The Primary Elements of an Effective Prayer Life
Anyone who wants to understand prayer from a biblical perspective will find this book a valuable resource. It goes beyond a simple definition of prayer to examine closely how prayer works according to Scripture: what God requires, why some prayers go unanswered, and how prayer becomes a powerful spiritual weapon in the life of every born-again believer.
The study begins with the original languages of the Bible. It explains the Hebrew and Greek words behind "prayer," "supplication," and "intercession," and the distinct purpose of each. From there, it offers a verse-by-verse analysis of key passages. In Mark 11:20–25, Christ outlines a clear sequence: faith in God, speaking to the "mountain," believing that you have received, and forgiving others. James 5:13–20 is the focal point of the study. The book explores its rich teaching on prayer in affliction, prayer for the sick, the anointing with oil, the prayer of faith, the confession of sins, Elijah's example, and the restoration of a believer who has strayed from the truth.
The book also examines subjects that clarify many common questions about prayer, including:
Praying in the Spirit and praying with the understanding (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 14:14–15)
Prayer and fasting, including the fast God has chosen in Isaiah 58 and Christ's words in Mark 9:29
The power of united prayer in the local church
The reasons prayers are ineffective, drawn from the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18:9–14)
Practical answers to questions such as "Could my own actions hinder my prayers?", "How should I pray for healing?", and "How should I pray for those who attack me?"
As a born-again Christian, I have practiced prayer, supplication, and intercession for many years, and I have seen their effectiveness in my own life and in the lives of others. Sadly, prayer is a discipline that many believers never develop as they walk in the Gospel. Yet prayer is what draws us into a deeper relationship with God and makes us aware of the spiritual realm. This book is written in rich biblical language designed to foster spiritual growth and a thorough understanding of the biblical text. Some of what you read may be new to you, because it comes directly from the Scriptures rather than from tradition. In all my years of serving the Lord, I have never seen a more urgent time to seek a sound biblical understanding of prayer than today.
As born-again believers, we must let God's Word take root in our lives if we want to see the results He promises [see James 1:21]. Otherwise, our lives will be marked by frustration and disappointment. Many books have been written on prayer, and you may already have an intellectual understanding of it. This book will give you biblical knowledge that produces lasting results. It will help you understand the Scriptures more deeply and teach others to do the same.
The book has been warmly received by readers, especially in Europe. Prepare for a study that can transform the way you pray.
For over 38 years, Rev. Jay Werman has taught the Scriptures around the world. Through conferences and seminaries, he shares the truths revealed by the Holy Spirit in God's Word. He is the author of numerous books on biblical subjects and the director of Ministerial Academy, Inc. Werman is also a pastor at the Refuge Christian Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.