Should Christians PRAY for things?
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Should Christians PRAY for things?
I can remember going to church and listening to the prayers of the pastors and thinking what is going in this so called house of God? I now watch Christian TV from time to time and think the same thing.
I have friends that pray for everything from a better job to asking that their football team win a game. One friend prayed every night that his son would get into a prestigious college. He didn’t and my friend felt God let him down.
Is this what we as Christians are supposed to do? Pray for things? Most of the TV evangelicals are always praying for this thing or that. In fact it has become obscene in many ways that we Americans are praying for more of this or that while 25,000 people starve to death each and every day on this planet.
The other thing that always bothered me and still does is when pastors get up in public and make these long prayers for all to see. They are actors inflating their own egos and in doing so they are mocking God.
What are Jesus Christ’s instructions about praying?
Matthew 6:6-13
6”But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
7”But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8”Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
9”After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10”Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11”Give us this day our daily bread.
12”And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13”And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Yes that is the Lord’s Pray and that is what we are commanded to use when we pray. So when Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Pat Robertson and all the TV pastors do otherwise they mock Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:5-7
5"When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
6"But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
7"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.
Some of these Christian Hypocrites – false prophets, will even say a special prayer for you if you send them money.
The only material thing we are allowed to pray for is our daily bread. Not a new car, a bigger home, a better job, or for our football team to win a game.
We violate all God’s instructions when we ask for THINGS in prayer. We have all done this me included and we need to take a second look at what we believe and make the appropriate changes.
When I was in the Army I went to chapel and I was surprised that the Chaplin prayed for victory in Viet Nam. He didn’t ask that the killing be stopped. It seemed to me to be the wrong thing to do.
I always recommend the Lord’s Prayer because it has worked for me.
What do you think? Should we as Christians pray for things?
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Thanks for your comment. I have often struggled with my praying and what I should and shouldn't ask for and that is why I now use the Lord's Prayer.
I think you are correct that God is working for me in the world and will work for anyone that is open to letting Him into their life.
Have a great day...
I believe the nature of our prayers is a sure reflection not only of our level of maturity, but also our understanding of what constitute our real needs in this life. Certainly, it's so worrying to be seeing lot's of Christians today draining themselves of their energies praying for things they don't really need. But I also believe God is very patient and loving and have plans to bringing all such Christians to the desired level of faith and understanding. This is why we must pray for our fellow believers - the ignorant, the confused and the deceived.
If we look at the model prayer, Jesus told us to ask for our daily bread. Food is a necessity of life. Americans often think that a new BMW and a 4,000 sq. ft. home are needs. God is in no way obligated to give us material blessings. Paul told us to be happy with food and clothing--the bare necessities. Perhaps we should be praying for God to change us to have more conformity to what He wants, rather than what we want.
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Ghost Whisper 77 2 years ago
I have noticed greatly with me and my plight to walking the path of Jesus and God that my prayers have changed greatly-and what and whom I pray for now. Yes, we are all guilty of these type of prayers. I have learned now to pray for whatever God's will is in my life...never for this or that. God knows exactly what I need to learn-stay close to him-and he gives me what I need..usually it is from another.
Strangers have answered things that trouble me, others Hubs have answered things that I need. I believe that God works through many people. In fact after reading this particular Hub of yours I just realized how much my prayers have changed throughout the years. Thanks!