8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Do you make any of these prayers?

http://bit.ly/11RfFaD

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

nice--i think we are too often taught to pray to God as Santa Claus. I might change #5 to 'Praying for healing, but refusing to see that your choices have made you sick.'

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Even if my choices have made me sick, I shouldn't pray for healing?

Have you not ever created a troublesome situation for yourself where the Lord in His Grace didn't bring you out?

I need to check out this list.

But I can't see the list cuz my work computer won't let me. :( Will someone copy the list for me?

I'd like to know about this list of prayers that I shouldn't pray to my Daddy.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Prayers that we need to stop making:

1. For a girlfriend or boyfriend
2. For a particular Job or promotion
3. To take emotions away
4. For God to fix our situations
5. For healing but refusing to see a doctor
6. For God to show you a sign
7. For God to judge someone who did you wrong
8. For God to get you out of debt

Hope you can check out the site, because each of these have an explanation with them.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

well, i would say that it comes down to cases, and might depend upon whether they are ignorant v willful choices; but i am not God. But neither am i praying for healing for a pre-diabetic eating a bowl of white rice, lol.

I'm pretty sure we get what we deserve, and i don't find amelioration of the consequences of sin--at least while still on earth--being forwarded in Scripture, do you? We might be forgiven, but still must live with the consequences of our sins, imo. I'll c/p the list for you...

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Prayers that we need to stop making:

1. For a girlfriend or boyfriend

This seems to be a popular one among us. Now, I haven’t ever made this specific prayer but prayers closely related to it. However, I have noticed a lot of apostolics on social media that have prayer requests asking God to help them find a boyfriend or girlfriend.

There are a few things wrong with this prayer. First, boyfriend and girlfriend types of relationships were never sanctioned by God. The only romantic relationship that God has ordained is marriage. So asking God to help you find a boyfriend or girlfriend would be asking him to do something that he doesn’t agree with.

Instead, if we feel like we are ready for marriage then we should ask God to bless us with a godly spouse. Otherwise, what is the point of being in a dating relationship? If you are not ready for marriage then you shouldn’t be involved with anyone romantically.

Also, while waiting for marriage we should ask God to prepare us for marriage. Furthermore, beyond praying then you should look for resources to help you prepare for marriage. Be the answer to your own prayer.

2. For a particular Job or promotion

Now don’t get me wrong. It is admirable to desire a promotion or a specific job. However, we shouldn’t limit God to our own desires and thinking. There is a possibility that God can have so much in store for us beyond a specific job or promotion.

Furthermore, when looking at a specific job or promotion we are only looking at what can be seen. We also only look at the positives that may come with that position. However, God knows all and sees all. Ultimately God knows if a specific position will be best for us or not.

Therefore, instead of praying for a specific job or promotion we should be praying for the blessings of God. In another post I mentioned that the “blessings of God maketh rich and adds no sorrow.” There is the possibility that the job or promotion that we are praying for is not a blessing and can lead to sorrow.

3. To take emotions away

One lesson that I have learned from God is that we cannot ask him to take emotions away from us. I have prayed this before as a result of being broken hearted or being mocked. Things like that hurt me and I have asked God to take the hurt away.

Don’t get me wrong, God is a healer and he is able to heal us emotionally. But he cannot and will not take away our emotions. He has given us free will. To take away our emotions that would be violating our free will.

Also, emotions are attached to our fleshly desires and passions. So a lot of the times when our emotions are getting the best of us it simply of a result of us being led by the flesh. Instead we need to get ourselves back to a position where we are being led of the Spirit.

Even more important is if we are praying for God to remove the pain then we need to remove ourselves from the situation that is causing the pain. Many times I have seen people pray for God to remove the pain of being cheated on by a non-believing boyfriend/girlfriend but they refuse to remove themselves from that relationship. That is oxymoron.

Another suggestion that I would make is that instead of asking God to remove our emotions we should pray that God heal us emotionally. Now this healing process may not be over night. A lot of times a healing process will take time but God is faithful. He will heal our wounds by pouring in the oil and wine.

4. For God to fix our situations

There have been times that I have been in some rough situations and asked God to fix it. Afterwards after nothing changing in my situation I would wonder why God isn’t answering. It isn’t that God doesn’t hear me, he just isn’t answering.

Then I realized when I pray for God to fix a situation its like I am praying and asking him to do something at the blink of an eye. Its almost like I am asking him to do magic. We have the misconception about prayer where we think that praying is like performing magic.

God is not our little Genie in a bottle. I have learned that you have to be specific with God when praying to him. A lot of times God will answer our prayer just not in the way that we expected. Or he will just provide us with a really general answer.

In order to be effective we need to be specific in our prayers. Instead of asking God to fix a situation we need to ask him for direction and the steps to make that will fix the situation. This has helped so much in my prayer life.

5. For healing but refusing to see a doctor

Now this may start a controversy because I know some of us apostolics don’t believe in medicine or going to a doctor. We depend on divine healing from God. There are some of us that believe that we should go directly to God for healing and not man.

I don’t disagree with that opinion but I believe that we need to stop asking God for healing if we don’t plan to take corrective actions. Many times when we pray for healing from God he is willing to heal us but we have to take the appropriate steps. For example, if we are battling high blood pressure then we need not only to pray but also make changes in our diet.

Also, there are many natural remedies that can help the healing process. Now I don’t agree with going to a doctor and getting medicated on chemicals that will make us live like zombies. However, I do appreciate doctors that can provide natural remedies. Altogether, we shouldn’t pray for healing if we are not willing to make corrective actions.

6. For God to show you a sign

Now this is another prayer that I have been guilty of making. There are times when I have proposed to God to give me a sign if he wants me to do the thing that I am praying about. People call this the “fleecing” method that only happened once in the Bible.

Again, this is almost like magic. We are asking God to perform some magic trick for us so that we know to do something or not. God is not going to answer this.

Instead, we need to do a few things in order to make the right decision. First, we should consider if what we are going to do is against the word of God or not. Secondly, we should ask God to give us the wisdom to make the right decisions. Thirdly, we need to seek counsel. The Bible states that there is safety in the multitude of counsel.

7. For God to judge someone who did you wrong

There are times where we may have been mistreated and hurt. Most of the time we say that we forgive them and leave it in God’s hands. Then while waiting for God to do something to them we get frustrated because it seems that they got away with murder. So we pray God to take vengeance.

This shouldn’t be the case. Some may disagree with me and say “well David prayed that God would destroy his enemies.” My response to that is Jesus said to bless your enemies. So who is greater David or Jesus?

It is hard to get to a position and truly ask God to forgive and bless someone. It just doesn’t feel right or feel good. But in order to be like Christ we have to be able to pray “God please forgive them for they know not what they do.”

8. For God to get you out of debt

This is another prayer that I used to foolishly make. If you have read my previous posts of The Misconceptions of the Blessings of God then you know I shared my story of how I got myself into a financial bondage. During these times of stress I would pray for God to get me out of debt.

However, we know that God doesn’t perform magic. He isn’t just going to make thousands of dollars of debt disappear at the snap of a finger. Instead, we need to pray that God give us the wisdom to make the right decisions when managing the blessings that he has given us.

Furthermore, we will need to make some adjustments in our spending habits. We will need to learn how to downsize instead of always buying the newest and shiniest thing that is out. We need to learn how to be content.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

ps, i used to pray like this, and pretty much stayed mad at God. My prayers get answered now!

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

So, what is OK to pray for?

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

exactly what I was thinking. I think people shouldn't tell you what not to pray for, but instead to start encouraging others to pray. Some of the things may be vain or even in wrong attitude (like praying against your enemies), but lets be real with ourselves because God already knows our hearts anyway. I believe we should talk to whatever it is on our hearts and asks God everyday to lead us in the paths we should go.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Philippians 4:6 seems to indicate that God wants us to pray about everything.

If we recognize that He may not grant all petitions, that sometimes we may ask amiss out of the flesh, or that something may not be His will for us at a given moment (or ever), we should then be able to comfortably talk to God like the Father He is about every single thing on our mind, including about the things on this list.

How else do we receive wonderful counsel from the Wonderful Counselor if we don't talk to Him about "stuff".

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Yes amen. Prayer is talking to God. Its not JUST about ASKING. Much prayer is just FELLOWSHIP.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Agreed. I think the original poster presented it in a such a way to catch attention and/or make us think about how we approach God but generally, we should be able to pray about anything and everything.

I think the article deals more about what to expect from God when we pray about certain situations or things, and also to add wings to prayer, so to speak.

Here are my thoughts about each item.

1. Praying for a partner - I should be able to freely approach my heavenly Father and say, "Lord, you know how lonely I feel and I often wished that there is someone I can share my life with." But I should not take it against Him or my praying if I am not ready to enter into that kind of relationship, yet. If I may add, a single Christian man should be able to freely tell God, "Lord, I really like ______ and if it is Your will, I would like to explore the possibility of maybe courting her. etc." [I am single, btw. LOL]

2. Praying for a job or promotion - While I understand the author's point, I still think it is best to tell God as it is. Tell Him why you want that job. Tell Him what you think about it. The Word says "Come let us reason together." It is good to have that kind of conversation with Him. It helps uncover any wrong motive or greed and align our desires with what He desires for us. Sometimes He would tell us right away if something is not good with what we are asking of Him. In any case, it allows us to experience the peace that passeth all understanding. So we wouldn't be so disappointed if we don't get the job but rather confident that God has prepared something better for us. It's not mere positive thinking. It's faith and trust in an all-knowing God.

3. To take emotions away - The author has raised some good points here. But then again, I think it's fine to tell God "Lord if it's even possible, take this pain or this feelings away." Acknowledge your situation before God and ask Him to give you a better perspective of things. When you are hurt or angry or confused, I believe it's best to vent it out to God in prayer. Healing may take some time or it may happen instantly. If you are dealing with negative emotions, it is recommended that you "pray it through."

4. For God to fix our situations - I agree about the need to be specific and ask God to give wisdom and not just passively wait for Him to "fix" whatever needs fixing.

(To be continued....)

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

The article is nonsense. David prayed about a multitude of things, such as the numerous psalms which are really just complaints about bad people mistreating him. Jesus and Paul taught us to cast ALL OUR CARES upon God. We can ask him anything and tell him anything and talk to him about anything, at any time. If we ask and it is not his will he will let us know.

Prayers that should NOT be made are prayers made like the Pharisee who thanked God for not making him like others. Jesus said such prayers don't count and condemn the one praying them.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Yes, that and prayers made in public to show off one's prayermanship. (Like that word? :))

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Nice start, Mark. I have found that it is possible to find some disagreement with any statement, if that is what one looks for. While i get why Esaias might say 'nonsense,' i think we are taught to approach God in prayer improperly, if at all. So, while any prayer might be better than no prayer, a lack of understanding can easily lead to a frustrated prayer life.

Christ's direction @ the apostles' "teach us to pray" seems limited, huh?

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Prayermanship. LOL. I like that. You and shazeep have an insane sense of humor.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Ever heard anyone say that little prayer is more dangerous than no prayer? :D I have. :D And like what you said, I can find something to disagree with in that statement if I so desire. But my ears and mind are trained to take things in context. :thumbsup

A lot has been taught about the subject of prayer. When I was a new convert, I read a booklet on the subject that used The Lord's Prayer as a good "pattern" for approaching God. If I find it difficult to pray, I try to recall that teaching and focus on one item at a time:

God's Paternity: Our Father which art in heaven,

God's Person (Character): Hallowed be thy name.

God's Program: Thy kingdom come,

God's Purpose: Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

God's Provision: Give us this day our daily bread.

God's Pardon: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

God's Protection: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

God's Preeminence: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Continuation...

5. For healing but refusing to see a doctor - I pretty much agree to what he said. This somehow falls under the category of adding wings to one's prayers. Divine healing should be taught and our people should be encouraged to come to God EVERY time they are sick. But I believe the point of the article is be responsible as well. After all, aren't we supposed to be stewards of God's temple (our body).


6. For God to show you a sign

Sound advice from the author. And if I may add, NEVER ever ask God to show a sign that depends on the will of man, esp if it's related to their salvation.

Example:

Lord, if it is your will that _______, please fill someone with the Holy Ghost.


7. For God to judge someone who did you wrong

Agree to almost everything he said except that I didn't like how this sentence was framed: So who is greater David or Jesus?

If we are angry or hurt, I believe it's best to tell it to God than to anyone else. "Lord, you know how angry I really feel right now about this situation..." That way, you get to vent out and avoid sinning because of allowing your anger to rule your thoughts and actions. Be angry and sin not.

8. For God to get you out of debt

Again, it's best to tell God as it is. "Lord, I'm in trouble... Lord, I messed up big time.... Lord, I don't know how to get out of this situation... Lord, please HELP me get out of debt..."

But we need to balance our faith in God's Provision with the humility to receive His counsel, and allow Him to guide us in managing our finances. The Bible talks a lot on the subject of money.

Overall, I think the author's point is NOT to discourage us from praying, but rather, to make us reconsider how we approach God in prayer.

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

nice, ty.Hmm, nope! I'd like some context for that, too, as i have virtually no prayer life. Ty

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

Jesus' withdrawals into the garden for prayer suggest this to me; His Lord's Prayer seem to...not. Can you expound on the idea some? ty

Re: 8 Prayers That You Need to Stop Praying
 

If memory serves me right, it had something to do with being "lukewarm" as opposed to being zealous for God. (Jesus' message to Laodicea in the book of Rev)

It's dangerous because one prays just enough to "pacify" one's conscience or something to that effect.

.....

I just checked google and found this:

http://www.fbinstitute.com/Bounds/Po...ayer_Text.html

Preachers are human folks, and are exposed to and often caught by the strong driftings of human currents. Praying is spiritual work; and human nature does not like taxing, spiritual work. Human nature wants to sail to heaven under a favoring breeze, a full, smooth sea. Prayer is humbling work. It abases intellect and pride, crucifies vainglory, and signs our spiritual bankruptcy, and all these are hard for flesh and blood to bear. It is easier not to pray than to bear them. So we come to one of the crying evils of these times, maybe of all times -- little or no praying. Of these two evils, perhaps little praying is worse than no praying. Little praying is a kind of make-believe, a salvo for the conscience, a farce and a delusion.