Singleness of heart is the foundation of acceptable prayer. If a person's petitions are to be heard, his actions must accord with the spirit of them. God abominates all forms of double-mindedness. It is double-minded to pray "Hallowed be Thy name," whilst pursuing courses which bring reproach and dishonour upon it; it is inconsistent to pray for protection from besetting sins whilst running in the ways of temptation; or for faith, whilst seeking the company of the unfaithful. It is useless praying for the extension of the Truth, whilst neglecting to do anything about it; or pleading for peace, whilst cultivating the spread of dissension.

Effectual prayer can spring only from co-labouring with God in the attainment of the things asked for. "Ye ask," said James, "and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures" (R.V.). What use such prayers as that! Let us be careful in prayer, giving full meaning to the words we use. What use praying: "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us," if we are not prepared to be merciful and forgiving! Our prayer may well be the basis of our own future indictment.

Moreover, let us bear in mind the titles of Christ, and use them with full meaning.
Christ's full name is: The Lord Jesus Christ. He attained the titles attached to his name on his resurrection. In preaching to the Jews, Peter declared: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). It is pleasing to hear the full name and titles of the Lord used in prayer. Jesus signifies Yah shall save, and proclaims his mission as Saviour. Christ is the Greek form of Anointed, and implies the wonderful unity between him and the Father, by which he was enabled to overcome, and through which he was clothed upon with Divine nature. Lord is master or owner. It states his pre-eminence over the Ecclesia. The prayer that uses the full name and titles of the Lord acknowledges the full measure of his mission, his unity with the Father, and his status over the Ecclesia. Paul recommended that prayers be offered "unto God the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Eph. 5:20). We cannot improve on that manner of approach.