Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (NIV). What a good God to offer us his goodness and then promise us eternity!

Why does this matter for your prayer life? Because until you’re absolutely convinced that God is a good God and that he never does bad in your life, your prayers are going to be powerless and passionless and pointless.

On the other hand, when you understand that, no matter how you feel and no matter what your life looks like, God is for you and not against you; that he is a good God and he wants what’s best for you, even more than you want it yourself; and that he knows what will make you happy more than you—when these truths become the foundation of all your prayers, then your prayers become powerful and passionate and purposeful.

Nothing’s more important in your life than learning how to pray effectively. It’s the way you tap into God’s power, God’s presence, God’s peace, God’s purpose, and God’s plan.

So, what do you want to see God do in your life? What big things do you want to ask of him, believing in his good purpose for you? With God’s goodness as your foundation, what do you expectantly hope he will accomplish in you and in the work of your hands?