Are Some Prayers Just a Waste of Time? (Should Our Prayers Be More Streamlined?)

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seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#1
Hello Everyone,

This is something that's been on my mind for a while. I'm posting this in the Singles Forum because we are always told we should be "Using Our Singleness for the Glory of the Lord", and I know many of us do. I love reading the stories here from our dedicated family of singles who are very passionate about the ministries and talents they use to help others, whether it be face-painting to traveling the world serving the poor. :)

First of all, I am NOT trying to say that ANY prayer is a waste of time, as I believe God hears and considers ALL prayers made in sincere faith. However, I've heard some criticism that many people "just don't know how to pray right" and that "they are basically wasting their (and God's) time." Is this true? Is there a way that we can make our prayers more efficient?

When we pray... What and how should we be praying? Here are some examples:

1. If our heart has a burden for children, what's the best approach? Do you pray, "God, save the children," as a generic catch-all prayer, or do you pray for something specific, or for a specific child? The reason I ask is because of a situation that made me so distraught that I simply prayed, "God, please don't let another child be hit or abused tonight." But it's a very naive prayer, don't you think? More along the lines of magical thinking than being real. I used to drive to work very early in the morning, looking out at my neighborhood and wondering how many acts of domestic violence had just occurred the night before. What should we be praying in such a situation?

2. Are "wide-net" prayers such as "God bless our troops" the best thing to pray, or should we be praying for something specific? In particular, I'm thinking of a young co-worker who was killed during his tour not long after he had gotten married. What would God have wanted us to pray for him in the anticipation of that situation? I know we had no way of knowing, but were all the prayers we sent up for his safety "a waste of time"? Should we have instead been praying for the strength and comfort of his wife and families?

And now as I think about the thousands of other soldiers who guard our freedom every day, what, exactly, should one be praying? That God would end the wars? That everyone would be called home? That they will have the strength to get through and return to civilian life, even if means returning without a limb or full mental capacity? That the families of those who do not return will be able to carry on?

3. Since we have no way of knowing what will happen, should we bypass the specifics altogether, and just pray the "Trusty, Catch-All" prayer of, "Lord, let your will be done?" And of course, this can apply to ANY situation, whether praying for family, church, world events, mission, or personal needs (including the prayer for a Godly husband or wife to be sent our way.)

I admit that when I look out at the world, I feel so overwhelmed that in my prayer life I often revert back to my 5-year-old self: "Lord, please stop the killing/abuse/all the bad things in the world."

The Bible says we should have the faith of a child, but as adults, we know that's just not how it works.

Is there a way to streamline our prayers, or make them more "effective"? If so, what should we be praying?

As I said, I believe God hears and considers even the simplest, most generic prayer when prayed in faith and relationship with Him.

But as believers, do we have a responsibility to somehow make our prayers into "something more" than generic wishful thinking?
 
G

GaryA

Guest
#2
What? No poll??? :p

Just kidding, Kim... ;)


The best answer I have is --- "it depends"...

"I know that was a lot of help." :rolleyes:


At times, I have prayed for ALL of the military folks ( collectively ) where-ever they might be ( individually ).

At times, I have prayed for a single person that I see walking down the street.


I think what matters the most is sincerity. No prayer is a waste of time if it is sincere.


It is helpful to remember that - in the grand scheme of things - while one prayer can truly make a difference, there is "a whole lot going on" in the grand scheme of things...

God can see it all. We can only see a part of it. Faith is required.


We are praying to the Almighty! He sees the intent of our heart.


Whether general or specific - whether simple or complex...


Philippians 4:

[SUP]6[/SUP] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.



:)
 
1

1still_waters

Guest
#3
Words like efficient shouldn't be imposed on prayer.

Jesus gave us a model prayer to follow.
So when we wonder how to pray, we should go straight to the model Jesus gave.

Matthew 6
[SUP]9 [/SUP]In this manner, therefore, pray:Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
[SUP]10 [/SUP]Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
[SUP]11 [/SUP]Give us this day our daily bread.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
[SUP]13 [/SUP]And do not lead us into temptation,


But deliver us from the evil one.
Integrate these things into everything you pray for.

Pray that God would be viewed as father over...
Pray that his name would be hallowed over...
Pray that his kingdom would come and his will would be done over..
Pray for the daily needs to be met over..
Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation over things...
Pray that people would not be lead into temptation...

You can integrate those desires of God into anything you pray over.

In the midst of doing that, our mind/heart/will becomes very familiar with the will of Jesus, so when praying, we too become conformed to God's will.
 
G

GaryA

Guest
#4
No prayer is a waste of time if it is sincere.
"Let me restate that..." :eek:

I meant that strictly in terms of the praying itself, with regard to the variance of the extent of it.

Obviously, if you are selfishly asking God for something, you might consider that a waste of time...

:)
 
J

Jullianna

Guest
#5
Things I've learned about prayer:

- Catch all prayers come from the mouth. They should be coming from a far deeper place.
- To pray about things on my heart/spirit. There's a reason they are there. I may not understand why, but He does.
- God hears a contrite, thankful heart. I don't want to whine to a holy God like a demanding child.
- In praying for other people and taking my eyes off of myself, I usually wake up one day to find that God has met many of the same needs in my own life.
- I've learned that our prayers outlive us. I'm still feeling/seeing answers in my life to the long ago prayers of family members now gone.
 

just_monicat

Senior Member
Jan 1, 2014
1,284
17
0
#6
Things I've learned about prayer:

- Catch all prayers come from the mouth. They should be coming from a far deeper place.
- To pray about things on my heart/spirit. There's a reason they are there. I may not understand why, but He does.
- God hears a contrite, thankful heart. I don't want to whine to a holy God like a demanding child.
- In praying for other people and taking my eyes off of myself, I usually wake up one day to find that God has met many of the same needs in my own life.
- I've learned that our prayers outlive us. I'm still feeling/seeing answers in my life to the long ago prayers of family members now gone.
beautifully said.

i have recently had someone remind me of the truth of that final point. isn't that an amazing thing? we give up, but God never forgets.
 
K

keep_on_smiling

Guest
#7
I think of prayer as a conversation with God. There is nobody that knows us better than God; just be yourself. I think the most important thing is that we talk with God, we share our concerns, hurts, and praises, and then we trust that He listens and answers in the perfect timing. Our praying strengthens our relationship with God.

I truly don't think there is a wrong way to pray. I do however, think we should think about what we ask for. God will answer our prayers, but not always in the way we hope for. Above all, pray for His will.
 
I

IloveyouGod

Guest
#8
I like your posts ideas seoulsearch. :)

OK, there's no such thing as in wasting God's time. And there's absolutely no such thing as in wasting my time because my time is actually God's time. He gave it to me. Originally He owns it and should have it at anytime!! :)

There's no such thing as in right or wrong in terms of how to pray either. A prayer is a connection between me and God. It's a conversation between me and God. Can take several forms, as in free conversation, specific prayer, arrow prayer, bible reading, meditation on a passage from the bible, even reading a spiritual book is a sort of connection between me and God

Now in terms of what to say, I'd think that for example if you are going through a certain hardship and you focus your prayer to God on removing this hardship away from you, is not really the right approach because this hardship is for you right at that moment for a reason. So you could pray asking God how to deal with this hardship. Tell Him you can't deal with it because of so and so. Ask Him to help you learn from this hardship. Ask Him to help you go through it. THAT would be the right approach. Because if you focus your prayer to God on removing the hardship, then you might miss the lesson or the purpose of this hardship in your life. And the thing is, if you don't get your lesson or God's message for you, He will keep trying sending it over and over again in a different way till you get it. Which is not a good thing because you are extending your hardship period like God's people who kept on sinning and resisting God's message, and got to their land after 44 years when they could have been there a lot before then if they had just obeyed God!! :)



Hello Everyone,

This is something that's been on my mind for a while. I'm posting this in the Singles Forum because we are always told we should be "Using Our Singleness for the Glory of the Lord", and I know many of us do. I love reading the stories here from our dedicated family of singles who are very passionate about the ministries and talents they use to help others, whether it be face-painting to traveling the world serving the poor. :)

First of all, I am NOT trying to say that ANY prayer is a waste of time, as I believe God hears and considers ALL prayers made in sincere faith. However, I've heard some criticism that many people "just don't know how to pray right" and that "they are basically wasting their (and God's) time." Is this true? Is there a way that we can make our prayers more efficient?

When we pray... What and how should we be praying? Here are some examples:

1. If our heart has a burden for children, what's the best approach? Do you pray, "God, save the children," as a generic catch-all prayer, or do you pray for something specific, or for a specific child? The reason I ask is because of a situation that made me so distraught that I simply prayed, "God, please don't let another child be hit or abused tonight." But it's a very naive prayer, don't you think? More along the lines of magical thinking than being real. I used to drive to work very early in the morning, looking out at my neighborhood and wondering how many acts of domestic violence had just occurred the night before. What should we be praying in such a situation?

2. Are "wide-net" prayers such as "God bless our troops" the best thing to pray, or should we be praying for something specific? In particular, I'm thinking of a young co-worker who was killed during his tour not long after he had gotten married. What would God have wanted us to pray for him in the anticipation of that situation? I know we had no way of knowing, but were all the prayers we sent up for his safety "a waste of time"? Should we have instead been praying for the strength and comfort of his wife and families?

And now as I think about the thousands of other soldiers who guard our freedom every day, what, exactly, should one be praying? That God would end the wars? That everyone would be called home? That they will have the strength to get through and return to civilian life, even if means returning without a limb or full mental capacity? That the families of those who do not return will be able to carry on?

3. Since we have no way of knowing what will happen, should we bypass the specifics altogether, and just pray the "Trusty, Catch-All" prayer of, "Lord, let your will be done?" And of course, this can apply to ANY situation, whether praying for family, church, world events, mission, or personal needs (including the prayer for a Godly husband or wife to be sent our way.)

I admit that when I look out at the world, I feel so overwhelmed that in my prayer life I often revert back to my 5-year-old self: "Lord, please stop the killing/abuse/all the bad things in the world."

The Bible says we should have the faith of a child, but as adults, we know that's just not how it works.

Is there a way to streamline our prayers, or make them more "effective"? If so, what should we be praying?

As I said, I believe God hears and considers even the simplest, most generic prayer when prayed in faith and relationship with Him.

But as believers, do we have a responsibility to somehow make our prayers into "something more" than generic wishful thinking?
 
N

NightRevan

Guest
#9
Well we all go through seasons of different styles of prayers, and of course prayer is a wide ranging communication with God, as to petitionary aspect of prayer I don't think any are wasted, or they you need to abandon either large-net prayers for peoples, countries or situations, or specific ones for individual people or situations. In fact God wants us to bring all these concerns before Him, and we don't just have to go through them like a list or in with some pretend front on. I'm often find myself now thinking how different many of us (and this definitely includes me, and is something I'm trying to work on) and our prayer life is so different from that recorded in the Psalms. There the people of God were crying out to God, completely open to their pain or hurt, and wondering, even demanding why He didn't seem to be doing anything, reminding Him of His responsibilities of the Covenant, and often through it coming to deeper revelations. Other times they rejoice openly or weep, but they held nothing back, not questions, grief, joy nothing, they could shout at God, cry to Him, and rejoice with Him, I don't really see this to much in my prayer life, this honesty with God, and think I need to let myself be more open, the Psalms are the Bible's own prayer and hymn-book and I think we could all benefit from taking and learning from them, having more of the Psalmist spirit in responding and praying to God.

Also I find myself more attracted at times to just saying the Lord's Prayer, and adding specific details into that, I find that often my free-form prayers at times (perhaps because I don't have the open honesty of those in the Psalms) often seem to become repetitive and kinda stale, but that is me, so I have found that to be of great help. Anyway that's my thoughts, but yes, no matter what, no prayer is ever wasted (or ever a waste of time), the Holy Spirit is in us, and is their to aid and bring out what we really mean to say, Jesus always is there interceding for us.
 
B

BananaPie

Guest
#10
What? No poll??? :p

Just kidding, Kim... ;)
LOL. That's the whole purpose I click on Kim's threads: to read the blessed polls! I want my $200. :p
 

seoulsearch

OutWrite Trouble
May 23, 2009
14,940
4,580
113
#11
What? No poll??? :p

Just kidding, Kim... ;)
LOL. That's the whole purpose I click on Kim's threads: to read the blessed polls! I want my $200. :p

Wow, I'm thinking that the next time I write a thread, a message box will pop up that says, "Sorry, Seoulsearch, You Must Include a Poll With This Thread."

Since I don't have $200 to give to everyone who is disappointed by the lack of a poll :p, I guess I'm going to have to find something else to give out instead. How about a graham cracker? :D That was my afternoon snack with my nephews. Graham crackers for everyone!!!


Words like efficient shouldn't be imposed on prayer.

Jesus gave us a model prayer to follow.
So when we wonder how to pray, we should go straight to the model Jesus gave.

Matthew 6


Integrate these things into everything you pray for.

Pray that God would be viewed as father over...
Pray that his name would be hallowed over...
Pray that his kingdom would come and his will would be done over..
Pray for the daily needs to be met over..
Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation over things...
Pray that people would not be lead into temptation...

You can integrate those desires of God into anything you pray over.

In the midst of doing that, our mind/heart/will becomes very familiar with the will of Jesus, so when praying, we too become conformed to God's will.
I want to thank everyone for the heartfelt replies and hope anyone else with thoughts will continue to do so.

I understand what you're saying, Still, but I wonder how can we keep prayer from feeling like a dull, memorized routine? I realize the Lord's Prayer is our model but with these lines in front of us, it almost feels like a standardized form that we can fit any subject or person into:

Lord, be Father over... Be hallowed over... Let Your Kingdom come over...

(My Aunt Sally. My neighbor Stan. My dog, Ralphie.)

I am NOT meaning to make fun of the Lord's Prayer in any way, but maybe I'm unrealistic in not wanting prayer to feel like the same form I fill out a million times at the doctor's?


Because we are told that prayer is a conversation with God, I always saw it as a conversation--something live and real and unedited and sometimes, a bit unconventional. After all, when I talk with a friend, it doesn't sound at all like rote memorization with a different name or situation inserted into the blanks (at least I hope not), so how much more should it be with God?

I guess what I'm wondering is, do you think a 20-minute prayer naming all the details of the situation is just as effective as, "God, you know what's going on. Your will be done."
I had written in another thread about my discouragement over several important prayers in my life that were answered with a very solid NO. Last week, my family and I prayed over our upcoming travels, telling God some of the details, our worries, fears, etc... But alas.

We got into a car accident anyway. Now, no one was hurt, Praise God. AND I AM NOT TRYING TO SAY IN ANY WAY THAT PRAYER IS A MAGIC WAND OR THAT GOD IS A GENIE WHO GRANTS WISHES.

But would it have been just as acceptable to just pray a short, "Got stuff going on today, God. Let Your will be done," as it was to go into more detail? If so, from now on, I'm going with the abbreviated version.

We have a dear friend in our church whose trials never seem to end, and despite all the prayers, it looks as if, again, the answer will be no.

What should I pray in my daily prayer? Up 'til now, it's been long discourses about how much this person has done to serve the Kingdom, how much they mean to so many people, and that we know God can do anything, despite what the doctors say... But if God decides the answer is no...

Would it have been just as acceptable to send up daily prayers of: "It's all you, God. Let Your will be done," (or, incorporate the name of the person into the model of The Lord's Prayer?)

One of the things I think about is that if I prayed these much simpler and much shorter prayers with generalities instead of details, I could pray for a lot more people. What do you think is better?
 

phil36

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2009
8,260
2,111
113
51
#12

Wow, I'm thinking that the next time I write a thread, a message box will pop up that says, "Sorry, Seoulsearch, You Must Include a Poll With This Thread."

Since I don't have $200 to give to everyone who is disappointed by the lack of a poll :p, I guess I'm going to have to find something else to give out instead. How about a graham cracker? :D That was my afternoon snack with my nephews. Graham crackers for everyone!!!




I want to thank everyone for the heartfelt replies and hope anyone else with thoughts will continue to do so.

I understand what you're saying, Still, but I wonder how can we keep prayer from feeling like a dull, memorized routine? I realize the Lord's Prayer is our model but with these lines in front of us, it almost feels like a standardized form that we can fit any subject or person into:

Lord, be Father over... Be hallowed over... Let Your Kingdom come over...

(My Aunt Sally. My neighbor Stan. My dog, Ralphie.)

I am NOT meaning to make fun of the Lord's Prayer in any way, but maybe I'm unrealistic in not wanting prayer to feel like the same form I fill out a million times at the doctor's?


Because we are told that prayer is a conversation with God, I always saw it as a conversation--something live and real and unedited and sometimes, a bit unconventional. After all, when I talk with a friend, it doesn't sound at all like rote memorization with a different name or situation inserted into the blanks (at least I hope not), so how much more should it be with God?

I guess what I'm wondering is, do you think a 20-minute prayer naming all the details of the situation is just as effective as, "God, you know what's going on. Your will be done."
I had written in another thread about my discouragement over several important prayers in my life that were answered with a very solid NO. Last week, my family and I prayed over our upcoming travels, telling God some of the details, our worries, fears, etc... But alas.

We got into a car accident anyway. Now, no one was hurt, Praise God. AND I AM NOT TRYING TO SAY IN ANY WAY THAT PRAYER IS A MAGIC WAND OR THAT GOD IS A GENIE WHO GRANTS WISHES.

But would it have been just as acceptable to just pray a short, "Got stuff going on today, God. Let Your will be done," as it was to go into more detail? If so, from now on, I'm going with the abbreviated version.

We have a dear friend in our church whose trials never seem to end, and despite all the prayers, it looks as if, again, the answer will be no.

What should I pray in my daily prayer? Up 'til now, it's been long discourses about how much this person has done to serve the Kingdom, how much they mean to so many people, and that we know God can do anything, despite what the doctors say... But if God decides the answer is no...

Would it have been just as acceptable to send up daily prayers of: "It's all you, God. Let Your will be done," (or, incorporate the name of the person into the model of The Lord's Prayer?)

One of the things I think about is that if I prayed these much simpler and much shorter prayers with generalities instead of details, I could pray for a lot more people. What do you think is better?
Hi seoulsearch,

Prayer can sometimes feel like a chore (I can hear all the shock horror gasps :) ), but it only gets like that when we do go through a mechanical process. I think just keep it simple, talk to God and firstly thank him what you do have first of all. I find that's a great way to start the day..just by thanking Him.

I think we can all sympathise when we get a no, from God in our prayers, its our nature to get what we want. Yet, and I sure you know there is something you can be sure of no matter the situation God is actually in control. When there a tornado blowing around you or someone you know prayerfully seek the peace and joy in the middle of the storm to get you through for that day, for we often can't see through the storm and don't know what else is going on..but, and this may sound cliché, keep your eyes tightly focused on what Jesus has already done for you and is doing and will do.. keep an eternal perspective.

We don't know why people have to go through trials and ordeals, but, be rest assured your prayer is important whether or not you see the results you want to see.. Just maybe their trials is what is keeping them fighting for the kingdom. Our trials can also teach us how to comfort others who go through similar.

When you read through the bible, talk through it with God in your prayer ...

And to end all that, we do have examples of prayer in the bible, but we don't need to copy it word for word.. just don't make it all about yourself and what you can or cannot do, but rather make it about God and how he can help and guide you to be more like Jesus and guide others. You can pray for your needs, definatley, but ask God to help you make them the needs that you actually need.

The above are not really comments on your post as such seoul search but I have learnt myself..

One quote that I always remember, by a guy name Luther.

'I have a busy day tomorrow, I had better spend the first 3 hrs of the day in prayer'. (we often get this wrong,, and spend 3 minutes if we can squeeze it in))
 

IDEAtor

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2012
827
19
18
#13
I love love love love this term: "wide-net" prayers.
Wide-net prayers work on the right side of the boat.
If we listen to God, like the disciples did Jesus, our boat will begin to sink with answers.
 

IDEAtor

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2012
827
19
18
#14
Hello Everyone,


1. If our heart has a burden for children, what's the best approach? Do you pray, "God, save the children," as a generic catch-all prayer, or do you pray for something specific, or for a specific child? The reason I ask is because of a situation that made me so distraught that I simply prayed, "God, please don't let another child be hit or abused tonight." But it's a very naive prayer, don't you think? More along the lines of magical thinking than being real. I used to drive to work very early in the morning, looking out at my neighborhood and wondering how many acts of domestic violence had just occurred the night before. What should we be praying in such a situation?

By praying generically for all people or a super large faceless group, I think we train our hearts to be sensitive to the fact that
God cares for everyone. If one prayed only for her family or community and never a larger seemingly impossible prayer: like let no one die today, one could be hindered by thinking that only her people mattered. Actually, one of most common prayers from children is for the whole world. Remember what Jesus said about the faith of a child? Perhaps, when sincerely prayed, prayers for the world grow our faith, which can move mountains.

2. In particular, I'm thinking of a young co-worker who was killed during his tour not long after he had gotten married. What would God have wanted us to pray for him in the anticipation of that situation?

Romans 8:26 applies here. We do not know what to say, but God does. We can pray for safety or for help should something go wrong, and we can even pray for a mission to be cancelled or succeed-- but the reality is life is full of small details and larger more visible details. We cannot possibly pray for all the factors, much less the possible factors. Instead, let us pray to and in accordance with the Lord.

Also:
Jesus said pray for those who persecute. The violent, evil, murder-minded person is rarely the one for whom we pray.




And now as I think about the thousands of other soldiers who guard our freedom every day, what, exactly, should one be praying? That God would end the wars? That everyone would be called home? That they will have the strength to get through and return to civilian life, even if means returning without a limb or full mental capacity? That the families of those who do not return will be able to carry on?

3. Since we have no way of knowing what will happen, should we bypass the specifics altogether, and just pray the "Trusty, Catch-All" prayer of, "Lord, let your will be done?" And of course, this can apply to ANY situation, whether praying for family, church, world events, mission, or personal needs (including the prayer for a Godly husband or wife to be sent our way.)

I admit that when I look out at the world, I feel so overwhelmed that in my prayer life I often revert back to my 5-year-old self: "Lord, please stop the killing/abuse/all the bad things in the world."

The Bible says we should have the faith of a child, but as adults, we know that's just not how it works.

Is there a way to streamline our prayers, or make them more "effective"? If so, what should we be praying?

As I said, I believe God hears and considers even the simplest, most generic prayer when prayed in faith and relationship with Him.

But as believers, do we have a responsibility to somehow make our prayers into "something more" than generic wishful thinking?

I know that it gets me increasing my chances of getting to the point without derailing a subject,
but I think people need to be sensitive to
 
B

biscuit

Guest
#15
Hello Everyone,

This is something that's been on my mind for a while. I'm posting this in the Singles Forum because we are always told we should be "Using Our Singleness for the Glory of the Lord", and I know many of us do. I love reading the stories here from our dedicated family of singles who are very passionate about the ministries and talents they use to help others, whether it be face-painting to traveling the world serving the poor. :)

First of all, I am NOT trying to say that ANY prayer is a waste of time, as I believe God hears and considers ALL prayers made in sincere faith. However, I've heard some criticism that many people "just don't know how to pray right" and that "they are basically wasting their (and God's) time." Is this true? Is there a way that we can make our prayers more efficient?

When we pray... What and how should we be praying? Here are some examples:

1. If our heart has a burden for children, what's the best approach? Do you pray, "God, save the children," as a generic catch-all prayer, or do you pray for something specific, or for a specific child? The reason I ask is because of a situation that made me so distraught that I simply prayed, "God, please don't let another child be hit or abused tonight." But it's a very naive prayer, don't you think? More along the lines of magical thinking than being real. I used to drive to work very early in the morning, looking out at my neighborhood and wondering how many acts of domestic violence had just occurred the night before. What should we be praying in such a situation?

2. Are "wide-net" prayers such as "God bless our troops" the best thing to pray, or should we be praying for something specific? In particular, I'm thinking of a young co-worker who was killed during his tour not long after he had gotten married. What would God have wanted us to pray for him in the anticipation of that situation? I know we had no way of knowing, but were all the prayers we sent up for his safety "a waste of time"? Should we have instead been praying for the strength and comfort of his wife and families?

And now as I think about the thousands of other soldiers who guard our freedom every day, what, exactly, should one be praying? That God would end the wars? That everyone would be called home? That they will have the strength to get through and return to civilian life, even if means returning without a limb or full mental capacity? That the families of those who do not return will be able to carry on?

3. Since we have no way of knowing what will happen, should we bypass the specifics altogether, and just pray the "Trusty, Catch-All" prayer of, "Lord, let your will be done?" And of course, this can apply to ANY situation, whether praying for family, church, world events, mission, or personal needs (including the prayer for a Godly husband or wife to be sent our way.)

I admit that when I look out at the world, I feel so overwhelmed that in my prayer life I often revert back to my 5-year-old self: "Lord, please stop the killing/abuse/all the bad things in the world."

The Bible says we should have the faith of a child, but as adults, we know that's just not how it works.

Is there a way to streamline our prayers, or make them more "effective"? If so, what should we be praying?

As I said, I believe God hears and considers even the simplest, most generic prayer when prayed in faith and relationship with Him.

But as believers, do we have a responsibility to somehow make our prayers into "something more" than generic wishful thinking?
It has to be from the HEART.
 

IDEAtor

Senior Member
Aug 15, 2012
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#16
1401012]Hello Everyone,


1. If our heart has a burden for children, what's the best approach? Do you pray, "God, save the children," as a generic catch-all prayer, or do you pray for something specific, or for a specific child? The reason I ask is because of a situation that made me so distraught that I simply prayed, "God, please don't let another child be hit or abused tonight." But it's a very naive prayer, don't you think? More along the lines of magical thinking than being real. I used to drive to work very early in the morning, looking out at my neighborhood and wondering how many acts of domestic violence had just occurred the night before. What should we be praying in such a situation?

By praying generically for all people or a super large faceless group, I think we train our hearts to be sensitive to the fact that
God cares for everyone. If one prayed only for her family or community and never a larger seemingly impossible prayer: like let no one die today, one could be hindered by thinking that only her people mattered. Actually, one of most common prayers from children is for the whole world. Remember what Jesus said about the faith of a child? Perhaps, when sincerely prayed, prayers for the world grow our faith, which can move mountains.

2. In particular, I'm thinking of a young co-worker who was killed during his tour not long after he had gotten married. What would God have wanted us to pray for him in the anticipation of that situation?

Romans 8:26 applies here. We do not know what to say, but God does. We can pray for safety or for help should something go wrong, and we can even pray for a mission to be cancelled or succeed-- but the reality is life is full of small details and larger more visible details. We cannot possibly pray for all the factors, much less the possible factors. Instead, let us pray to and in accordance with the Lord.
Also:
Jesus said pray for those who persecute. The violent, evil, murder-minded person is rarely the one for whom we pray


3. Since we have no way of knowing what will happen, should we bypass the specifics altogether, and just pray the "Trusty, Catch-All" prayer of, "Lord, let your will be done?" And of course, this can apply to ANY situation, whether praying for family, church, world events, mission, or personal needs (including the prayer for a Godly husband or wife to be sent our way.)

This reminds me of the movie Kingdom of Heaven, which is about the Crusades.
In their respective languages, the Arabs and the English keep saying, ''God wills it."
The problem is, we are not in a vacuum. We have to do something other than pray.
But this is also the blessing... we can do something about something while praying.


My quadriplegic pal just called for prayer for 5,500 dollars for getting a downpayment for getting a van for his family.
He asked for prayer and for money. I tried to help some and asked people to pray yesterday for his situation.
Well, before the morning was over, my friend rolled up to me and said, ''Here, I don't need you money. It is taken care of.''
God, through people, gave that man a van. His issue now? He needs to give money back. Praise God. (and thanks to those who pray and help answer prayers; no, I did not solicit or give contact info on CC, I only asked for prayer)