The power of prayer should never be underestimated. James (5:26-28) declares, "... The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced it crops." God most definitely listens to prayers, and answers prayers. The power of prayer is not just the result of praying.
   The power of prayer resides in our Lord who is being prayed to. John (1John 5:14-15) tells us: "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of him." It doesn't matter who is praying, the passion of the prayer, or the purpose of the prayer -- God answers prayers that are in agreement with His will. His answers are not always "yes," but are always in our best interest.
   We cannot access powerful prayer by using "magic formulas." Our paryers being answered is not based on eloquence of our prayers. We don't have to use certain words or phrases to get God to answer our prayers. in fact, Jesus rebukes those who pray using repetitions, "And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like the pagans, for they thing they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Matthew 6:7-8). Prayer is communicating with God. All you have to do is ask God for his help.