Some thoughts on Prayer

Initially, I wasn't going to write on prayer but this was sparked by a very good piece written by Ian on his blog and further interesting and intelligent observations by Chris and the Walking Disaster. So, I thought I'd thrown in my take on this

Ian has quite rightly pointed out some misconceptions about prayer. I hope to expand a little by highlighting what I see as two misconceptions about prayer as it is practiced today

1)Prayer as incantation

This is the type of prayer that sounds no different from a "Money come, Money come" plea to the money gods above. In a sermon given by Chris to the youth one day, he mentioned that we make the mistake of seeing God as an ATM machine - that all he is good for is giving things to us. So, it is no surprise that we we see him as a big Santa Claus and our prayers reflect that

This is why the Prayer of Jabez flies off the shelves in a Christian bookstore. We want secret techniques, ways and words of tweaking God to do our will; not his. An incantation is a series of things you say to get something done according to what you want. This is not Christianity, this is paganism, which is why we told not to babble in prayer like the pagans do (Matthew 6:7)

2) Prayer as a two way communication

I get worried when I see things like people journalling stuff like " God had a one hour conversation with me, and he told me to get my car repainted and to floss more often. Oh! the angel Gabriel said 'hi' to me as well..".

Please don't get the idea that I said God never talks to you. He does - through his Word primarily (Colossians 3:16, 2 Timothy 3:16, Acts 17:11). What he does not do is engage in some Neal Walsch 'Coversations with God' episode with you. There are people in mental institutions who take this too far. Or on the other hand, you can make lots of money with this..

Prayer is you talking to God. Period.

It's like talking to God on a walkie-talkie. You press the button down and talk - then you hang up. He then communicates to you through your reading of the Word, circumstances (both good and bad), people, the weather etc etc. So, in totality, far from limiting God's way of communicating with you - it's much greater than you think; but you need to have some objective way of measuring this - and this is the Word.

If God engages in a two-way conversation with you, then Biblically, you are a prophet. I don't claim to be one. But if you do and if you don't fulfill those requirements of what a prophet is...well, we all know what happens to false prophets, don't we?

3) Prayer as a weapon

This is one of the most abused ways in which prayer is used. Usually seen in bad versions of charismatic church back room deliverances, they involve phrases such as "Get out! In the name of..etc etc). You know what I'm talking about

So some people get the idea that once they throw in a few strong phrases here and there. Satan's going to run away and cower in fright. That's it's your words that send him scurrying...and I'm not so sure about that

Listen. Prayer by itself has no intrinsic power.

What?!? Heresy,you say...


If you were being beaten up by bullies, it's not your weak cry of "Dad, help!" that makes them stop wailing on you. It's the big, strong angry man who hears your plaintive cry and comes running down the road to help you that will.

It is not prayer that has the power. It is God. Remember those times you nearly came to grief and suddenly were delivered through God's mercy and grace? Did you pray before your car skidded off the road? I think not. God's providence ensures that you remain in him. Prayer is a means of thanking him, pleading to him, intercedding for others, crying in grief to him..but it is not a weapon to be wielded to make the congregation do YOUR will,to control others through fear and not to make you look like some superhero, just because you sound all Elijah-like.


Look at Ephesians 6:13-17. The armor of God is composed of numerous items but there is only one offensive weapon: The Sword of the Spirit .

And what is the Sword of the Spirit? The Word of God

In the next verse (v:18), Paul then exhorts us to pray, all kinds of prayer. Prayer is the walkie talkie. Putting on the armor just means you have your gear on. But if you don't talk to HQ, how are you going to know what your marching orders are?

Dismissed, soldier!