Just a thought on prayer section.

[Ian Gentles]

On old board folks responded instantly and often in volumn to folks prayer requests, esp when they were emergencies. I'm noting a slowing down in answers to folks asking for prayer in this new board!:eek:

[Virginia Stimer]

Ian,

Thanks for reminding me that I need to check the prayer line. I have not been doing that but will try to make a habit of it from now on. I may not post the fact that I am praying but will pray for each request as I read them.

Virginia

[Ian Gentles]

I am having a recurrance of the depression i suffered last year, would appreciate your prayers.

[Bob Wright]

May God help you through this time, and bring healing and joy to you.
Bob Wright

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

So sorry, Ian. I understand and Jesus does, too.

[Ian Gentles]

Thank you both

[Cathy Boulos]

Iran,
I will be praying for you and may the Lord put a hedge of protection around you. God bless you.

[LoraineStanton]

{{{HUGS}}} & Prayers

[Marilyn Lawson]

Ian

Hugs from mine to yours!!!

You are not alone!!

Marl

[Meghan Schoonover]

I have suffered with depression for several years now; I do understand. I will keep you in my prayers.

[Diane Likens]

Constantly praying for you, dear brother Ian.

[Ian Gentles]

Thank you all we have no idea what cueses it.

[Gina Stevenson]

Prayers, Ian. Also, folks, I need some, too.

Getting it from all sides again, and it's starting to drag me down again, too. Y'all know the sorts of things that happened to me before. Well, some of it's beginning to occur again ... sometimes feel hopeless that things can ever change; want to at least feel some hope ... things don't seem to change if one loses hope that they ever can/will. But that hope is sometimes hard to keep holding to .................

Thank you very much.

PS * sorry, Ian, if this appears a "hijacking" ... don't mean it that way; just figured it belonged with this topic, rather than a 2nd thread re the same subject. gina

[Roland Hearn]

Ian
I have watched and been involved in a quite a few lives where I have witnessed the love of God heal from depression. It has always a long process but depression is not outside God's grace to respond to. You are a wonderful child of our gracious hevenly Father and He desire to take you in His arms and pour His love on you. I will pray for you regularly that God will move in that place you need Him most.
Your colonial brother
Roland

[Glenda Harvey]

Ian I will be praying for you. I would like to say though, that if you are depressed and there is no reason for it that you can think of, you should consider getting a complete physical and discuss it with your doctor.

[Jim Franklin]

Likewise. Let us pray for each other.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Ian, you HAD SO MAY HARD THINGS HAPPEN SO CLOSE TOGETHER. You may have a chemical problem. Are you on medication? I have been since June of 2000. That was son after cancer surgery. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Some may never understand. But, I am happy for them, if they don't. I would not want anyone to have to experience this, in order to be able to understand.
After our son died many years ago, I ended up on medication, also. There would not have to be on ounce of fire in hell, compared to what a life there with emotional problems and depression would be. I had three close family deaths in a years time, plus, leaving the first church Dwayne pastored. He felt God said for him to leave, but it felt sort of like a first love to me...where I wanted to stay there "until Jesus came", etc.
REMEMBER, you have been through a lot in the last five years or so--but HE IS ABLE! Instead of paying attention to old slewfoot, by continually saying, "Satan, get behind me," start singing a song with the name of Jesus in it, or quoting a scripture. Put on some soft Christian music when you are at home, or enrote, to and from work. Many are praying for you.

[Ian Gentles]

To answer questions, i have been tried on a few medications but without affect and yes had a full physical.

[Bob Woolley]

I certainly will remember you in my prayers, Ian!

I, too, suffer from depression at times. My problem is hereditary (my mother was the same) and with me, it is a problem of a lack of vitamin B12 in my system. I take 1000mg of B12 a day and then reduce it to 500mg. It works wonders with me and if I do not take B12 I am back in the doom and gloom again. If you have not been tested for this, I would suggest you look into it. A simple thing like B12 can work wonders.

[Meghan Schoonover]

Bob, I have had the same experience. I take a B-complex at night, as well as a quality fish oil capsule. I also take a cal/mag supplement at that time to help me sleep. I have been on medication but am currently off and find the supplements very helpful.

[Ian Gentles]

Why is it so hard? What is a proper theology of prayer are there differing views?
Seems its far harder in reality than seemingly promised in scripture!
Why does soo much prayer seem like hitting your head against a brick wall, ya know what i mean, ya do it with very few results. I know God says "No" and "Wait", but He seems to do that an awfull lot!
How should we pray? What should we expect from prayer?
Does fasting really help?
Most books i have read on prayer are more devotional types, promising much, but what are theological implications and understanding of prayer?

[Jamie Wayne]

This is only somewhat related, but one approach that I've been taking more recently is writing my own collects. There is a basic formula involved. Looking at the Collect for Purity, I'll dissect how a collect goes:

Almighty God - this is the introduction...obviously. :)

To you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. - this part brings up something relative to what I'm about to ask next.

Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit. - This is what I'm asking for, and since all hearts are open, etc...and because God is "Almighty", per the introduction, I believe that God can do what I just asked.

That we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name. - There is usually a "that" in a collect, explaining why we're asking for what we're asking for - or what benefit we will derive from what we're asking for; this speaks to our intent.

Through Christ our LORD. Amen. - I usually use a longer ending (who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.) I like Trinitarian endings. But I don't need to explain this part.

So:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

So, let's pick a topic...I'll make this sort of exaggerated for effect:

Almighty God, who doth delivered your people from Egypt, grant us traveling mercies as we embark to Washington, D.C., that we may arrive there safely, ready to do your will, through Christ our LORD. Amen.

Here's another one:

Almighty God, whose Son is the Prince of Peace, help us to love our enemies, that we may be servants of reconciliation in the midst of war, through Christ our LORD. Amen.

See the pattern?

Say why we believe that God can do what we're asking. Ask for it, then explain why we're asking.

Anyway, I've been digging using the collect formula because it's easier than stumbling around for words, using "Lord" or "ummm" or "Father" too many times while thinking about what to say. I like having a good formula to give structure and direction to prayer. I don't suggest doing this all the time, of course, but it's a different way of praying, for sure.

Additionally, like I said, I like to use a Trinitarian formula or doxology at the end, as well.

I don't know if this is helpful at all or not, but I didn't want to jump into a "theology of prayer" itself.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

There are times that fasting really helps, but one man I know named Ian Gentles, is possibly not able to fast right now.

[Ian Gentles]

When ya cant pray, and see no point in it anymore, too many things happening, what do you do? Many have been in this failed position i am sure, how do they stop from giving up completely? I know this is more emotional than theological, but what would a theologian answer?

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

You DO NOT give up completely. When I a long time not being able to feel God anywhere, I never gave up. Remember the scripture--Though you slay me, yet will I serve you? I would tell Him that. I would keep on believing that He was there, and He was.
Do not purposely deny Him and act as if He is not there, whether you can feel Him or not. He is the great omnipresent God.
Have you ever thought about the Sacrifice of Praise? would that be praising Him when it seems there is no reason in in the world to praise Him? Think on this! Give praises unto Him. sing His praises. Get outside in the sunshine or fog, and sing His praises. Lift your hands up to Him, and Praise His Holy Name. He is there, Hallelujah-He is there, Amen! He is there, I will praise Him. I will lift my hands to Him. My version when necessary.
Put a picture of you smiling on the computer, and it might help lift your spirits. I have been wanting to say that a LONG time, too. In fact, it will make US feel much better about you. It might even give hope to you.
Think about REMEMBER WHEN?

[Ian Gentles]

Was thinking more about what theology said about this expericance and what ot do?
Agree with your post!

[Mike Wooldridge]

Praying is listening, too.

[Ian Gentles]

I think Bible commands us to pray for others who are helpless like the friends who lowered their friend to Jesus feet. Sometimes folks need others to have faith for them, to carry them spiritualy for a while!

[Gina Stevenson]

I think Bible commands us to pray for others who are helpless like the friends who lowered their friend to Jesus feet. Sometimes folks need others to have faith for them, to carry them spiritualy for a while!

You're quite right here, Ian.

[Mark Doble]

I think Bible commands us to pray for others who are helpless like the friends who lowered their friend to Jesus feet. Sometimes folks need others to have faith for them, to carry them spiritualy for a while!

Someone to stand in the gap for another? That is scriptural.

Ezekiel 22:30

30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.

I have prayed many times to be able to stand in the gap for others in prayer.
Many have stood in the gap for me when I have not been able to pray.

Some times you just don't feel like praying.

However, King David, when depressed says this; Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

I will pray for ya Ian... :fav18

[Ian Gentles]

Someone to stand in the gap for another? That is scriptural.

Ezekiel 22:30

30 "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none.

I have prayed many times to be able to stand in the gap for others in prayer.
Many have stood in the gap for me when I have not been able to pray.

Some times you just don't feel like praying.

However, King David, when depressed says this; Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.

I will pray for ya Ian... :fav18

Excellent stuff

[Billy Cox]

When ya cant pray, and see no point in it anymore, too many things happening, what do you do? Many have been in this failed position i am sure, how do they stop from giving up completely? I know this is more emotional than theological, but what would a theologian answer?

If something doesn't seem to be working, then ask yourself whether your belief about something is based on a faulty belief or premise. The way that prayer is described by most 'prayer experts' only makes sense if your reality is similar to that of the author.

I personally think of prayer as a state of intentional awareness to God's everyday activity. Some people would call this listening. Prayer is not an end in itself but is one of a number of means of having relationship with God.

If prayer leaves you cold, try the Lord's Supper, or experience the creation, or read the Bible, or listen to music, or read a great book.

Those who see prayer in much the same way as talking to Santa Claus are missing sooo much.

Prayer is NOT about getting what we want, but in attuning our wants to what God wants. (words are optional)

[Mark Doble]

For me, the times I don't want to talk to God are times of either disobedience, or a prolonged wrongful thought life. I feel guilty and that makes me not want to commune with such a perfect and upright God whom has no darkness in Him.

I usually compare it to a state of mind I should not be in. We must renew our minds through Christ daily, moment by moment.

Sometimes all I can pray is; Lord, I don't feel like talken right now, so help me get to the point that I do.

[Ian Gentles]

Disobediance is US sadly

[Mark Doble]

Disobediance is US sadly

Member what happened to Jonah? Hope yur not swallowed by a fish brother...

[Ian Gentles]

LOl prefer to swallow a fish

[Linda Schroller]

When I don't want to talk to God, it is depression. (Just my testimony--not true of all.) So I call the dr. And theologically, I remember I am "graven in the palm of His hand." I remember it is not about me holding on to Him, but Him reaching out for and holding on to me. And I believe healing will come--maybe today, maybe next year, maybe in eternity, but for sure it is coming.

[Gina Stevenson]

I personally think of prayer as a state of intentional awareness [of] God's everyday activity ...........................

If prayer leaves you cold, try the Lord's Supper, or experience the creation, or read the Bible, or listen to music, or read a great book .......................

Prayer is NOT about getting what we want, but in attuning our wants to what God wants. (words are optional)

Some good tho'ts, Billy ... especially like this highlighted last portion. Thanks.

[Rance Gould]

Hello again Ian,

Sure am glad I'm not the only one to have difficulty praying at times! It seems like the old devil himself might be at work trying to keep us from praying at all. Don't you agree?

Jesus said to his diciples, "When you pray...," not, "if you pray..." We can't wait till we feel like praying, cause we might forget how in the meantime. I do believe that God wants to hear from us on a regular basis. It's part of any growing relationship, especially with our loving Heavenly Father.

Blessings to all,

Rance

[Ian Gentles]

This thought comes out of the thread on the Eucharist! I dont know today what people expect from prayer, be it congregational or private! Seems to me we often do it out of habit sadly! Ann mentions praying through on another thread, do we? Seems to me prayer isnt very affectual in many cases, how do we put this right?

[Barbara Moulton]

This thought comes out of the thread on the Eucharist! I dont know today what people expect from prayer, be it congregational or private! Seems to me we often do it out of habit sadly! Ann mentions praying through on another thread, do we? Seems to me prayer isnt very affectual in many cases, how do we put this right?

Prayer is the way I surrender things to God.

We just got a $3,000 bill at our church for some major repairs. This was an unexpected expense that wasn't in our budget (which is pretty much based on a week to week cash flow).

I haven't prayed for $3,000. I simply bowed my head while here at my desk and surrendered this need to God. I even held my hands in an open position in front of the computer screen...my way of saying to Him, "....Lord, you take this concern from me."

I have no idea what God is going to do with what I have surrendered. But He's been faithful in the past and I know He will be faithful again.

That's pretty much been the pattern of my prayer life for many years now. I come to God and surrender my concerns (and my joys) and ask for guidance to keep in step with Him. We usually find the answer together.

All I expect from prayer is that God will listen to the surrendered needs and concerns of my heart and work with me to find a way through.

[Ian Gentles]

Keep us informed please about that cost!!

[Robin Hatcher]

You both bring up valid points. Barbara, I like what you said about surrendering the need to God. Many times we humans measure things in numbers of words and God sees the motive of our hearts. A while back a friend asked me to vote on-line for her father-in-law every ten minutes over a two day time span and I jumped into action, putting other things aside for something he didn't even win. Then I got to thinking about how I don't put other things aside that quickly for time in prayer. For some crazy reason I feel a need to physically do something in order to feel like I've done my part, but all God wants is us to give everything to Him.

[Tami Martin]

There is often much good brought about when my pastor brings a message from the pulpit using the collective "we."

It softens the blow, so to speak, for those who don't do what the pastor is admonishing against. I use it often in my profession to do just that.

But for me, just singular ol' me, to answer...

Seems to me we often do it out of habit sadly!
Yes! And it's a good habit to have. Just like a habit of Bible study or bathing or talking to my spouse.

Seems to me prayer isnt very affectual in many cases, how do we put this right?
Prayer isn't always effective because of the pray-er not the prayer.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous [man] availeth much. James 5:16b

We put it right by getting right.

[Laurie Florence]

Seems to me prayer isnt very affectual in many cases, how do we put this right?


I'm not sure that I agree with this. I may not always get the answer I want when I pray, but I don't think this means that the prayer was ineffectual. Sharing everything with God in prayer is good. It's part of what keeps one close to Him.

[John Kennedy]

On an academic, intellectual level I know that the primary purpose of prayer isn't to get what I want, but to bring myself into line with what God wants. But on an emotional level, I must confess to being intensely frustrated when God doesn't come through with what I want. Probably by the time I get everything reconciled, I'll be in a place where it won't matter.

I must also confess more than a little bit of irritation with people (clergy and lay) to seem to intimate that our failure to get what we asked for lies in our lack of faith. I"ve seen too many good people die, remain sick, suffer incredible hardship and disappointment to believe that sort of clap-trap.

[Brian Blankenship]

Prayer includes three types in the NT.
1. Communion with God. This is building our relationship with God.
2. Supplication. Ask and it shall be given. This literally means, ask and keep on asking.
3. Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving actually releases the power of God into the situation. We have both God's help and His presence.

Phil. 4:4-7. Rejoice in the Lord, I will say it again. Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer(communion with God), and petition(bringing our requests unto God), with thanksgiving(releasing the power of God), present your requests to God, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will keep(word here is fence, which keeps in the good things, and out the evil things) your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

This scripture really blesses me. What God gives us when we pray is peace, which is actually the sign of the Holy Spirit's presence, not tongues. His peace will keep both our minds and our hearts. Praise His name!

[Ian Gentles]

On an academic, intellectual level I know that the primary purpose of prayer isn't to get what I want, but to bring myself into line with what God wants. But on an emotional level, I must confess to being intensely frustrated when God doesn't come through with what I want. Probably by the time I get everything reconciled, I'll be in a place where it won't matter.

I must also confess more than a little bit of irritation with people (clergy and lay) to seem to intimate that our failure to get what we asked for lies in our lack of faith. I"ve seen too many good people die, remain sick, suffer incredible hardship and disappointment to believe that sort of clap-trap.

Yes its never good to tell folks its their lack of faith that never helps.

[Robin Hatcher]

On an academic, intellectual level I know that the primary purpose of prayer isn't to get what I want, but to bring myself into line with what God wants. But on an emotional level, I must confess to being intensely frustrated when God doesn't come through with what I want. Probably by the time I get everything reconciled, I'll be in a place where it won't matter.

I must also confess more than a little bit of irritation with people (clergy and lay) to seem to intimate that our failure to get what we asked for lies in our lack of faith. I"ve seen too many good people die, remain sick, suffer incredible hardship and disappointment to believe that sort of clap-trap.

I hear you John, many well-meaning (I hope) Christians see a lack of prayers being answered in the way they deem useful as a failure on the part of the prayer. Recently I read a novel by Randy Alcorn that said this, "Well, this health and wealth gospel may look like it works sometimes in California, but it doesn’t work in China or Haiti or Rwanda, now does it? And hear me now, folks. Any gospel that’s more true in California than in China is not the true gospel." Many times, I believe, God uses problems, hardships and trials to transform us to HIS image. We may not enjoy it at the time, but in hindsight we can see how X,Y,Z was actually used for HIS glory.

[Barbara Moulton]

Keep us informed please about that cost!!

I never thought I would be coming back here this fast to this thread but here I am.

We hadn't publicized the cost of the plumbing repairs but a few people did know about it and were praying for it.

We received an extra donation in the offering today which brought our offerings up to 9X what we usually get. More than enough to pay the bill AND catch up on every other bill we had.

I am sitting here absolutely stunned today!

[Robin Hatcher]

I never thought I would be coming back here this fast to this thread but here I am.

We hadn't publicized the cost of the plumbing repairs but a few people did know about it and were praying for it.

We received an extra donation in the offering today which brought our offerings up to 9X what we usually get. More than enough to pay the bill AND catch up on every other bill we had.

I am sitting here absolutely stunned today!

That is INCREDIBLE! God always takes care of our needs!

[Laurie Florence]

I never thought I would be coming back here this fast to this thread but here I am.

We hadn't publicized the cost of the plumbing repairs but a few people did know about it and were praying for it.

We received an extra donation in the offering today which brought our offerings up to 9X what we usually get. More than enough to pay the bill AND catch up on every other bill we had.

I am sitting here absolutely stunned today!

Wow! God is good. And, great service today too, eh? The missionary couple are a real blessing. They have touched my heart as people I want to pray for regularly. :basic01

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Speaking of offerings--First I just want to praise Him for meeting the need in the Wesleyan church where Barbara's husband pastors. Have you ever noticed how we pray for something, and seem utterly shocked when it comes to past? ha

Tonight at the NMI meeting, the president said that the goal for Alabaster offerings, for 2007, from our church had been set at $500. She said the offering tonight would go towards meeting the goal--$65 more. We met it. $250 for the September offering, and the February offering had been $250--at this little integrated church. I say, Praise the Lord for money to build needed buildings on mission fields at home and abroad.

[Barbara Moulton]

Speaking of offerings--First I just want to praise Him for meeting the need in the Wesleyan church where Barbara's husband pastors. Have you ever noticed how we pray for something, and seem utterly shocked when it comes to past? ha

Tonight at the NMI meeting, the president said that the goal for Alabaster offerings, for 2007, from our church had been set at $500. She said the offering tonight would go towards meeting the goal--$65 more. We met it. $250 for the September offering, and the February offering had been $250--at this little integrated church. I say, Praise the Lord for money to build needed buildings on mission fields at home and abroad.

The "icing on the cake" for us at our church is that we received over $1,000 in offerings for missionary support as well yesterday. That means we have gone over our target for December 2007.

[Ian Gentles]

Lovely news i am so very happy :)

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Barbara, God really had his mind on missions yesterday- no telling where all besides our churches. A dear 85 year old friend of mine, that passed yesterday, could have been called "Missions Personfied." She was also, one of those saints that anyone could have told their problems and heart aches to, and it would not have been repeated.
We usually pass the goal that is set for all of our mission offerings. Today, I was talking with an 86 year old lady, that was our NMI president for years. She lives in an elderly apartment in Memphis. I told her about the Aabaster offering, and she still thrills, when the church, where she still has her membership, goes over the goal for a missions offering.

[Terri Knoll]

that could go into the supernatural thread eh?

[Ian Gentles]

that could go into the supernatural thread eh?

Well i just feel we read everything into prayer answers, though Barabaras is special!

[Barbara Moulton]

that could go into the supernatural thread eh?


I don't think so. Because to me it is a good example of how God works in response to our prayers without supernatural means.

God rarely changes our circumstances supernaturally. While we were digging up the well, He didn't miraculously make money appear in a hole. He moved in the heart of an individual who didn't even know the need of the church.

Oswald Chambers says prayers don't change circumstances. Prayers change us and we change circumstances. Indeed, most of the answers to prayer that I have seen over the years have come because I (or someone else) followed the prompting of God in my life.

Some might say this is supernatural. But to me it is simply the natural way for Christians to live. If we focus on God and surrender our needs to Him then He will work to sort it out.

That's why I always want to remain sensitive to the voice of God, because I want to be surrendered to God's desires for me. Those desires include being used to answer other people's prayers.

[Daniel Curtis]

The great men of the O.T. intrigue me. I look at Abraham ( who God called his friend) and see that they chatted. God came to him, walked with him, and Abraham even bargained with him.( this was not for selfish reasons, but rather for salvation). I like to look at prayer in that respect. I talk to my friends, hang out with them, share personal thoughts with them. Prayer should be the same thing. Look at it this way, Can you have a relationship with someone and not communicate with them? Certainly not, or at the very least it will be a relationship with no value. The same holds true with our Heavenly Father. If we are to have a relationship with Him, we must talk to him. And if we listen with our hearts, and through the word, He speaks directly to us. Now, I know sometimes it seems we did not get the answer, but the fact is we did not get the answer we wanted. Sometimes, plain and simply, the answer is no.

[Ian Gentles]

The great men of the O.T. intrigue me. I look at Abraham ( who God called his friend) and see that they chatted. God came to him, walked with him, and Abraham even bargained with him.( this was not for selfish reasons, but rather for salvation). I like to look at prayer in that respect. I talk to my friends, hang out with them, share personal thoughts with them. Prayer should be the same thing. Look at it this way, Can you have a relationship with someone and not communicate with them? Certainly not, or at the very least it will be a relationship with no value. The same holds true with our Heavenly Father. If we are to have a relationship with Him, we must talk to him. And if we listen with our hearts, and through the word, He speaks directly to us. Now, I know sometimes it seems we did not get the answer, but the fact is we did not get the answer we wanted. Sometimes, plain and simply, the answer is no.


OK nice answer, but i still think we get little cause we expect little!

[Daniel Curtis]

absolutly, if we pray without expecting, we are praying without faith. You must believe in what you are praying for, and must pray in the will of the Father. ask, seek, knock....that is the answer.

[Barbara Moulton]

absolutly, if we pray without expecting, we are praying without faith. You must believe in what you are praying for, and must pray in the will of the Father. ask, seek, knock....that is the answer.

Do you believe that praying with faith means that we expect that God will do what we ask Him to do?

[Daniel Curtis]

No not at all. If i pray for an elephant with faith I don't believe that God will give me one, ( I have a small place anyway...lol) but if I pray for a closer walk without it, he won't grant that either. Simply saying I think faith is an important part of pryer. When I talk to my friends or family, I have faith that they will listen, help, etc. I think that is how we should pray. In my post I also said you should pray with the will of the Father. If you have the mind of Christ, and I am praying for needs to be met, and I have faith the grain of a mustard seed then I think he hears. I personally believe that He always gives an answer, in His time, and sometimes the answer is no.

[Ian Gentles]

I think we must first sit and think, would God want me to pray for this?

[Daniel Curtis]

That is true

[Barbara Moulton]

No not at all. If i pray for an elephant with faith I don't believe that God will give me one, ( I have a small place anyway...lol) but if I pray for a closer walk without it, he won't grant that either. Simply saying I think faith is an important part of pryer. When I talk to my friends or family, I have faith that they will listen, help, etc. I think that is how we should pray. In my post I also said you should pray with the will of the Father. If you have the mind of Christ, and I am praying for needs to be met, and I have faith the grain of a mustard seed then I think he hears. I personally believe that He always gives an answer, in His time, and sometimes the answer is no.

Thanks for the clarification.

[Ian Gentles]

I do think we automaticaly pray without seeking God's will first on a matter. If a child is lost i automaticaly as i am sure its Gods will i do soo! However when somone askes for prayer for a move to a new ministry i want God's will

[Daniel Curtis]

I pray for God's will when I am uncertain and I look to the Bible for inspiration in knowing it.

[Ian Gentles]

I pray for God's will when I am uncertain and I look to the Bible for inspiration in knowing it.

Good way to go.

[Ian Gentles]

Just finished Philip Yanceys book on this subject and many things struck me. Prayer seems more affective in certain countries, why? People in history and today all have different methods, expectations, from prayer. How much do we pray for our enemies, terrorists etc? Peoples time in prayer differs greatly. Those fortunate enough to live in the country have nature as an aid. I could go on, no end to questions this book raises.
But what are our expectations in prayer? I expect we also differ greatly from one another. My burden is, it seldom seems to work/help, but reading book I found many felt same at times.
Should we search our souls more, or can this in itself lead to depression?
What are your methods, expectations, from prayer, what keeps you going?

[Hans Deventer]

Prayer is contact with God, my Father. But it is also something one needs to learn. Since we were made to live in contact with Him, I keep going.

Expectations: to get to know God. Hopes: that sometimes the answer is "yes", and that whatever the answer, I can deal with it.

[Roger Staten]

Interesting perspective on prayer in different countries being more effective. Which countries for example? Some considerations: it seems in my past studies of mission fields that more primitive cultures seem to produce converts that more easily tune to God's Spirit. This is typically because they spent much of their lives involved in "spirit" worship, nature or ancestral. So once they learn the fundamental concept of one God they simply change the point of focus.

Another consideration is prayer is made more effective by our faith in God to answer. For more industrialized nations, some believers let their intellect get in the way of their faith. So is prayer more effective in Peru than Germany? Libya than the US?

Prayer for me is my opportunity to speak with my God. I tend to follow the structure of the Lord's Prayer inserting the words I have in my heart. My expectation is that God will hear and answer in His way and time, which brings us to "those who wait upon the Lord." God has never failed me or let me down, I can't say the same about the reverse. But even then prayer is always my help.

[Ian Gentles]

Are some called specifically to be prayer warriors? Does God give some a specific gift for such a ministry? I have heard so many stories of Christians who gave them selfs to hours of prayer, burdened for others and the kingdom. Once read of one man who spent every second night in prayer. From reading materials it seems down through Christian history we have had people completely dedicated to prayer, and i don't mean just evangelicals. I think Yancy's excellent book on subject of prayer left me with more questions than answers, though i recommend it to all. Are there folks who are so close to God their prayers receive more answers?

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

The only book I ever read by Yancey, made me never read another one by him.
Some things come about, only by Prayer and Fasting.
At times, I have thought that my mother should never have married. She believed so strongly in prayer and fasting, that it seemed to affect us and daddy. She took in so many to help them, that it made it hard for daddy. Please don't think that I did not love my mother. I did. But, it was very hard sometimes. After nearly twenty five years of marriage, and their having known each other since they were 2 and 4 years of age, he left us. He left a letter, saying that she was the cleanest woman (morally) that he had ever known, but he could not live up to her standards. And, I know what the Bible says about prayer and fasting.
I grieve much more about daddy, now, than I did when I was 15 years of age. My brother's death last year, affected me badly, but I began grieving more for daddy, than I did my brother. When the two men in our family were dead, it seemed to be the end of something. Mother was a prayer warrior, and I am not putting down Prayer Warriors. I have gotten to the place that I am not able to spend a lot of time praying and fasting. Do any of you understand that? Dwayne says that God undertands.

[Billie Goodson]

I have gotten to the place that I am not able to spend a lot of time praying and fasting. Do any of you understand that? Dwayne says that God undertands.

Anne, I would think that it is not important how much time you spend -- but, did you spend what you could? It seems that it would follow along the lines of giving within your means -- you are not asked to give outside of your means.

I believe some are called to be prayer warriors. There are some people that have scared me with the prayers -- they seem to have the ability to really get to the heart of the matter.