Can we fight battles in our mind without praying?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by corvet786c

Not trying to debate anything just wanted to get others opinions.
I know Jesus said "men ought alway to pray and not faint" and Paul said that we should "pray without ceasing". Then why should we pray if we can fight the battle in our minds. Does praying give us strength in our minds. What about positive thinking etc etc. What about just ignoring temptation when it comes or turning the other way?

What are you talking about? Fight what battle?

Prayer is not a practice of strengthening the mind like some sort of zen practice.

It's a dialog with God. Communication. Relationship. It involves giving Him adoration. It involves confessing your faults and weaknesses. It's about not being selfish and praying for others who need. That with the word we strengthen faith. We become stronger to do His work, like reaching lost souls, but mostly it's about relying on HIM, not on self.

[corvet786c]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

What are you talking about? Fight what battle?

Prayer is not a practice of strengthening the mind like some sort of zen practice.

It's a dialog with God. Communication. Relationship. It involves giving Him adoration. It involves confessing your faults and weaknesses. It's about not being selfish and praying for others who need. That with the word we strengthen faith. We become stronger to do His work, like reaching lost souls, but mostly it's about relying on HIM, not on self.

I am talking about battles that christian fight on a daily basis. Do u understand that. Weaknesses we all have. The battle is in the mind right. So my question is why should we pray instead of just changing our thoughts away from these things that bind us. I agree we need to pray to commune with the Lord but just asking specifically about our weeknesses.

Example: If I have a weakness in stealing which I dont but sau I do then If the thought comes on to steal I can just change my thinking not to steal instead of praying for strength about it.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by corvet786c

I am talking about battles that christian fight on a daily basis. Do u understand that. Weaknesses we all have. The battle is in the mind right. So my question is why should we pray instead of just changing our thoughts away from these things that bind us. I agree we need to pray to commune with the Lord but just asking specifically about our weeknesses.

Example: If I have a weakness in stealing which I dont but sau I do then If the thought comes on to steal I can just change my thinking not to steal instead of praying for strength about it.

I think this would be an example of a person acting upon what they know is right. Even if the individual described hypothetically here avoids the occasion of stealing, he/she will still have to come to terms with issues of coveting.

To covet and to lust are just two examples of sin occurring without "harm" being done to another. And even though the one who entertains such thoughts may seek to justify themselves with the fact that they only fantasized about the crime, they must still account for their thoughts with the One who knows all of our thoughts.

A habit of prayer would be most helpful on all occasions. IMHO.

[corvet786c]

Originally Posted by pelathais

I think this would be an example of a person acting upon what they know is right. Even if the individual described hypothetically here avoids the occasion of stealing, he/she will still have to come to terms with issues of coveting.

To covet and to lust are just two examples of sin occurring without "harm" being done to another. And even though the one who entertains such thoughts may seek to justify themselves with the fact that they only fantasized about the crime, they must still account for their thoughts with the One who knows all of our thoughts.

A habit of prayer would be most helpful on all occasions. IMHO.

Thanks for the explanations, thats all I was looking for.