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".
Yes amen. Prayer is talking to God. Its not JUST about ASKING. Much prayer is just FELLOWSHIP.
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".
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....)
Last edited by MarkBelosa; 11-25-2014 at 06:58 PM.
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.
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.
Yes, that and prayers made in public to show off one's prayermanship. (Like that word? )
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Hebrews 13:23 Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty
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?
Nice start, Mark. I have found that it is possible to find some disagreement with any statement, if that is what one looks for. I hear ya bro. 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?
Ever heard anyone say that little prayer is more dangerous than no prayer? I have. 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.
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.
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.
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I have. 
Hybrid Mode
