Why Christians Should Stop Saying “Prayer Works” (And 2 Other Things)
The number of people who never go to church or follow Jesus continues to rise, so what can we do about it? We can model humility, grace, truth, love, and a variety of other characteristics that characterize Christ-followers.
1. Prayer works
Prayer is not a button to be pushed; it’s a relationship to be pursued. The parade of saints throughout the centuries would have been shocked to see prayer reduced to God-doing-what-I-asked-him-to-do. For those explorers on the frontiers of faith, prayer was not just something they did; it was their lives.
2. God told me to …
The longer I follow Jesus, the more hesitant I am to say God told me to do something specific; the more outrageous the claim, the less likely it is to be true. For the record, I believe God does speak to people today. “God told me” is a phrase I frequently hear used to describe decisions that are contrary to scripture and designed to shut down debate.
3. I could really feel God’s presence
Many of us feel like we’ve turned into mini-experts on when God is present, but Jesus did explain that the Holy Spirit is a Person who moves freely, and that he is bigger than our emotions and not subject to our editorial commentary on whether or not he is present.
What if?
What do you think? Christianity could be so much healthier if we stopped saying things like this.
What does the Bible say about work and jobs?
u201cYou who are servants who are owned by someone, obey your owners. Work hard for them all of the time, not just when they are watching you. Work for them as you would for the Lord because you honor God,u201d says Colossians 3:22.
What does the Bible say about God wanting us to pray?
God wants us to pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests,” according to the book of Ephesians (6:18), but people are most motivated to pray when they need something from God.
What does Jesus say about working?
” Whatever you do, do it with all your heart, as if for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward, for you are serving the Lord Christ.”
Does praying to God for something work?
Prayer can also help people focus on the well-being of others, but there is no empirical evidence that mental messaging to an invisible deity works when it comes to asking for something from a divine source and then receiving it.
How God work in your life?
To see God continue to work in your life, go to church, study the Bible, and pray, and actively look for what God is saying to you, how He wants you to turn your life around, and how He promises to guide you the entire way.
What does Bible say about not working?
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” We hear that some of you are idle; they are not busy; they are busybodies, and we command and urge such people to settle down and earn the bread they eat in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What are the 4 types of prayer?
u201cPrayer is the raising of the mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God,u201d writes John Damascene. This definition encompasses the four main types of prayer: adoration, contrition, thanksgiving, and supplication.
Does God command us to pray?
u201cThen Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.u201d As you can see, the Bible commands us to pray and tells us what it accomplishes, so take advantage of this wonderful gift known as prayer.
Does the Bible tell us to pray for others?
u201cConfess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed; the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.u201d James 5:16.
What does God say about job?
One day, Satan (“the Adversary”) appears before God in heaven, boasting about Job’s goodness, but Satan counters that Job is only good because God has blessed him abundantly, and that if God allows Job to be punished, Job will curse God.
What does the Bible say about work stress?
“Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ” The Good News: With God’s love behind you, there’s no need to be afraid of stress or fear; with his great power, you can accomplish anything.
What does Bible say about laziness?
“Diligent hands will rule, but laziness will lead to forced labor.” “A sluggard’s appetite is never satisfied, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” “All hard work brings profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Does prayer change God?
We, like Abraham, frequently pray for things. u201cI, the Lord, do not change.u201d (Malachi 3:6) The idea of praying to change God’s will is arrogant, as it implies that we know better than God. In Gethsemane, Jesus set the example by praying for God’s will to be done, not His own.
What is a good prayer for healing?
Loved God, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering, strengthen the hands of my healers, and bless the methods used to cure me; give me such faith in the power of your grace that I may put my complete trust in you even when I am afraid; through our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
Why prayers are not answered?
– If you knowingly condone sin, whether it’s happening to you or to someone else, and don’t correct it, you’re’regarding iniquity in your heart,’ and should therefore disregard God answering your prayers.