The Power of Prayer

[wbindia]

Life is tough, just take at a look around you any given day, and you can either see or read about the hundreds of problems facing our communities and our planet. From wars, to weather related disasters, there appears to be no end in site to the plethora of problems facing our societies today. The question that really needs to be asked is what can you do about it?

Sure you can’t control the weather, or the wars going on around the world, or the robberies and murders in your neighborhood or town, or the daily injustices that are committed towards the poor, or other innocent people who seem powerless in a powerful world. But maybe the biggest tool or weapon that you can employ and use you may not have even considered or thought about at all-that being the Power of Prayer.

Don’t worry, this is not a sermon on the mount, but as a Christian believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, I can attest first-hand to the power of prayer and the impact that prayer can have in your personal and professional life. It doesn’t matter what you are going through ; whether you are having challenges in your relationships, your personal finances, your job or career, or your own home business, God is there-and is waiting to answer your call!

Prayer is a Sign of Strength NOT Weakness


In the world’s society that mankind is all apart, so much emphasis is placed on the individual, man’s ego is the world’s accepted measurement stick that determines man success and strength. Man charts his own course by his own devices. This is not only warped and egotistical thinking from an intellectual standpoint, but from a biblical basis as well. God created man for God’s purpose to so man would enter into a personal relationship with God. God created man to serve Him-not the other way around. However the world soon forgets who is serving who.


PRAY:



Pray and ask God to help you with your problems. God is in the business to listen to our petitions of need. Ask God for help and for guidance in areas of your personal and professional life that you need help in. Man certainly doesn’t have all the answers but God does. Trust in Him by putting your trust and faith in Him-not your neighbor across town.

RELINQUISH:


Relinquish and surrender to God totally and completely. Allow God to work through you by being obedient to Him. There is a great little verse: 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all you worries and cares upon Him for He careth for you.“ This is powerful little verse that is limitless in defining God’s power. Man is finite but God is infinite.


ATTITUDE:


Ask God to help you in your attitude and with your ego. Man is a very self-centered and self serving creature, God can not help those who think and believe that they are above God Himself. But many people in society carry around egos and an attitude that is full of arrogance and pride. God doesn’t want a prideful or arrogant heart, but a heart that is yielding to God.


YIELD:

Yield to God in all ways, not just the little areas that you need help in, but the bigger areas of life. God created you therefore he owns you, only by surrendering and yielding to God in all aspects of your life, will you be able to truly experience the miracles of God in your own life.


Best-

Wayne

[Barcs]

I personally believe that prayer is really not much different than hoping or trying to will something to happen your way. It's usually more psychological than anything. I've seen studies that have shown that hospital patients who KNOW that people are praying for them usually do better, but many who do not know can do worse, even with the prayer. This makes me think back to the placebo effect and shows how powerful the brain can be. If you think you are getting better, than you often will. It's all psychological. For the person who prays it can help calm them, so instead of focusing on negative emmotions like fear and worry, they try to focus on the positive, which actually can help bring positivity. Hope I didn't word that too confusingly!!

[wbindia]

I personally believe that prayer is really not much different than hoping or trying to will something to happen your way. It's usually more psychological than anything. I've seen studies that have shown that hospital patients who KNOW that people are praying for them usually do better, but many who do not know can do worse, even with the prayer. This makes me think back to the placebo effect and shows how powerful the brain can be. If you think you are getting better, than you often will. It's all psychological. For the person who prays it can help calm them, so instead of focusing on negative emmotions like fear and worry, they try to focus on the positive, which actually can help bring positivity. Hope I didn't word that too confusingly!!
__________________
Barcs

Barcs-

Yes, I guess I could have entitled this Hope and Prayer. I really look at the word Hope as synonymous with the word Prayer, albeit you are praying to someone (GOD), other than hoping things will turn out alright.

One of my favorite verses in the bible regarding hope: Hebrews 11: 1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

The power of prayer and Hope are powerful tools that can make and determine all the diference between success and failure-and the element of hope and having the faith in believing...I agree that the mind is powerful( i.e., the placebo affect). If you beleive it you can achieve it-conversely if you don't believe it will happen (more than liley it won't...)


Best-

Wayne

[modernthing]

Some people like praying, some others don't, because they may think you can address the Universe direclty, without the need of a particular prayer.
I think that many people have forgotten what it really was to pray, especially with their heart. Many prayers are plainly empty and meaningless, and from that point of view, praying is indeed pointless.

I pray, and I find it very powerful, either for myself, or for the people I've prayed for. I have seen many prayers granted, to myself and to others who were in need of particular "graces". I'd consider prayer as a way of showing gratitude, not a way to beg for mercy nor a way to weep on my misery.
I feel quite content saying simply "thank you"

But then again, anything can become a prayer, it does not need to be formal in any kind of way.

[wbindia]

Some people like praying, some others don't, because they may think you can address the Universe direclty, without the need of a particular prayer.
I think that many people have forgotten what it really was to pray, especially with their heart. Many prayers are plainly empty and meaningless, and from that point of view, praying is indeed pointless.

I pray, and I find it very powerful, either for myself, or for the people I've prayed for. I have seen many prayers granted, to myself and to others who were in need of particular "graces". I'd consider prayer as a way of showing gratitude, not a way to beg for mercy nor a way to weep on my misery.
I feel quite content saying simply "thank you"

But then again, anything can become a prayer, it does not need to be formal in any kind of way.

modernthing-

Like anything in life that you learn to do, prayer is something that as you do it regularly and make it an active daily part of your routine-it becomes easier to do. And I do agree that you should be specific and focused in your prayers. God doesn't want you to be willy nilly but He wants all of use to be ficused and specific. I'll agree that many are probably not praying specifically-is like asking God to give you a good day. Even though God is all knowing, omnipotent HE still desrves for us to be specific in our prayer petitons.

Another thing is your life towards God. I make no aplogies in my faith and relationship as a Christian believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, so all my postings have a biblical reference and Christian perspective for which I identify and try to present. However, God can not (I believe) answer prayers if there are things in your life that are not pleasing to Him.

My point is not to judge or condem others (that is God's role), but everyone including myself here, know how each and everyone of us are living our own respective lives. God knows all man's secret sins.

People can fool and deceive many: (friends, employers, spouses, and even families) but God knows your heart and everyone's secret and shameful acts of decitfullness, and inproprieties that many of us have. Once you share with others to whom you've wronged and ask for forgivensss-then God can help you if you are upfront in your own heart and are contrite.

This is how true prayer works, surrending and relinquising everything to God-so God can help you in helping yourself in becoming the person you truly deserve to become in God's eyes...

Best-

Wayne

[modernthing]

What you say is very interesting I am of a catholic background, with a very rich and strict education. I have a lot of faith, I still believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, but probably not in the same way you do anymore. My faith has evolved and changed.
I can no longer conceive a God of fear who punishes (or who judges, for that matter), there are just too many contradictions with His very nature, those who are not doing His will (else what would be the point of giving us free will ??). I believe we punish ourselves, through our choices and their consequences. Some people prefer saying this is God's will, I don't, we are all part of God and in a way, everyone is doing God's will, even those doing so-called "evil", unknowingly, they are still doing what God wants them to do. (I see it as a slow puzzle : everything falls back into place in the end)

The reason I do not want to follow an "organised religion" anymore is because it is easy to manipulate "God's will", as a human being, especially when hungry for power and wealth, like it has been the case of the catholic church for a long time. On the contrary, I try to find the atmosphere which was amongst the first Christians : an attitude of wonder and pure faith, without any fear pressured by man-made myths. True christianity began losing its real meaning when it became a state religion within the Roman Empire, it became a mean of control.

This is probably why my relation to prayers have changed in nature. I don't want to pray because I fear going in hell, or because I need redemption of any kind, I have decided that I wanted to pray, because I love God, and I want my prayers to be a psalm of gratitude and love

I don't know if prayers need to be that specific, as long as the intent is there, so I'd say meaningful, they do, of course !

[wbindia]

What you say is very interesting I am of a catholic background, with a very rich and strict education. I have a lot of faith, I still believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, but probably not in the same way you do anymore. My faith has evolved and changed.
I can no longer conceive a God of fear who punishes (or who judges, for that matter), there are just too many contradictions with His very nature, those who are not doing His will (else what would be the point of giving us free will ??). I believe we punish ourselves, through our choices and their consequences. Some people prefer saying this is God's will, I don't, we are all part of God and in a way, everyone is doing God's will, even those doing so-called "evil", unknowingly, they are still doing what God wants them to do. (I see it as a slow puzzle : everything falls back into place in the end)

The reason I do not want to follow an "organised religion" anymore is because it is easy to manipulate "God's will", as a human being, especially when hungry for power and wealth, like it has been the case of the catholic church for a long time. On the contrary, I try to find the atmosphere which was amongst the first Christians : an attitude of wonder and pure faith, without any fear pressured by man-made myths. True christianity began losing its real meaning when it became a state religion within the Roman Empire, it became a mean of control.

This is probably why my relation to prayers have changed in nature. I don't want to pray because I fear going in hell, or because I need redemption of any kind, I have decided that I wanted to pray, because I love God, and I want my prayers to be a psalm of gratitude and love

I don't know if prayers need to be that specific, as long as the intent is there, so I'd say meaningful, they do, of course !

Modernthing-

Welcome to the Kingdom of God!

I know what you mean about organized religion per se-there is corruption outside as well as inside the church. That's why I emphazise that's it's a relationship with God-Christ Himself-not religion. God wants a relationship with us-not a religion with us.

I think so much has been watered down over time, with respect to religion per se-forgetting the most important aspect is the relationship with God-not the religion..Also, which doctrine (Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, etc). What's improtant is your relationship with God Himself universal Truth.

What's important as you already stated is that status of your heart towards God. man sees only the outside, but God knows each of our hearts. Psalm 44:21 says, “For God knows the secrets of the heart.” Psalm 139:2, 4 says, “You discern my thoughts from afar…Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.”

Best-

Wayne

[Wllmlos]

Prayer and science work hand in hand. Do you think that on the first day that God flipped a switch and said "Let there be light" ?
After he commanded that, then science started 'moving'. Perhaps the Big Bang Theory perhaps something completely different.
I can see how people may think that brain power alone will work but theres more to it

[missbhaven]

I tell my friends the solution to every doomsday prophecy is the same. Prayer.
If we (humanity) are advised to pray (after we ignore all signs that have come to pass warning us of our upcoming destruction) as a means to prevent doomsday, who are we to say that prayer doesn't work. Collectivism seems to be a strong component of prayer also (is there a verse that goes where 3 are gathered in my name I am there). That while 1 maybe strong the thoughts of many is stronger.

[nicbrahms]

I am often found going to church with my partner, bowing my head in church and when I am done with him, I pray like a ♥♥♥♥♥.

[wbindia]

I am often found going to church with my partner, bowing my head in church and when I am done with him, I pray like a ♥♥♥♥♥.
__________________
Nicolette Brahms

I think you my have misundersood the point of this original thread...

Best-

Wayne

[jfh]

Originally Posted by wbindia

modernthing-

Like anything in life that you learn to do, prayer is something that as you do it regularly and make it an active daily part of your routine-it becomes easier to do. And I do agree that you should be specific and focused in your prayers. God doesn't want you to be willy nilly but He wants all of use to be ficused and specific. I'll agree that many are probably not praying specifically-is like asking God to give you a good day. Even though God is all knowing, omnipotent HE still desrves for us to be specific in our prayer petitons.

Another thing is your life towards God. I make no aplogies in my faith and relationship as a Christian believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, so all my postings have a biblical reference and Christian perspective for which I identify and try to present. However, God can not (I believe) answer prayers if there are things in your life that are not pleasing to Him.

My point is not to judge or condem others (that is God's role), but everyone including myself here, know how each and everyone of us are living our own respective lives. God knows all man's secret sins.

People can fool and deceive many: (friends, employers, spouses, and even families) but God knows your heart and everyone's secret and shameful acts of decitfullness, and inproprieties that many of us have. Once you share with others to whom you've wronged and ask for forgivensss-then God can help you if you are upfront in your own heart and are contrite.

This is how true prayer works, surrending and relinquising everything to God-so God can help you in helping yourself in becoming the person you truly deserve to become in God's eyes...

Best-

Wayne

God won't answer your prayers if there are things in your life not pleasing to him? Based on your belief we would have to be perfect for God to answer our prayers. I don't know if it's possible as a fallible human being to not have something in our life not pleasing to a holy God. Do you council others that their sin is blocking God's blessings? Have you committed any sins after you were saved? I know you have. I have too. But, we have not lost our salvation have we?

Romans 7:13 - 25

13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.
21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

[wbindia]

God won't answer your prayers if there are things in your life not pleasing to him? Based on your belief we would have to be perfect for God to answer our prayers. I don't know if it's possible as a fallible human being to not have something in our life not pleasing to a holy God. Do you council others that their sin is blocking God's blessings? Have you committed any sins after you were saved? I know you have. I have too. But, we have not lost our salvation have we?
Romans 7:13 - 25

13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

JFH-

Do you council others that their sin is blocking God's blessings? Have you committed any sins after you were saved? I know you have. I have too. But, we have not lost our salvation have we? [/B][/I]
Romans 7:13 - 25

We are all sinners as you well noted (myself included here) And yes, even though I am saved I still comitt sins daliy (bad thoughts, lustful thoughts, envy, etc) everyone days-but we are still saved! My point here is that only God knows each and every one of our hearts. Psa. 17:3; 44:21; 139:1-4 - God tests our hearts, knows our secrets & understands our thoughts!2. God tests our hearts & rewards/punishes accordingly - Jer. 17:9-10.
3. So, we must purify our hearts before Him! - Matt. 5:8; Jas. 4:8

My point regarding God granting prayers has to do with our hearts towards Him , if there is something deceitful in our lives that we are purposely keeping from HIM or others. In otherwords, if you're putting away gambling money every month and money for your girlfriend on the side when you are in a marriage, God can hardly be in a position to bless you and honor your prayer requeasts when your living a lifestyle that goes against God (having an affair, gambling, that stems from a dishonest heart. Only by confessing to people you've wronged and sinned against, and then come clean with God with contriteness asking God for forgivness (I believe), can God then answer our prayers. This was and is my point in my thread.

Best-

Wayne

[Acting Like Godot]

Originally Posted by wbindia

Life is tough

That's your opinion.

just take at a look around you any given day,

Ok.

and you can either see or read about the hundreds of problems facing our communities and our planet.

No different from the 2000s, or the 1990s, or the 1980s, or the 1970s (which is about as far back as I can remember.

There are always problems, obstacles, challenges, opportunities.

From wars

Ok, let's see. Currently there's war (or armed conflict) in Afghanistan; Yemen; Sudan and Pakistan. Can't think of any others.

The world, however, has about 195 countries. 4 out of 195 countries means that the vast majority of the world is relatively peaceful.

to weather related disasters

Recent cold spell in the northern hemisphere has some scientists asserting that global warming is perhaps a grossly overblown issue. Just like H1N1.

[modernthing]

Hello Wayne,

thank you for all the interesting quotes

Random thought :

Originally Posted by wbindia

God tests our hearts, knows our secrets & understands our thoughts!

What is the point of testing if He knows what is in our hearts ?? so that he can punish us ?? Would we know what is "good" or "bad" (not sure I do believe in this as either way, we are doing His will) if we did not test it for ourselves ?
Would it not be like having the theory for your driver's license and not driving ? What is the use of having the license if you don't drive ?? you don't have any first hand experience and therefore you cannot refer to it or give advice to anyone...

Have you come to think that "sins" could be necessary to our "salvation" ? (not saying they are but they most certainly are parts of the process - or understanding of what "we do" if you will)

Nice day to you Wayne,
Blessings

[Federer]

I believe prayer is kind and honest request to god. If it is coming from very depth of heart, you will receieve your request's answer soon. 100% Guarantee. It never fails.