If that is the case, why then don’t we see more answers to prayer? How can we pray with more power and effectiveness? We have the promise of God for those who will avail themselves of this secret place and secret power of prayer. Consider how we can tap into the secret power of prayer.

Jesus was the master story teller. Multitudes would sit spellbound in the open air as he told simple, short, riveting stories. Jesus’ stories always had a point, a moral truth, a practical application. They are called parables. Luke tells us that one day Jesus “spoke a parable to them that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). In Luke 18 we see at least 12 principles that will help us pray with power.

First – PRAYER MUST BE A PRIORITY. “That men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1). Prayer was a priority with Jesus. Many people pray when they don’t know what else to do. The Son of God prayed before He did anything. (Matthew 6:33, Mark 1:35, Matthew 26:40-41) Is prayer a daily priority in your life?

Second – PESEVERE IN PRAYER. “And not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). Jesus told a parable of a widow who constantly went before an unjust judge for resolution of her problem. (Luke 18:2-8) The judge refused to help her. She would not give up. Finally, to get rid of her, the judge relented and helped her. Jesus asks, “If an unjust, evil judge would do that for a widow lady who persevered, will not God, who is good and merciful, help His children?” Perseverance reveals your faith and determination. (Luke 11:1-12)

Third – THE POSITIVE POWER OF PRAYER IS FAITH. In teaching on the power of persevering prayer, Jesus asks a haunting question, I can feel the pathos. He used a word that indicates that a life changing truth hinged on His next statement. “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) Jesus taught us that the most important factor in the secret of the power of prayer is faith. We cannot please God without faith. We must believe that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11:6) The prayer of faith is one of the most powerful forces available to man. (Luke 17:5-6, James 5:14-18)

Fourth – PRIDE SHUTS UP HEAVEN. Jesus spoke a parable to those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others. (Luke 18:9-14) Two men went to pray. A proud religious man prayed with his nose stuck up in the air. A hated tax collector would not even look up to heaven but beat his breast in repentance and prayed, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Which on was justified before God – the one who humbled himself. “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Those who trust in themselves or despise others will have no power in their prayers.

Fifth – PRECIOUS CHILDREN are an example of the faith and humility required to enter the kingdom of God and to pray effectively. (Luke 18:15-17)

Sixth – PERCEIVE THE GOODNESS OF GOD. “No one is good but God” (Luke 18:19). Only God is totally and morally good in justice and loving kindness. To know and believe in His goodness will make you powerful in prayer. (Hebrews 11:6, James 1:17, Luke 11:11-13)

Seventh – PROSPERITY OF SOUL WILL OPEN UP HEAVEN’S STOREHOUSE when you pray. Jesus encountered a young man who was rich, but his riches blocked his relationship with God. When Jesus told him to sell all that he had, give all the proceeds to the poor, and follow him, the rich young man went away sad. He who trusts in his own riches will not pray with power. (Luke 18:18-23) If our soul prospers with compassion and generosity, God promises to hear and open heaven. (Isaiah 58:1-9, III John1-11)

Eighth – POSSIBILITIES ARE UNLIMITED WITH GOD. When you pray, believe that all things are possible with God! (Luke 18:27) Jesus assures us of that.

Ninth – PRIORITIES MUST BE RIGHT to tap into the secret power of prayer. Jesus said that no one who puts God’s kingdom and will first will be without God’s blessings. (Luke 18:24-30, Matthew 6:33) What are your priorities?

Tenth – THE POWER OF THE CROSS IS THE POWER OF PRAYER. We pray and receive on the merits of the blood of Christ Jesus which was shed on the cross for our sins and victory. (Luke 18:31-34, Revelation 12:11, John 15:7, Romans 8:26, 32) Because Jesus arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave, you can have an intimate fellowship with him in prayer. (Revelation 3:20)

Eleventh – BE PARTICULAR IN YOUR PRAYER. Jesus asked a blind man to specify what he wanted. Don’t pray in generalities. Be particular in your requests.

Twelfth – PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING brings power and delight to prayer. The people followed Jesus giving Him glory. Praise and thanksgiving will bring you into God’s presence and release His power. (Luke 18:43, I Thessalonians 5:16-18, Psalm 14) Give Him thanks!

Have you tapped into the secret power of prayer? He who fails to pray does not cheat God, he cheats himself. Take note, the primary purpose of prayer is not to get answers, but to deepen our friendship with God. “Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called a friend of God” (James 2:23).