1. Characteristics of Acceptable Prayer “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” ~ Colossians 4:2

2. Acceptable Prayer Offered in FaithOffered in Faith Matthew 21:21-22; Hebrews 11:6

3. Matthew 21:21-22 So Jesus answered and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

4. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

5. Acceptable Prayer Offered in FaithOffered in Faith Matthew 21:21-22; Hebrews 11:6 Offered in Harmony with God’s WillOffered in Harmony with God’s Will 1 John 5:14; Luke 22:40-42; ( cf., James 4:3)

6. 1 John 5:14 according to His will Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.

7. Luke 22:40-42 When He came to the place, He said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation." 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."

8. James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Too often, rather than expressing our desire that God’s will be done. We express our own desires in prayer. (Selfishness)

9. Acceptable Prayer Offered in FaithOffered in Faith Matthew 21:21-22; Hebrews 11:6 Offered in Harmony with God’s WillOffered in Harmony with God’s Will 1 John 5:14; Luke 22:40-42; ( cf., James 4:3) Offered by the RighteousOffered by the Righteous 1 Peter 3:12; James 5:16-18 (cf., Isaiah 59:1-2)

10. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."

11. James 5:16-18 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

12. Isaiah 59:1-2 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. 2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.

13. Acceptable Prayer Offered in FaithOffered in Faith Matthew 21:21-22; Hebrews 11:6 Offered in Harmony with God’s WillOffered in Harmony with God’s Will 1 John 5:14; Luke 22:40-42; ( cf., James 4:3) Offered by the RighteousOffered by the Righteous 1 Peter 3:12; James 5:16-18 (cf., Isaiah 59:1-2) Offered with PersistenceOffered with Persistence Luke 18:1-8 (Read); Acts 2:42

14. Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

15. Acceptable Prayer Offered in FaithOffered in Faith Matthew 21:21-22; Hebrews 11:6 Offered in Harmony with God’s WillOffered in Harmony with God’s Will 1 John 5:14; Luke 22:40-42; ( cf., James 4:3) Offered by the RighteousOffered by the Righteous 1 Peter 3:12; James 5:16-18 (cf., Isaiah 59:1-2) Offered with PersistenceOffered with Persistence Luke 18:1-8 (Read); Acts 2:42 Offered in the Name of JesusOffered in the Name of Jesus Ephesians 5:20; Hebrews 7:24-25;

16. Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Singing and Prayer in the Spirit) 1.To the Father 2.In the name of the Son 3.Note: Proper use of term “Lord”

17. Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ 2 Peter 1:11, “… into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:11, “… into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 2:20, “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the know- ledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, …” 2 Peter 2:20, “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the know- ledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, …” 2 Peter 3:2, “… the apostles of the Lord and Savior” 2 Peter 3:2, “… the apostles of the Lord and Savior” 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” 2 Peter 3:18, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”

18. Hebrews 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

19. Conclusion The ability to pray to God and receive answers in our lives is truly one of the greatest blessings we can have as the children of God. May all our prayers be acceptable to Him!