About prayer ...

[Jenster]

I've been thinking about prayer lately...and I've been wondering if there's a "proper" balance between prayers for self/family and other kinds of prayer?

I belong to a women's Bible study group. Of course, we share prayer requests. I've become increasingly concerned that our prayer requests are mostly focused on us and our lives. "Pray that I won't get sick." "Pray that I'll finish this work project on time." "Pray that my car repair won't cost much." "Pray that I'll have a good time on myvacation."

Shouldn't our prayers aspire to be more transcendent, or am I just off base here? Meaning, wouldn't "better" prayers be focused on God's will, such as "Help me to trust God with this work project." "May God transform my character as a result of this problem with my mother-in-law." Or "Pray that even on vacation, I might be a good witness for Him."

I fear this post may sound uncompassionate, but I sincerely think my group risks using God as a vending machine for answered prayer with our current approach.

 

[Servant4Yeshuah]

I've been thinking about prayer lately...and I've been wondering if there's a "proper" balance between prayers for self/family and other kinds of prayer?

I belong to a women's Bible study group. Of course, we share prayer requests. I've become increasingly concerned that our prayer requests are mostly focused on us and our lives. "Pray that I won't get sick." "Pray that I'll finish this work project on time." "Pray that my car repair won't cost much." "Pray that I'll have a good time on myvacation."

Shouldn't our prayers aspire to be more transcendent, or am I just off base here? Meaning, wouldn't "better" prayers be focused on God's will, such as "Help me to trust God with this work project." "May God transform my character as a result of this problem with my mother-in-law." Or "Pray that even on vacation, I might be a good witness for Him."

I fear this post may sound uncompassionate, but I sincerely think my group risks using God as a vending machine for answered prayer with our current approach.

My dear friend,
I believe the answer is not either or, but both/and
Yeshuah told us to pray for our daily needs in the Lord's prayer. Ephesians 6:18 tells us to pray with all manner of payer "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." So I humbly submit that prayers should be about one's needs, as well as the more "transcendent" as you say. The typical prayer of the Bible are Barucha prayers. Baruch means praise. The Lord's prayer is a Barucha prayer. It starts with praise and then moves on to petition and returns with praise. Does this make sense?

 

[Shadowcat]

Personally when I pray (usually last thing at night when it's quiet and there are no distractions) I pray for whatever is in my heart at the time - whether it is for self/family and friends or the wider community. Hope this helps in some way.

 

[goldenviolet]

Jenster perhaps God is calling you to bring the 'proper balance'... perhaps you are being called to broaden what your group prayers are. how about suggesting a list (to take home for the week) for needs of the groups neighbors, co-workers, community, ministery, goverment, missions: they're are needs and prayer needed everywhere.

 

[BLUEEYEANGEL]

MyLiLyInMyValley, thanks