In talking to one of my fellow believers the subject of intercessory prayer
came up, we both felt that there was a need for a more accurate approach
to prayer. Scripture has much to say of prayer, but let's look at some of
the Apostle Paul's prayers for the church to see what they might tell us. (I
found seven references to prayer concerning the different churches; those in
Rome, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossi and Thessalonica.)

First of all, Paul knew to whom he was praying:
"For God is my witness, Whom I serve with my [whole] spirit [rendering
priestly and spiritual service] in [preaching] the Gospel and [telling] the
good news of His Son..." Romans 1:9 The Amplified Bible

"[For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of
glory..." Ephesians 1:17 The Amplified Bible

Paul knew God's character; that He is both the Sovereign Ruler and the
Loving Father. Therefore, he came before Him in humbleness and reverence:
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom His whole family in
heaven and on earth derives its name." Ephesians 3:14-15

Paul knows that as a loving Father, He shows compassion so he prays:
".That out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power,
through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith." Vs. 16-17

We see that Paul is specific in his request to the Father! He continues to
tell the Ephesians just what it is that he requests of the Father on their
behalf:
"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power,
together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep
is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that
you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Vs. 17-19

Not only is he specific, but the request is far beyond man size; it a size
for omnipotence and omniscience! Paul knows that:
"...With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Paul's prayers were always Christ centered; we see an example of this in
Colossians 1:9-14, but I will only mention a few verses (please read the
whole prayer):
"...Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for
you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all
spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may
live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way; bearing
fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God." Vs. 9-10

And Paul's prayers are Kingdom related as this prayer also reveals:
"For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into
the kingdom of the Son He loves." Vs. 13

His prayers are always with thanksgiving:
Romans 1:8 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ..."
Ephesians 1:16 "I have not stopped giving thanks for you..."
Colossians 1:3 "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
when we pray for you..."
l Thessalonians l:2 "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in
our prayers."

Paul's prayers always glorify God:
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or
imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory
in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, for ever and
ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

May we seek to pray in the same manner: knowing we are addressing the
Sovereign Ruler of the universe who is our loving compassionate heavenly
Father; making our requests specific; trusting that in all things He is
able; making our requests Christ centered; always with thanksgiving; and
above all, with a desire to always glorify our Mighty God.

May the Holy Spirit enlighten and guide us in our seeking for a more
accurate pray life. Blessings to all.