There is a wrong way to pray, that results in fruitless disappointment, and a right way to pray, that always produces the desired results. The Bible clearly lays both ways out for us, so there may be no excuse for not receiving what God has promised us in His word. Wrong motives, harboured un-forgiveness, and unbelief pretty much sum up the reasons prayers are not answered. While pure, uncontaminated faith in God and His Word is what causes prayers to be effective and fruitful! What causes our faith to be contaminated? Doubt does! James wrote that the person who doubts shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. That’s because doubt undermines the credibility of God’s Word. The minute we entertain doubt we lose our footing of faith, and allow ourselves to be distracted and tossed about by things that want to prove contrary to the promises of God. Instead of being overwhelmed by doubtful thoughts, focus on the greater One inside of you, who is well able to watch over His Word and to perform it on your behalf! Come before your Heavenly Father with confidence in His love for you, and boldly ask Him for what He has already promised you. Cast aside all doubt and unbelief, knowing God is sure to answer every request of your heart, in accordance with His Word. When you ask, have the faith to believe and receive what you are asking for (Matthew 18:19).