Effective prayer starts with obtaining "the highest point of view" - God's point of view on us, our relationships with Him, and the whole world. Hence, effective prayer for others starts with seeing people as God sees them.

As we already stated, there are two ways how we can pray. We can pray either from consciousness of lack, or from consciousness of abundance. Unfortunately, when we pray for others, we often pray from consciousness of lack. We mentally see them as lacking something valuable, something we hope to "add" to their life through our prayers.

When we pray, "Lord, heal this dear one", it could mean "I see this person as sick, infirm, and physically imperfect".

When we pray, "Lord, give him power", it could mean "I see him as weak and powerless victim, unable to cope with life".

When we pray, "Lord, give her wisdom", it could mean "I see her as ignorant and blind to the truth, unable to make sound decisions".

When we pray, "Lord, supply their needs", it could mean "I see them as poor, lacking, destitute, not having enough".

Can you see that these prayers are doomed to fail? Can you see that attitudes behind of these prayers, with all sincerity of those who repeat them, are contrary to God's truth?

God"s truth about each human being on earth is that he/she is whole, strong, capable, talented, wise, and abundantly provided with all God's blessings. God's truth about all us is that we are rich and powerful beyond our estimation? Why? Simply because He lives in us and works through us. Our life is God's life in expression. Such thing as lack can be manifested not because we are deprived of life's blessings, but because we dont use, dont appropriate them.

Being enlightened, Paul was fully aware of incredible riches of those whom he ministered. This is evident not only from his epistle to Ephesians, but from other letters as well. For instance, he writes to Corinthians:

"In everything you were enriched in Him... so that you are not lacking in any gift"
(1 Corinthians 1:5-7, Literal Translation).

Peter, following the same line of thinking, wrote:

"His divine power hath given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness... that ye might be partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Do we believe that this "divine nature" within humans is stronger than their seeming shortcomings, failures, and limitations? Do we trust that "the Kingdom of God within" (Luke 17:21) that Jesus spoke of, is mightier than any challenge a person can encounter in the outside world?

The light of our inner divinity shines in darkness, and the darkness can't overtake it!

When we encounter a seemingly sick person, we are called to see and affirm his/her hidden potential of wholeness. We may pray, "Be whole, as you are meant to be by God. Let your potential wholeness come into the visible expression now!"

When we see a seemingly weak person, we are called to concentrate on his/her inner power. We may pray, "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Let the energy of God work mightily in you and through you, enabling you to move mountains!"

When we see a seemingly ignorant person, we are called to set our mind on his/her inner wisdom. We may pray, "Christ is your wisdom. You have the mind of Christ. All things that you need to know in order to guide your life are available to you, here and now!"

When we encounter a seemingly poor person, we are called to look beyond negative appearances. We may pray, "You are a rich child of the rich God. There is no lack in God, in whom you live and move and have your being. There is no need or want in God's kingdom. I see you as abundantly provided!"

Until our vision of others is not right, our prayers for them won't avail much.

By declaring God's truth about others, we do not force certain things to come into their lives. We help them to become aware of their imprisoned splendor and to accept their rightful inheritance. Ultimately, people are responsible for their own lives. What else could our love for them do, except showing them their own resources?