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.
Can you believe in God and not pray?
You don’t have to believe in God for prayer to work, which makes sense because you don’t have to subscribe to any particular religion or believe in any God to meditate, and the same is true of prayer, though Harris isn’t aware of it. You can be a praying atheist, or a “pray-theist,” if you prefer.
Why God is not answering our prayers?
– 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.
Why does God want us to pray?
God’s desire, according to the book of Ephesians, is for us to pray “on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests” (Ephesians 6:18). We turn to prayer because it is the most personal way to experience God, encounter Him, and grow in knowledge of Him.
Why does God do the opposite of what I pray for?
According to studies, prayer has no effect that is greater than chance; therefore, the opposite of what you pray for happened purely by chance; your prayers had no bearing on it.
Is it a sin to not believe in God?
For those who do not believe in God, the issue is whether or not they should obey their conscience: u201cSin exists even for those who have no faith when people disobey their conscience.u201d
What is it called when you believe in God but don’t go to church?
Agnosticism was coined by biologist T.H. Huxley and comes from the Greek u00e1gnstos, which means “unknown or unknowable.” For example, while I now consider myself an atheist, I used to go to church on a regular basis as a child.
How does God speak to us?
God has communicated with humanity throughout history by speaking audibly to humans, by speaking to us through the glory of His creation, by speaking to us through His Holy Spirit, and by speaking to us through dreams, visions, and our thoughts.
What do I do when God is silent?
Bring it to the Lord, speak to him, be honest in front of him, trust that he hears you, take refuge in his faithfulness, and know that there is a mighty God who loves you behind every heavy silence.
What is to do God’s will?
The concept of a God having a will (i.e. particular desire) for humanity is known as the will of God or divine will. Ascribing a volition or a plan to a God generally implies a personal God (God regarded as a person with mind, emotions, and will), and it is frequently confused with God’s plan.
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.
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.
Why is prayer so powerful?
Prayer is a powerful weapon available to anyone who loves God and knows His son Jesus Christ. Prayer energizes a believer’s heart through the power of the Holy Spirit, and consistent prayer releases the power of God’s blessing on your life and circumstances.