I didn't want to use the word "tips" but I couldn't think of anything else... lol.
So, I thought I'd share some of the things I've learned that make my prayer life more effective.
1. Start with clean hands. We all know that holiness is a lifestyle, and holiness pleases God. The Bible says that the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous availeth much (James 5:16). If you have an outstanding ought with a brother or with the Lord, get it right before coming to the Lord in prayer. Repent (express true remorse and turn from sinful ways).
2. When you pray with clean hands, you can remind God of your record and approach his throne boldly. I think it was Nehemiah (or maybe Daniel) that reminded God of his record. I'll come back with the scripture reference. Have to find it. *edit* It was in Nehemiah 5:19 that Nehemiah asked God to remember His record. And Hebrews 6:10 reminds us that God will not forget or overlook our labor.
3. Pray the will of God. I John 5:14 says that we can pray confidently knowing that He hears us when we pray according to His will. And also, Hezekiah's story lets us know that we can ask for mercy when our desires conflict with God's will.
4. Pray the Word. You can't pray the Word unless you know the Word, so you have to study, too. But I like praying the Word because it's already proven. It is God's record with His people, so it encourages me to know that if He did it before, He'll do it again. Plus, His Word is life. I believe God delights in hearing His word (Jesus) brought back to Him in faith.
5. Speaking of faith, the Bible says that without faith, it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We must ask Him in faith, never allowing our thoughts to cause us to doubt His ability or willingness to answer.
6. I like to write down my prayers. For one, this helps me keep track of what I'm supposed to be praying for (sometimes, I forget when people ask me to pray for certain things - or even my own prayer requests or prayer assignments). But also, it helps me to keep track of answered prayers. It is encouraging to look back over the things you've asked God to do and see the evidence that He still answers prayers.
7. Listen. Don't just talk to Him, but listen for His voice. Get to know His voice. I learned a lesson some years ago that sometimes we can stress ourselves out by asking for something over and over again and getting all upset and worked up, when He already answered the first time I asked months prior... but I wasn't listening, so I didn't hear Him. When I pray, I listen for answers, for instruction, for direction, for help.
8. Testify. When God answers your prayer, share the story! God is glorified, people are edified, and you are fortified. The Bible says that the brethren overcame the enemy (their accuser) by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony (Revelations 12:11).
Prayer doesn't have to be a formal event. I live a life of prayer, so I'm always praying - all day, every day. Prayer is just communicating (talking AND listening) with God. I pray in the shower, while I'm getting dressed, on my way to work, at work, going home from work, hanging out at the mall, in the park, wherever I am, I'm praying. As things cross my mind, I share them with God. When I think of people, I call their name before the Lord and ask Him to meet their needs. When stuff bothers me, I unload it on Him. When I see something He created, I thank Him for it. That's all prayer. And it's a good habit to get into.
Anybody have any other "tips"?