The prayers of the New Testament church brought powerful results. The church gathered together to pray for Peter when he was on death row. God answered by sending a mighty angel into the prison. Chains fell, doors opened, and Peter was rescued. We want our prayers to be this effective! Fortunately, scripture reveals the ingredients of effective prayer.

We have two choices in prayer — we can make prayer all about us, our past, and our problems, or we can make prayer all about God, His promises, and His purposes. Jabez chose the second option. He didn’t focus on the pain of his past. Rather, he asked for God’s blessing, influence, presence, and protection. We should make these same requests of the Lord in order to fulfill the calling HE has on our lives and our church.