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I have a confession to make........I read often, I post seldom. (I even many times read without logging in, knowing I probably won't post) I pray for many, and I used to try to post when I felt I may be helpful, or even sometimes just for fun. I haven't been in to post for quite some time, but this is just something I have had on my heart for a long time, and have lately had upon me to share.
When someone asks for prayer, it is not always necessary to have details. The Lord knows all, and will understand not only what is needed in the life of the one asking for prayer, but what is on the heart of the one(s) praying for them. Unless the person asking for prayer specifically wants to share details, it simply is not necessary to ask for any, because it may be a very private matter, or just very difficult to share with others at that time. "Blanket prayers" do work....as long as the person (people) praying them, prays them from their heart(s), it's all good.
However.....
When someone asks for advice......and does not want to hear a "Blanket answer" it is much easier for others to give better, sounder, and more thoughtful advice if certain details are included. Ages, relationships to the poster, history of said relationship......all give us something to go on. I am a FIRM believer in privacy.....I am NOT saying spill all info on yourself!! All I am saying is, basics are a must if you want a more concise idea of suggestions on how to deal with a situation. I am not saying the original post need be two pages long either though!! Hahaha I also think a good "back and forth" is conducive to getting someone the help they need. If the original poster never comes back on....we have to come to a point we "assume" he/she either got the answers they needed, or were "looking for", or gave up?? Sad. I've seen threads where the posters answering the original poster, almost fought amongst themselves........when the original poster never even came back on!!!!
One more thing......and I feel this is so very important. When answering anyone's plea for advice, please, please take a moment or two for prayer or reflection before you answer. Make sure you have some basis for your suggestions. Consider that if they take your advice, it very well may affect them more than what we have knowledge of. We, most of us, are not counselors, or psychologists. We may NOT have the answers a poster needs. Sometimes "just" an offer of prayer is better than advice. Suggesting prayer only, or a home remedy, can be dangerous, if they do indeed need a D'rs. care. (God gave us Dr's. too!) Suggesting someone stay with their spouse, "no matter what" because it is in the bible that God doesn't like divorce, is also dangerous, because we do not always know what abuse may be in the relationship. We can only do so much......we can be there for each other, and pray for each other, and care..deeply. But we need to care enough to choose our words carefully.
I truly post this with prayer.........amen
When someone asks for prayer, it is not always necessary to have details. The Lord knows all, and will understand not only what is needed in the life of the one asking for prayer, but what is on the heart of the one(s) praying for them. Unless the person asking for prayer specifically wants to share details, it simply is not necessary to ask for any, because it may be a very private matter, or just very difficult to share with others at that time. "Blanket prayers" do work....as long as the person (people) praying them, prays them from their heart(s), it's all good.
However.....
When someone asks for advice......and does not want to hear a "Blanket answer" it is much easier for others to give better, sounder, and more thoughtful advice if certain details are included. Ages, relationships to the poster, history of said relationship......all give us something to go on. I am a FIRM believer in privacy.....I am NOT saying spill all info on yourself!! All I am saying is, basics are a must if you want a more concise idea of suggestions on how to deal with a situation. I am not saying the original post need be two pages long either though!! Hahaha I also think a good "back and forth" is conducive to getting someone the help they need. If the original poster never comes back on....we have to come to a point we "assume" he/she either got the answers they needed, or were "looking for", or gave up?? Sad. I've seen threads where the posters answering the original poster, almost fought amongst themselves........when the original poster never even came back on!!!!
One more thing......and I feel this is so very important. When answering anyone's plea for advice, please, please take a moment or two for prayer or reflection before you answer. Make sure you have some basis for your suggestions. Consider that if they take your advice, it very well may affect them more than what we have knowledge of. We, most of us, are not counselors, or psychologists. We may NOT have the answers a poster needs. Sometimes "just" an offer of prayer is better than advice. Suggesting prayer only, or a home remedy, can be dangerous, if they do indeed need a D'rs. care. (God gave us Dr's. too!) Suggesting someone stay with their spouse, "no matter what" because it is in the bible that God doesn't like divorce, is also dangerous, because we do not always know what abuse may be in the relationship. We can only do so much......we can be there for each other, and pray for each other, and care..deeply. But we need to care enough to choose our words carefully.
I truly post this with prayer.........amen
