Teach Us to Pray Effectively

O Lord our God, please save us from the enemy’s hand so all kingdoms of the earth may know You are the Lord God — You alone (2 Kings 19:19).

You are the only begotten Son, Lord Jesus. Teach us, we beseech You, to pray effectively. Teach us the love of the Father, and then we shall bring our needs and our sins and our temptations and our praises to Him in the confidence that the love of such a Father cares for us, for each and every one of us.

Make Your ways known to me, O Lord, and teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me because You are God, my Savior. I wait all day long for You. (Psalm 25:4-5).

Let me hear about Your mercy in the morning, because I trust You; let me know the way that I should go because I long for You. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord. I come to You for protection. Teach me to do Your will, because You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:8-10).

How can a young person keep his life pure? He can do it by holding on to Your Word. I wholeheartedly searched for You; do not let me wander away from Your commandments. I have treasured Your promise in my heart so that I may not sin against You. Thanks be to You, O Lord! Teach me Your laws. With my lips I have repeated every regulation that comes from Your mouth. I find joy in the way shown by Your written instructions more than I find joy in all kinds of riches. I want to reflect on Your guiding principles and study Your ways. Your laws make me happy. [May] I never forget Your Word! (Psalm 119:9-16)