Z
So...seriously. I deal with issues quite a bit. Those of you who talk to me know this. But I'm learning to get a better grasp on my emotions, and learning to deal accordingly. Lately I've been spending time in the Prayer Room on chat, partly because there is less drama, partly because offering prayer and advice to others actually helps me feel better.
I was on just a little bit ago, and someone asked me if I needed prayer for anything, so I said yes, and briefly put what I needed prayer for, with full intentions of giving more of an explanation, and before I could even continue I start getting slammed with what I like to call "Jesus talk" some may call it "christianese". For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about (everyone?) This is when, rather than sitting and listening to someones issues, the person will ask whats wrong, half pay attention to what the other person says and just start ranting about Jesus this and God that.
Are these people wrong in their statements? Not necessarily, but sometimes. They are however completely over looking two very key components mentioned in the bible. The first, and most obvious, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." It seems these people care more about reminding the ones they're "praying" for about Jesus (even if they may well already know) and less about what that person is actually going through. How can you honestly offer sound, and thoughtful advice and prayer without actually knowing what it is the person is needing. Seldom times is the persons problem the one they initially give. In some cases they may not even know what it is they need, they may not even know what they're looking for. How can we possibly offer that to them when we don't listen? Jesus never had to remind people that God was there with them. They knew.
The second component I find in the book of Job, in the responses given by his friends. Before they even gave Job time to just unload they were just spouting off statements about God and Jesus and religion, and they were referred to as "miserable comforters". I think many would do good to read the book of Job and learn from their actions
So, in conclusion, I wonder what life would look like if, rather than being obsessed with witnessing to those who need prayer, we took the time to listen to them, tread our words carefully, and gave them the prayer they need?
I was on just a little bit ago, and someone asked me if I needed prayer for anything, so I said yes, and briefly put what I needed prayer for, with full intentions of giving more of an explanation, and before I could even continue I start getting slammed with what I like to call "Jesus talk" some may call it "christianese". For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about (everyone?) This is when, rather than sitting and listening to someones issues, the person will ask whats wrong, half pay attention to what the other person says and just start ranting about Jesus this and God that.
Are these people wrong in their statements? Not necessarily, but sometimes. They are however completely over looking two very key components mentioned in the bible. The first, and most obvious, "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." It seems these people care more about reminding the ones they're "praying" for about Jesus (even if they may well already know) and less about what that person is actually going through. How can you honestly offer sound, and thoughtful advice and prayer without actually knowing what it is the person is needing. Seldom times is the persons problem the one they initially give. In some cases they may not even know what it is they need, they may not even know what they're looking for. How can we possibly offer that to them when we don't listen? Jesus never had to remind people that God was there with them. They knew.
The second component I find in the book of Job, in the responses given by his friends. Before they even gave Job time to just unload they were just spouting off statements about God and Jesus and religion, and they were referred to as "miserable comforters". I think many would do good to read the book of Job and learn from their actions
So, in conclusion, I wonder what life would look like if, rather than being obsessed with witnessing to those who need prayer, we took the time to listen to them, tread our words carefully, and gave them the prayer they need?
Last edited: