Question about Prayer

pommie2 · 06-26-2008, 04:55 PM

What are your thoughts on prayer? How do you deal with it when it seems that none of your prayers are answered and God seems very far away. Should we expect God to be like a genie in a bottle. How do you think he sees our prayer requests?

Determinedtolose · 06-26-2008, 08:26 PM

Hi Pommie,
Maybe this will help you. It's from a teaching I'm in.

"How should we pray ?

These are absolutely the best verses on prayer.

Philippians 4:6a

"Be careful (or worry) for nothing;..."

You’ve seen these little wall plaques that say, "why worry when you can pray." Well there’s more to that than meets the eye. We’re not supposed to worry. Now we can be concerned. I think everyone of us have concerns, and we have that right to have those concerns, but we’re not to fret and worry.

Philippians 4:6b

"... but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving..."

It doesn’t do you any good to petition God if you forget to thank Him for it in advance as you pray.. Thanking God is the criteria, that’s the modus operandi for prayer. Make it with thanksgiving.

Philippians 4:6b

"...let your requests be made known unto God...."

He isn’t limiting your request. It can be anything as long as it’s in Godly reason of course, but let your requests be made known unto God. Here we can come, and ask with thanksgiving, but God may say, No! He may say, no not right now, maybe later. He may say, Yes. But regardless how He answers in verse 6, you’ve already got the answer in verse 7. We’ve got the answer to our prayers here in verse 7, and what is it?

Philippines 4:7

"And the peace of God, (no matter how God answers our request) which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Do you see why we don’t have to worry about anything? It’s because we have that peace of God, and that’s what keeps us. I know that’s beyond human understanding. I know we’re all human and we do worry and fret, and get overly concerned, and yet I think most of us have to admit that through all of our tight spots, we came through it with God’s help. Now that’s where we have it over on the world. God never promises us that we’re going to go through life without problems. We’re going to have just as many problems as many in the world around us, but what’s the difference? We have God with us in our problems, we have Him to take us through and we can rest assure in that."

Pommie, let me know what you think?

bigflopman · 06-26-2008, 08:37 PM

I know I am going to get slammed here, but I don't believe you can expect prayers for specific things to be "answered". For example, I don't pray to lose 4 pounds this week or to get a bonus at work. I don't feel comfortable in company prayers where they ask for our potential clients to "see the light" and buy our product... I just don't feel that is how it works. The things I pray for are more general, watch over my family, keep them safe, etc... Having said that, I in no way believe that God chooses to allow a person to be in a wreck or to suffer injury because of prayer or lack thereof. I agree with the previous poster that we need God with us to help us through these trials and tribulations that we will undoubtedly face in our lives.

pommie2 · 06-26-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigflopman

I know I am going to get slammed here, but I don't believe you can expect prayers for specific things to be "answered". For example, I don't pray to lose 4 pounds this week or to get a bonus at work. I don't feel comfortable in company prayers where they ask for our potential clients to "see the light" and buy our product... I just don't feel that is how it works. The things I pray for are more general, watch over my family, keep them safe, etc... Having said that, I in no way believe that God chooses to allow a person to be in a wreck or to suffer injury because of prayer or lack thereof. I agree with the previous poster that we need God with us to help us through these trials and tribulations that we will undoubtedly face in our lives.

I feel the same way about asking for the specific things such as the ones you mentioned.

I also agree with both of you about needing God to help us thru trials.

Diana - Thanks so much for your detailed answer. Your bible verses and explanations were really helpful to me. It all comes down to having faith thru the hard times.

Thanks both of you

skeopple · 06-27-2008, 06:58 AM

Diana, Good answer! We first need to thank God for all the blessings He has given us. And it's okay to ask for specific things because He knows our wants and needs and we are told to "Ask". As far as answers to prayers: He always answers, sometimes He says "No". ..........Just know, He is with us always. ALWAYS. He loves us unconditionally and likes to see us succeed and be happy. It gives Him pleasure to see us enjoy the life He has given us.

Califrog · 06-27-2008, 09:34 AM

I think it's perfectly fine to pray for any needs or wants we have (and of course pray for forgiveness and in gratitude for what we've been given).

The hard part is accepting when the answer is "no" or even "not yet".

Susie Q · 06-28-2008, 02:42 PM

Kenneth Hagin has a really good book on prayer called "Prayer secrets.
It just shows how to stay biblically balanced when we do it.

Pcola Girl · 06-30-2008, 04:07 PM

First we need to thank God for all His blessings.
When we pray I feel we can talk to God about anything and ask Him anything to but I think we need to ask for things in a specific way and not be so self centered with it.

I pray fo healing of my body, He had not healed me yet but I still keep praying to Him that He will, I will be open to His healing at all times and acceopt it gracefully when He does heal me. Maybe he won't I do not kinow, but i will never stop praying He will. I just have to keep my faith that He will.
I don't feel its selfish to pray for your own healing or for others, I think He wants us to.
He wants us to care for others, our family and friends and the world around us. Prayer for them is what God wants us to do.

I just don't think we need to be greedy in our praying though, like to win the lottery or marry a rich man etc.

Prayer is real and I know it works because I have experienced it first hand before.

MINDYMOUSE · 07-09-2008, 07:50 PM

I tell you, I don't know I have prayed specific about things and they never seem to happen, I am praying hard about something right now, It's so simple for God that he could make it happen in a heartbeat It would be a blessing for both parties involved, yet he has'nt done it and I'm begining to be doubtful that he will do it the way I asked (if at all) .

It is so confusing - PCola Girl- You said, he has'nt healed you yet but you'll keep praying.. My thing is when do we stop? It seems like God has his own way and his own time so I feel crazy to keeping begging for the same thing.

Determinedtolose · 07-10-2008, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MINDYMOUSE

I tell you, I don't know I have prayed specific about things and they never seem to happen, I am praying hard about something right now, It's so simple for God that he could make it happen in a heartbeat It would be a blessing for both parties involved, yet he has'nt done it and I'm begining to be doubtful that he will do it the way I asked (if at all) .

It is so confusing - PCola Girl- You said, he has'nt healed you yet but you'll keep praying.. My thing is when do we stop? It seems like God has his own way and his own time so I feel crazy to keeping begging for the same thing.

Hi MindyMouse,
I know there is frustration when it comes to prayer. We expect God to heal us or answer our prayers right away and when he doesn't, we become upset and doubtful.
Here's what we do when we pray; we always thank God first and foremost for anything we pray or ask for. That's very important. Then we have to believe that He hears us. Believing and having faith is the other key here. Because scripture say's without faith, it's impossible to please God.

Then rest in the Lord and wait paitently for Him. He may not answer right away because the timing is not right. Then again, He may answer in a way that we don't expect. We have to be open to anything He does.
But no matter how long it takes, keep giving thanks to Him no matter what.

The scripture I always look at is this:
Philippians 4:6-7

Take care and never give up believing!!!

ollamo · 07-10-2008, 04:11 AM

Hi !!!
I pray every night. I have ever since i was old enough to memorize the OUr Father.(my parents started me young, which i'm thankful)

I see God as my friend. Every night I have conversations with him. As see him as my friend. I talk to him about everything while i'm praying. I also pray daily that he used me and works through me to help others. So... i hope i help you.

He hears, I know he does. Like mentioned earlier, it's hard to accept "no" when we want something so bad that it hurts. Then, you start questioing why? I know this has to have happened to you before. You want something and pray for something, but no matter how hard you want or pray, it just doesn't happen. Then....something, maybe later on does happen, then your like..aaahhhh....It just clicks. You're glad you didn't get what you wanted b/c he had something WAAAYY better in store for you. If you look at the big picture. Thats usually how it goes. Hope you can follow what i'm saying.

What i think is a great way to look at is this: I don't know if you've ever watched Evan Almighty but in that movie Morgan Freeman? Mentions how when you pray, for strenght and courage, ect. God just doesn't GIVE you strength , he gives you the opportunity to be strong. He just doesn't GIVe you courage, he gives you an opportunity to be courageous. I know it's just a movie, but def a good way to look at things

MINDYMOUSE · 07-10-2008, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ollamo

Hi !!!
He hears, I know he does. Like mentioned earlier, it's hard to accept "no" when we want something so bad that it hurts. Then, you start questioing why? I know this has to have happened to you before. You want something and pray for something, but no matter how hard you want or pray, it just doesn't happen. Then....something, maybe later on does happen, then your like..aaahhhh....It just clicks. You're glad you didn't get what you wanted b/c he had something WAAAYY better in store for you. If you look at the big picture. Thats usually how it goes. Hope you can follow what i'm saying.

What i think is a great way to look at is this: I don't know if you've ever watched Evan Almighty but in that movie Morgan Freeman? Mentions how when you pray, for strenght and courage, ect. God just doesn't GIVE you strength , he gives you the opportunity to be strong. He just doesn't GIVe you courage, he gives you an opportunity to be courageous. I know it's just a movie, but def a good way to look at things

That is a good way to look at it. (I loved Evan Almighty

) I guess its just frustration when you look at stories in the Bible where people were "Immediately" made whole the scriptures use those exact words "Immediately" and "Straightway"

*sigh* This thread is encouraging to me, as I was beginning to see prayer as burden rather than a encouragement.

Califrog · 07-10-2008, 08:32 AM

Mindy.

Our pastor always tells us that God is like a loving father - he sees "the big picture" as we never can, so sometimes what we are praying for just is NOT going to be granted, because it doesn't fall in with his perfect plan for our salvation.

We have a young man in our church who is serving prison time right now. Interestingly, in this very challenging and difficult time for him, he is very inspirational to other inmates with his church attendance in prison and has brought many "hardened criminals" to seeking out Jesus. He said in a letter to his parents recently that maybe that's what God had in mind all along when those bad life choices were being made.

NewYorkGiants32 · 07-10-2008, 10:03 PM

Hi All! I happened on this thread by accident, ironically I asked the same question in my myspace blog. I am just going to copy and paste an answer that helped me out...this is a very good thread.

God commands that we pray. Simple as that. We lose sight of prayer sometimes and pray for things for ourselves.... the prayers that really move God are when we pray for things that are Clearly His will... IE "I pray that I get closer to HIM, I pray to be a better father, I Pray that I overcome that sin that I keep committing...........Clearly God's will and your will are in allignment.God also loves it when we pray for others first.
Other times... it's not so clear... " Lord I pray that I get that Job.... Lord I pray that I can move to Seattle, Lord I pray that we get a bigger appartment, etc... While these are good prayers, we don't neccessarily know if they are Gods will. He may have a reason for not giving us that job, or for moving. When we pray in Gods will, we are simply saying "this is what I would like , Lord, but I'm not sure whats best for me... I'll accept whatever answer You give...even if it's "no" or "wait".

Doug K · 07-11-2008, 09:21 AM

Good thread. Once I heard a minister say that we don't pray to change God (ie, to get Him to do something for us), but to change ourselves. I don't pray as often as I should, but when I do, it gives me a better perspective. It helps me remember that God is in charge, which I tend to forget very easiy.

06-26-2008, 04:55 PM	#1
pommie2 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Jersey Shore Posts: 833 Gallery: pommie2 Stats: 156.8/149/125 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Mar 2002 Restart May 07	Question about Prayer What are your thoughts on prayer? How do you deal with it when it seems that none of your prayers are answered and God seems very far away. Should we expect God to be like a genie in a bottle. How do you think he sees our prayer requests?

06-26-2008, 08:26 PM	#2
Determinedtolose Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 10,104 Gallery: Determinedtolose Stats: 243/197/160 or 150 WOE: Atkins/ mod Fat, mod pro, low carb/Stillmans Start Date: Start: 4/07. 5lbs by 12/2008, 150/160 by 4/09	Hi Pommie, Maybe this will help you. It's from a teaching I'm in. "How should we pray ? These are absolutely the best verses on prayer. Philippians 4:6a "Be careful (or worry) for nothing;..." You’ve seen these little wall plaques that say, "why worry when you can pray." Well there’s more to that than meets the eye. We’re not supposed to worry. Now we can be concerned. I think everyone of us have concerns, and we have that right to have those concerns, but we’re not to fret and worry. Philippians 4:6b "... but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving..." It doesn’t do you any good to petition God if you forget to thank Him for it in advance as you pray.. Thanking God is the criteria, that’s the modus operandi for prayer. Make it with thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6b "...let your requests be made known unto God...." He isn’t limiting your request. It can be anything as long as it’s in Godly reason of course, but let your requests be made known unto God. Here we can come, and ask with thanksgiving, but God may say, No! He may say, no not right now, maybe later. He may say, Yes. But regardless how He answers in verse 6, you’ve already got the answer in verse 7. We’ve got the answer to our prayers here in verse 7, and what is it? Philippines 4:7 "And the peace of God, (no matter how God answers our request) which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Do you see why we don’t have to worry about anything? It’s because we have that peace of God, and that’s what keeps us. I know that’s beyond human understanding. I know we’re all human and we do worry and fret, and get overly concerned, and yet I think most of us have to admit that through all of our tight spots, we came through it with God’s help. Now that’s where we have it over on the world. God never promises us that we’re going to go through life without problems. We’re going to have just as many problems as many in the world around us, but what’s the difference? We have God with us in our problems, we have Him to take us through and we can rest assure in that." Pommie, let me know what you think? __________________ DIANA Wilkommen, bienvenu, welcome, c'mon in!! DOWN 46LBS 199, 198, 197, 196, 195, 194, 193, 192, 191, 190, 189, 188, 187, 186, 185, 184, 183, 182, 181, 180, 179, 178, 177, 176, 175, 174, 173, 172, 171, 170, 169, 168, 167, 166, 165, 164, 163, 162, 161, 160 MAYBE GOAL, 159, 158, 157, 156, 155, 154, 153, 152, 151, 150 GOAL! It's not what I've done, or can do. . .but what He has done for me. It's Faith plus Nothing!!! Diana's Journal

06-26-2008, 08:37 PM	#3
bigflopman Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Georgia Posts: 298 Gallery: bigflopman Stats: 354/209/204 WOE: Lowcarbish :) Start Date: 1/07(354), 1/08(304)	I know I am going to get slammed here, but I don't believe you can expect prayers for specific things to be "answered". For example, I don't pray to lose 4 pounds this week or to get a bonus at work. I don't feel comfortable in company prayers where they ask for our potential clients to "see the light" and buy our product... I just don't feel that is how it works. The things I pray for are more general, watch over my family, keep them safe, etc... Having said that, I in no way believe that God chooses to allow a person to be in a wreck or to suffer injury because of prayer or lack thereof. I agree with the previous poster that we need God with us to help us through these trials and tribulations that we will undoubtedly face in our lives. __________________ TJ 1/07-354 1/08-304 6/08-253 9/08-233 10/08-225 12/08-212 12/31/08-209.8

06-30-2008, 04:07 PM	#8
Pcola Girl Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Pensacola, Florida Posts: 3,295 Gallery: Pcola Girl Stats: Start-325 Today-225 Goal 160 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Sarted Nov. 2000---Restarted New January 2008	First we need to thank God for all His blessings. When we pray I feel we can talk to God about anything and ask Him anything to but I think we need to ask for things in a specific way and not be so self centered with it. I pray fo healing of my body, He had not healed me yet but I still keep praying to Him that He will, I will be open to His healing at all times and acceopt it gracefully when He does heal me. Maybe he won't I do not kinow, but i will never stop praying He will. I just have to keep my faith that He will. I don't feel its selfish to pray for your own healing or for others, I think He wants us to. He wants us to care for others, our family and friends and the world around us. Prayer for them is what God wants us to do. I just don't think we need to be greedy in our praying though, like to win the lottery or marry a rich man etc. Prayer is real and I know it works because I have experienced it first hand before. __________________ Mary

07-09-2008, 07:50 PM	#9
MINDYMOUSE Senior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NY'ker Posts: 126 Gallery: MINDYMOUSE Stats: 170/160/140 WOE: Atkins For Life Start Date: Sept 2007	I tell you, I don't know I have prayed specific about things and they never seem to happen, I am praying hard about something right now, It's so simple for God that he could make it happen in a heartbeat It would be a blessing for both parties involved, yet he has'nt done it and I'm begining to be doubtful that he will do it the way I asked (if at all) . It is so confusing - PCola Girl- You said, he has'nt healed you yet but you'll keep praying.. My thing is when do we stop? It seems like God has his own way and his own time so I feel crazy to keeping begging for the same thing. __________________ Mindy

06-27-2008, 06:58 AM	#5
skeopple Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Northern Wisconsin Posts: 400 Gallery: skeopple Stats: 336/294/159 WOE: Low Carb, forever Start Date: 1/14/08	Diana, Good answer! We first need to thank God for all the blessings He has given us. And it's okay to ask for specific things because He knows our wants and needs and we are told to "Ask". As far as answers to prayers: He always answers, sometimes He says "No". ..........Just know, He is with us always. ALWAYS. He loves us unconditionally and likes to see us succeed and be happy. It gives Him pleasure to see us enjoy the life He has given us.

06-27-2008, 09:34 AM	#6
Califrog Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: California Posts: 540 Gallery: Califrog Stats: 209/187/148 5'9" Age: 41 WOE: Vintage Atkins Minus Gluten Start Date: May 5, 2008	I think it's perfectly fine to pray for any needs or wants we have (and of course pray for forgiveness and in gratitude for what we've been given). The hard part is accepting when the answer is "no" or even "not yet".

06-28-2008, 02:42 PM	#7
Susie Q Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 789 Gallery: Susie Q Stats: 165/140/135 WOE: Atkins by the Book	Kenneth Hagin has a really good book on prayer called "Prayer secrets. It just shows how to stay biblically balanced when we do it.

07-10-2008, 04:11 AM	#11
ollamo Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lose-iana Posts: 502 Gallery: ollamo Stats: 144/134/114 WOE: Atkins Start Date: may 13, 2008	Hi !!! I pray every night. I have ever since i was old enough to memorize the OUr Father.(my parents started me young, which i'm thankful) I see God as my friend. Every night I have conversations with him. As see him as my friend. I talk to him about everything while i'm praying. I also pray daily that he used me and works through me to help others. So... i hope i help you. He hears, I know he does. Like mentioned earlier, it's hard to accept "no" when we want something so bad that it hurts. Then, you start questioing why? I know this has to have happened to you before. You want something and pray for something, but no matter how hard you want or pray, it just doesn't happen. Then....something, maybe later on does happen, then your like..aaahhhh....It just clicks. You're glad you didn't get what you wanted b/c he had something WAAAYY better in store for you. If you look at the big picture. Thats usually how it goes. Hope you can follow what i'm saying. What i think is a great way to look at is this: I don't know if you've ever watched Evan Almighty but in that movie Morgan Freeman? Mentions how when you pray, for strenght and courage, ect. God just doesn't GIVE you strength , he gives you the opportunity to be strong. He just doesn't GIVe you courage, he gives you an opportunity to be courageous. I know it's just a movie, but def a good way to look at things

07-10-2008, 08:32 AM	#13
Califrog Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: California Posts: 540 Gallery: Califrog Stats: 209/187/148 5'9" Age: 41 WOE: Vintage Atkins Minus Gluten Start Date: May 5, 2008	Mindy. Our pastor always tells us that God is like a loving father - he sees "the big picture" as we never can, so sometimes what we are praying for just is NOT going to be granted, because it doesn't fall in with his perfect plan for our salvation. We have a young man in our church who is serving prison time right now. Interestingly, in this very challenging and difficult time for him, he is very inspirational to other inmates with his church attendance in prison and has brought many "hardened criminals" to seeking out Jesus. He said in a letter to his parents recently that maybe that's what God had in mind all along when those bad life choices were being made. __________________ "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself." All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. - Matthew 22:37-40

07-10-2008, 10:03 PM	#14
NewYorkGiants32 MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Wa State Posts: 2,209 Gallery: NewYorkGiants32 WOE: ATKINS! (Ish) Start Date: January 8,2009	Hi All! I happened on this thread by accident, ironically I asked the same question in my myspace blog. I am just going to copy and paste an answer that helped me out...this is a very good thread. God commands that we pray. Simple as that. We lose sight of prayer sometimes and pray for things for ourselves.... the prayers that really move God are when we pray for things that are Clearly His will... IE "I pray that I get closer to HIM, I pray to be a better father, I Pray that I overcome that sin that I keep committing...........Clearly God's will and your will are in allignment.God also loves it when we pray for others first. Other times... it's not so clear... " Lord I pray that I get that Job.... Lord I pray that I can move to Seattle, Lord I pray that we get a bigger appartment, etc... While these are good prayers, we don't neccessarily know if they are Gods will. He may have a reason for not giving us that job, or for moving. When we pray in Gods will, we are simply saying "this is what I would like , Lord, but I'm not sure whats best for me... I'll accept whatever answer You give...even if it's "no" or "wait". __________________ Jennifer's Best Days Journal My "Novel" of a Blog

07-11-2008, 09:21 AM	#15
Doug K Junior LCF Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 43 Blog Entries: 44 Gallery: Doug K Stats: 210/207/135(5'4") WOE: still figuring that out Start Date: March 2007	Good thread. Once I heard a minister say that we don't pray to change God (ie, to get Him to do something for us), but to change ourselves. I don't pray as often as I should, but when I do, it gives me a better perspective. It helps me remember that God is in charge, which I tend to forget very easiy.

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