When someone says they “believe in prayer,” what do they mean? That they’ve seen people do it? That they think faithful people should do it? After all, Jesus told us to.

How would you define prayer; what are folks doing? If it’s somehow communication with the Lord, what is God’s role? What is our role? Is it different in groups as opposed to solo prayer?

Further, when people say they believe prayer “works,” what are they saying? What does prayer create or alter? If one of the usual prayer requests is for healing, how does that “work”? When people are NOT healed – and most people are not and eventually die – does that mean that prayer didn’t work? Notice that the Lord’s Prayer [Luke 11:1-10] does not ask for healing. Why do you think that is so?

Are there some prayer ‘techniques’ which are more ‘successful’ than others? What “opens the door”? Thank God for those people who have spent their lives praying and studying prayer who can then teach us how to grow in that. But do you ever feel like a novice around those who have had remarkable spiritual experiences? Check out what Paul had to say about that [Colossians 2:16-19]. 

What’s the goal of prayer? Can one be happy in prayer without ‘results’? Didn’t Jesus say you would get what you ask for? What quality is lifted up by Jesus as important – “brashness”?

Wow. This blog is only full of questions! What ‘unexpected answers’ are you hearing?

This week, instead of focusing on how some folks pray poorly – for show, by rote, trying to be fancy, with bad intent, not listening – try to focus on praying well.

As always, I would love to get your comments or questions — ahead of time or afterwards. Just click here.