He will not continue to answer prayers for someone whose attitude is not right or who is unwilling to do his or her part. So what does God expect of us when we come to Him in prayer?

• Obedience to God is a vital condition for answered prayer.

If we expect God to continue hearing our prayers, we must begin obeying the Ten Commandments and His other commandments (1 John 3:22).

• Confess your sins to God so that your sins will no longer stand in the way. Remember that to be forgiven, we must be forgiving of others (Isaiah 59:2; Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14-15).

• One's motives should not be selfish, greedy or trying to impress others (James 4:2-3; Matthew 6:5-6; Matthew 18:9-14).

• Study the Bible to know and pray according to God's mind and will (John 15:7; 1 John 5:14-15; Matthew 4:4).

• Believe—have full faith in God's love, mercy and promises—and expect answers (Mark 11:24; Hebrews 10:22, Hebrews 10:38-39; Hebrews 11:6; James 1:5-6).

• Be extremely grateful to God and express thanksgiving and praise profusely (Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

• Be wholehearted, fervent and passionate in prayer (James 5:16; Psalm 119:145; Hosea 7:14).

• Multiple repetitions of words and phrases are worthless, although Christ taught persistence in repeating a petition to God day after day (Matthew 6:7-8; Luke 11:5-13; Luke 18:1-7).

• Ask God to guide and inspire you with His Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14-15, Romans 8:26-27; John 14:26).