Today, focus is upon the difference between prayers that GOD will change human events, and prayers to establish sacred events. A “Yahoo! Answers” fighter using the ID “Edward” (Level 1 with 145 points, a member since October 08, 2013) posted the following:
If Christians think god has a perfect plan, why do they constantly ask him to change it by praying?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4: 23-31, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Power in Prayer? (08/22/2014); The Rosary and Other Prayers? (08/23/2014); What To Do At His Coming (07/20/2014); Abandoned by GOD? (06/23/2014); Intercession (12/27/2013); Jesus Is GOD’s Word (12/28/2013)
“Edward”, here are some points that may help you understand the Christian practice of prayer more correctly:
(1.) For mature Christians, prayers are like intimate and private conversations with GOD, and therefore are made when alone or in ones private chambers. Secret, and sometimes unspoken because they are offered as directed thoughts, prayer may include confessions of need, intercession, and requests on behalf of others. However, the focus in all prayer is the further revelation of GOD, acknowledging divinity, and carrying out the divine will.
(2.) Once you get to know, or your self become a thoughtful believer, you may pray with others within an assembly as your prayer partner(s). Mutual respect and love make it that there is no criticism or judgment of another person’s heartfelt prayers. You may not like their choice of words, their speaking accent, how brief or how long they may speak. Yet, as one who shares and understands their sacred intent, you accept and encourage the Spirit of GOD as it becomes visible through others. To show your agreement, you are expected to say, Amen (so be it, may GOD make it so)!
There is far more to be said, correctly understood, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (3.) For believers, perfection (i.e., maturity; readiness and ripeness for divine harvest) is only through operations of GOD such as atonement, birth, death, judgment, rebirth, salvation, and sanctification. You’ll find that Christian prayers emphasize permanent spiritual change, yet, are directed by “common sense” not fantasy and imagination. Change regarding human events comes only by careful thought and determined action (we say, hard work).) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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