Can we fight battles in our mind without praying?

[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?

[CC1]

There are mental institutions and pyschiatrist's offices all over the world filled with people who fight battles in their mind without praying!

[corvet786c]

Thats kinda a good way of putting it.

[Michael The Disciple]

God knows the thoughts of our heart. Thats how he's going to judge us. The good news is he hears prayers and good thoughts that are inside of us as well as fervent prayer. I advise both.

[Esther]

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?

I would think what you mean is your "praying" in your mind without speaking outloud. If so, then yes you can. However, IF you are able to speak it is much more effective, IMO.

[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

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?

I guess I don't understand the difference in the two things you've described above.

It is certainly possible to "fight a battle in one's mind" and to NOT being doing anything related to the things of God. Making a hard decision about a major purchase might be an example.

But when the "battle" relates to the things of God, for me anyhow, "prayer" is not just implied, it is what I am doing. And,most of the time those other "battles" will involve "prayer" as well.

It's just that since I was a small child, I have always been keenly aware of the fact that God is privy to my thoughts; thus I usually act as if He is a participant - even if just a "silent" One - to the thoughts and "battles" in my mind.

[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.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by CC1

There are mental institutions and pyschiatrist's offices all over the world filled with people who fight battles in their mind without praying!

And, I have seen quite a number who do pray.