may temporarily resolve but will return once the effect of your offering wears off. Consider if your seed is enough to sustain the angels working on your behalf. A meaningful seed can lead to lasting change, as it shows your intention and expectation. Unlike giving a small token, a substantial seed ensures continuous benefits. Many Christians deceive themselves, but without embracing the truth, results remain elusive. As the Bible says, the truth shall set you free.

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Wisdom begins with truth. If you don't have money to give, tell God you won't stop attending church. Offer what you can, even if it's just your presence. Commit to coming to church, even if it means walking or taking multiple buses, as Leah did with her sons. She couldn't afford a car, but her dedication moved God, and soon she received one. Many don't understand how prayer works, which limits them. Even Abraham had to offer a sacrifice to solidify his relationship with God. If you withhold from God, you're only deceiving yourself. The more resources the church has, the more it can evangelize and win souls. Supporting God's work ensures He supports yours in return. Even if I funded the church myself without asking for offerings, it wouldn't benefit you. Your contributions are like incense, rising to God. If you give sparingly, it's like a weak fragrance; if generously, it's a pleasing aroma. Solomon's offerings were consumed on earth, but their essence reached God. Money given to the church supports its mission. We could do more if there were more resources. Your wisdom and support can transform the situation. If you only use your money for personal problems, nothing changes. Giving to God doesn't eliminate problems, but it assures victory. Praise the Lord. I hope this message reaches the right people, and I pray you'll apply it. Effective prayer and action can bring change. May God remember your prayers and grant you victory. Lift your right hand and pray: "Lord Jesus, help my unbelief, strengthen my faith, and teach me to serve you truly. In Jesus' name, I rebuke any darkness hindering my service to God. As I pray, grant me words my enemies cannot resist. I will testify of God's power. Amen." Applaud for Jesus, the King of Glory.

Remember, the Bible says that one with God is a majority. If God is for you, no one can oppose you. Those who go into battle with the Lord's name return victorious. Stand and celebrate the King of Kings.