Tag Archives: prayer

Four questions and three observations about prayer

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praying-handsAll right, I’ve got some questions about prayer. Feel free to answer any and all of them…

  1. Where do we see that the approved prayer stance is a bowed head and closed eyes?
  2. Does praying in Jesus’ name mean saying “In Jesus’ name” at the end of our prayers?
  3. Since the model we have of praying over food is “giving thanks,” should we include requests in such prayers?
  4. Do prayers need to end with “Amen”?

 

 

Let me add a few observations:

  1. Despite what you may have heard, we do find the apostles praying to “the Lord” and to Jesus in the book of Acts.
  2. We see in Jesus’ ministry that some of what he said in his prayers was said for the benefit of those listening (see John 11:42, for example).
  3. Prayer was one of the basic parts of the apostles’ job description (Acts 6:4).

Who believes in prayer, anyway?

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lightningIt’s an urban legend that has a point to it:

In a small, Midwestern town, owners of a new tavern started a building to open up their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign with petitions and prayers to block the bar from opening. Work progressed, however, right up until the week before opening, when a lightning strike hit the bar and it burned to the ground. The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, either through direct or indirect actions or means. The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building’s demise in its answer to the court. As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the pleadings at the hearing and commented, “I don’t know how I’m going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner that believes in the power of prayer, and an entire church congregation that does not.”

Have you wondered what would change if we really believed in prayer? What if “All we can do is pray” meant that there was still a lot of hope? What if someone saying “You’ll be in my prayers” changed our perspective on our current prospects?

How many of life’s problems do we expect to be solved by prayer? One brother once wrote in an online forum: “We pray because we were commanded to, not because we actually think God is going to do anything.” While many would express disagreement with that sentiment, our daily lives often shout “Amen.”

I want to learn to live by faith. I want to be a person of prayer, a praying person, a person who believes in the power of prayer.

Are you glad they’re dead?

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somali_piratesThis recent incident with the U.S. ship being attacked by pirates really caught a lot of attention. I was a little surprised to find in me a strong sense to see justice done. No, it was more than that. To use Jerry Falwell’s famous line, I wanted someone to “blow them away in the name of the Lord.” It probably comes from watching too many violent movies, but I often find myself longing to see criminals dealt with violently.

Let me say that I think the people involved acted appropriately, that is, I think this was an appropriate police action. What concerns me is what I see in myself and hear at times from other Christians. We can express a love for sinners, but then we turn around and cheer when some of those sinners are killed. There should be no joy at seeing someone’s life taken. Even if we think it was necessary, it should evoke sadness in us.

Like it or not, those men that were felled by sniper’s bullets, those criminals, were men that Jesus loved so much that he died on a cross for them. God loved them. If I’m going to be more like Christ, I’ve got to learn to love them too.

We need to be praying for such people. Praying that they come to know the Lord. Praying for peace in their world, in our world. And now, praying for the friends and families of those who are mourning their loss.

 

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4) We pray for all men. Even pirates.

Give your anxiety to God

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There seems to be a lot of stress in the air. Some people still haven’t relaxed since the election, especially if their candidate lost. Others are worried about the economy, while others are concerned about all the violence that seems to be erupting around the world. Then you get the stress that often creeps in at the holidays, especially if we let ourselves get caught up in the materialism that our society wants to push on us. (Did you see that shoppers trampled an employee at Wal-Mart the other day?) Here’s some good advice for stress relief:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
Worry won’t do you any good. You’re much better off giving it to God. One of my Hispanic friends shared a proverb with me: “If it has a cure, there’s no point worrying about it. If it doesn’t have a cure, there’s no point worrying about it.” That pretty much sums it up. Worry only makes you sick. The best thing you can do is give it to God.