How to Have Effective Prayer
Have you ever felt like praying, but didn’t feel like it made a difference?
During the grand opening Sunday of Union City Church’s new building, Pastor Brandon taught that spiritually effective prayer involves praying with expectation, consistency, in community, and with the desire to know and love God.
Pray with Expectation
Pastor Brandon encourages believers to pray with bold expectations, trusting God to move beyond what we can imagine:
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." (Ephesians 3:20)
Prayer isn’t passive or uncertain. It’s confident, believing God hears and responds far beyond human limitations.
Pray Together
Community prayer isn't optional—it’s essential. Pastor Brandon stressed the importance of collective prayer, highlighting its role in enhancing individual faith and unifying the church:
"God didn't design us to do life or faith alone."
When we pray together, we experience greater understanding of God's love and His work in our lives. Community prayer strengthens not only our personal faith but the church body as a whole.
Pray amidst life’s challenges
Life inevitably brings trials and setbacks, but through prayer, believers receive supernatural strength to endure and overcome. Brandon quoted 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 to illustrate the resilience that prayer brings:
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."
Regular, intentional prayer equips us to withstand life's difficulties, anchoring our souls in divine strength and peace.
Pray for a deeper desire for God
Do you desire more of God? Pastor Brandon challenges us with this profound truth:
"God will give you as much of Himself as you have capacity to receive."
Increasing spiritual capacity means making intentional space for God in your daily routine and heart, moving past complacency to a deeper hunger for His presence.
Prayer Your Source of Spiritual Vitality
Prayer is not just a ritual – it’s your spiritual lifeline. Pastor Brandon emphasized prayer’s role as essential for spiritual vitality:
"Prayer is an acknowledgment of our dependence on God."
In prayer, we gain strength not by our efforts, but through the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 3:16 clearly captures this:
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being."
Consistent, intentional prayer cultivates deep roots in Christ, providing resilience and strength amid life's challenges.
Practical Steps for Effective Prayer
Pastor Brandon provides clear, practical steps to cultivate a vibrant prayer life:
Set Consistent Prayer Times: Schedule regular times for focused prayer to establish consistency.
Pray Scripture: Incorporate God's Word into your prayers to align your heart and mind with His promises.
Be Honest and Open: Bring your genuine emotions, doubts, joys, and struggles into prayer.
Sermon Highlights
"God didn't design us to do life or faith alone."
"God will give you as much of Himself as you have capacity to receive."
"Prayer increases our capacity for more of God."
Watch the full sermon, "Grand Opening Sunday," here.
