The secret of prayer is not a formula. It is not a set of rules or guidelines or prescribed ways to pray or words to say. Of course, there are guidelines and prescribed ways of doing things. God has His standards. But the key is not any of these things. You can get all these things right and still not be effective in prayer.

The key is to have the right relationship with God. Jesus said, "Abide in me…" As we abide in him, we are always in the place of prayer. We are always right there in his presence, and what is prayer but entering into his presence and communing with him.

No matter what else you do right, without this abiding relationship, no prayer will be effective.

Psalms 66 says if your heart is sinful your prayers will not be answered. In other words, since sin separates us from our Father God, then we have to get that out of the way before we can pray.

There is a direct correlation between prayer and relationship.

Not only is your relationship with God essential, but your relationship with your fellow man also effects your prayer life.

Peter tells us that our marital relationship can affect our prayer lives. (1 Pet 3:7) If you can't get along with your spouse, you will not get along with God.

Jesus said, if you have something against someone, make it right before you pray. And if you realize someone has something against you, make it right before coming before the Lord with offerings.

Unforgiveness will block your prayers and destroy your prayer life. It will also make you sick, keep you sick, and prevent your healing or whatever other answers you seek from God. Is your heart right? Make it right before you come asking God to do something for you. Confess your sin, repent of it. Get rid of every grudge.

And look what Isaiah says about fasting -