Effective Prayer

I am always glad to hear messages about prayer. Why? Because prayer is so very misunderstood in our society today.
My earliest recollection of prayer came as a young child who attended church regularly and participated in activities directed to praying. My mother, who was very devout, would gather her children and husband on a weekly basis. As she turned off our television, with her rosary in hand, she directed us to kneel around one of the beds, and the praying began. After we completed 10 'Our Fathers' and 50 'Hail Marys', we got up from our numbed knees and resumed watching the 'Wonderful World of Disney' or 'Bonanza'. This is what praying meant to me at that time.
Later, as a teenager, my prayers became more personal. I trusted God with bigger things, such as passing a school exam, being allowed to go to a dance by my parents, and even praying that I wouldn't get caught when I was doing something I knew was wrong. I now know that the Lord protected me, even when I clearly stepped out of His perfect will. This is what I know to be 'mercy'. It is not getting what you deserve.
I'm older now. My prayers have turned more introspected as I now am on an advanced leg of my journey in life. I am filled with gratitude, seeing the Lord has bestowed upon me an awesome family. I never dreamed that I would know such wonderful children, and now grandchildren. Yet, I also know that prayer is what has caused this to be so, and not luck, or chance.
I also know that I will always pray, because, prayer is like breathing. Just as you inhale-- taking in the Truths of God, you exhale--pouring your heart out to God in your petitions and giving of thanks.
Prayer is not complicated-- but it does have conditions. I read this morning's devotion by my pastor Greg Laurie, and was encouraged of what I need to be in order for the Lord to hear and answer my prayers. I offer the words of Greg in the words he wrote in his devotion:

"Listen! The Lord's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore."
~Isaiah 59:1–2

One of the reasons our prayers may not be answered is because of unconfessed sin in our lives. Nothing will bring a prayer life to a halt faster than unconfessed sin. Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
The problems is that we don't want to call sin what it is anymore. We will call it a weakness or a mistake or a shortcoming or a sickness. But why don't we call it what it is—a sin? And why don't we admit it is there? Why don't we ask God to forgive us as we turn from it? If we will not deal with our sins, God will not hear our prayers.
Idolatry, or putting something in our lives into a place of prominence over God himself, can also be a hindrance to prayer. In Ezekiel 14:3, God said, "Son of man, these leaders have set up idols in their hearts. They have embraced things that will make them fall into sin. Why should I listen to their requests?" Is there someone or something that is more important to you than God himself? Anyone or anything that becomes more important to you than God can potentially become your idol. Any object, idea, philosophy, habit, occupation, or sport that has your primary concern and loyalty—or to any degree, decreases your trust and loyalty to God—could potentially become an idol. And it could stop your prayers from being answered." -- Greg Laurie's Devotion, 5/25/11

Knowing this, because it is God's infallible Word makes me begin praying that I would follow and obey. This is the only way that prayer may be answered.