Choose Prayer, Not Despairਨਮੂਨਾ

The Core Elements of Sincerity and Honesty & Thankfulness

Elements #7 & #8: Sincerity and Honesty

In Matthew 6:7, Jesus warns against “babbling like pagans.” Prayer isn’t about fancy words; it’s about coming to God sincerely. He is not looking for us to impress Him with fancy words. He sees our hearts and understands our pain. We can come as we are, pouring our hearts out to Him. Jesus had compassion for those who were suffering, and we can trust that He has the same compassion today.

Principle: God values genuine, heartfelt prayers over lengthy or repetitive words.

Element #9: Thankfulness

Philippians 4:6 reminds us to present our requests “with thanksgiving.” Remembering God’s faithfulness strengthens our faith and helps us to focus on His goodness. The following story about the ten healed lepers Jesus healed illustrates the importance of gratitude:

“As Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem, he reached the border between Galilee and Samaria. As he entered a village there, ten men with leprosy stood at a distance, crying out, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ He looked at them and said, ‘Go show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.

One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, ‘Praise God!’ He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. This man was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?’ And Jesus said to the man, ‘Stand up and go. Your faith has healed you.’” —Luke 17:11-19, NLT

Principle: Thanksgiving in prayer honors God’s faithfulness and invites His peace. Approach God with gratitude for His many blessings, both large and small.

By incorporating these elements into our prayer life, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience the peace, guidance, and transformation that come from a life grounded in effective prayer.

Want to read more? Check out Dayne Kamela’s new book, “Choose Prayer, Not Despair,” available where books are sold!