Friday, 30 March 2012

  • Weakness in Prayer: We Don't Know What to Pray For as We Should

    I, in my "spare time," coach a Junior Bible Quiz Team.  They have to answer all these Bible trivia and theology questions faster than kids from other churches.  And this weekend, I took them to the state championships, and they placed 6th.  In their first year doing it (against teams who've been doing it forever).  So, needless to say, I'm pretty proud of them.

    There's this question they have to learn though, and the answer has really stuck with me.

    Question (for 20 points).  According to Romans 8:26, what does Paul say is the main weakness of our prayers?

    Answer: We don't know what to pray for as we should. 

    This hits me like a bullet in the chest every time, because it rings so true in my life.  I do not know what is best for me. Many times, when praying for my future wife, or my future in general, I have no idea what I'm supposed to pray for. Seriously, I don't know what to pray.  Paul talks about wordless groans -- I feel like that's how my prayer life is sometimes.  I don't even know what I'm supposed to pray as I should.

    And I'm thankful that in my complete weakness, and lack of understanding of who God really is, or what he wants to accomplish through my life, that the Holy Spirit helps me.  I hear so many people saying, "If God only came and did 'x', then 'y' -- and 'y' is usually, "everything would be made right".  Maybe it's the skeptic in me, but I usually end up thinking, That person has no idea.  Seriously though.  Maybe they have it figured out, but I don't think you have the answers to all of your life's problems, and if you really did, you wouldn't need a Savior.

    So, once again, I find myself, weak and humble, not knowing what I need, Lord, but knowing I need more of You.  Holy Spirit, come and help me, lead me, and guide me in your truth.

    Can you relate to this Bible quiz question and answer? Do you find yourself not knowing what you need, praying for what you want instead? What encouragement is there for those who have no clue what to pray for?

Related Posts

Comments (6)

  • jothornbu

    The great thing about prayer is that we CAN pray and God does hear us, if we are His child in Christ! Also, even when we don't know what to pray, the Holy Spirit will help us pray. It all works out in the end, as we leave it in His hands and just PRAY!  :)
  • luv_is_infinite@datingish

    Props for good read :)

    I often do not know what I want or should want. So for prayers, I pray for the good health of families, friends, the ones in need, the poor and hungry, and then for the souls and spirits who left. I think that's pretty much all I can pray for anyway because I'm fortunate enough to have what I need and sometimes to not have what I want :D
    Take care ~
  • Lovegrove@xanga

    Try thinking about and doing the following. There's enough in this to keep you busy for a long time.

    Matthew 6 : 5-15

     5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

     6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

     7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

     8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

     9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

     10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

     11Give us this day our daily bread.

     12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

     13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
  • Pollypinks@xanga

    I disagree with this post.  We know what to pray for.  Prayer comes in many forms, and God accepts them all.  It can be simply in our mind, while walking along a beautiful pathway.  It can come from an anguished heart, begging for God's grace to intervene.  It can be simply giving God the praise and joy that have come our way, or, simply praising him for our challenges.  I disagree with evangelicals who love to pray in public, over food, or for other blessings, because we are told to not do this, to not be proud with our prayers, but to be humble, and seek silence.  I choose to think that  even when my depressions have deepened to the point of not talking, God still knows my heart.  That's what I need not say any magical words like I accept him into my heart, so that others can judge whether I'm saved.  That's God's job, and he knows what's in my heart.  No one else need apply.
  • tricee2000

    A lot of times when I pray, I pray for what's to be prayed for. I do it in thanksgiving. I love thanking the Lord for the beautiful days, whether rain, sleet, snow, sunshine it don't matter because He owns these days and what's ahead. I thank Him for allowing me to see another day. Because of Him it's the grace and mercy that brought me through it. I ask for protection and traveling mercies for me and my family. I pray for increase in understanding, knowledge and wisdom. When I am about to begin my bible lessons, I ask Him to open my heart to receive His powerful Word and truth. I pray for my family to be saved. I ask that He keep me in a sane mind while at work. I also pray for others salvation. Now this is my daily pray in the morning and in the evenings it's thank you Lord seeing me through this day. But you know after so long of saying the same prayers, I know He hears me, but I also wonders what do say when I don't have anything to say at all. Now you know there have been times when I have not said anything at all and tears roll down my face and a song come into my heart. I like those prayers. I still say the Lord's Prayer, yes don't judge me on that...I love that prayer.

  • wordyferalvelociraptor@xanga

    Thanks for the post.  I wonder how to talk to God.  I have been doing it for two decades but recently I have been honing in on every word and wondering if I am too selfish in my prayers.  It seems selfish to ask for healing when that's not God's best plan for that person.  @Tricee2000, The Lord's Prayer is wonderful!  No judgement here : ]

  • Sign in to Comment

  • Give eProps (?)

About the Author

Tags

Who recommended?

Who gave the eProps?

2 eProps from: