Keys to an Effective Prayer Life-

**Waqar Daniel** Tue 17 Jul 2007, 11:12 pm

I want to focus this devotional on Mark 10:46-52 where we find a very intriguing story.

Now they came to Jericho. As He went out of Jericho with
His disciples and a great multitude, blind Bartimaeus, the son
of Timaeus, sat by the road begging. And when he heard that it
was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son
of David, have mercy on me!” Then many warned him to be
quiet; but he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy
on me!” So Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called.
Then they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good cheer.
Rise, He is calling you.” And throwing aside his garment, he rose
and came to Jesus. So Jesus answered and said to him, “What
do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him,
“Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him,
“Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately
he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road.

The question Jesus asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?”, seemed obvious, didn’t it? Everybody present knew Bartimaeus needed his eyes to be healed. Why would Jesus ask this question?

He wanted us to understand how important it is to be specific when we ask something of God. Bartimaeus’ faith had to become specific before it made him well. It was after he said, “Lord, that I might receive my sight,” that Jesus said, “Your faith has made you well.”

Being specific in what you request of God is the first key to effective prayer.

Bayless Conley