Praying Through in Conversion - What does it take?

[bigsierra]

"Praying through" is an old term I heard when growning up. I didn't grow up Catholic, so don't let my icon mislead you. These are a few questions that I've pondered a while back, but hadn't thought about them in a while.

What does it take to make a conversion good? How does a person "know" when they have really got to the point that they are converted, that their heart has been changed? A Calvinist would believe their heart was changed before the pray, right? What is the indicator they have? Is it the fact that they are willing to pray the prayer?
Is it possible just to read the sinner's prayer off a card and be ok or is there something required along with it. Some churches have alter calls and a lot of emotions can take place there. It can be a place where they say "My conversion happened on this day."

 

[cygnusx1]

"Praying through" is an old term I heard when growning up. I didn't grow up Catholic, so don't let my icon mislead you. These are a few questions that I've pondered a while back, but hadn't thought about them in a while.

What does it take to make a conversion good? How does a person "know" when they have really got to the point that they are converted, that their heart has been changed? A Calvinist would believe their heart was changed before the pray, right? What is the indicator they have? Is it the fact that they are willing to pray the prayer?
Is it possible just to read the sinner's prayer off a card and be ok or is there something required along with it. Some churches have alter calls and a lot of emotions can take place there. It can be a place where they say "My conversion happened on this day."

Good question bigsierra

I think you soon know if you have been born of God ........ babies need milk , so there is a real thirst for God's word.
Also a conviction of sin , if we have God's spirit within we will feel bad if we lie or sware , God's Spirit is there to sanctify us.

Then there is a continuing admiration worship and praise of Jesus....and a wanting to not only please Him but be like Him.

these are all indications that the New Birth has taken place. (I knew my heart had been softened)

as far as altar calls and such go , it may bring some to faith , but many more are lead purely by the emotions which don't last. Then they fall away as predicted by Jesus.
A video called "hell's best kept secret" is aimed at stopping this trend , it is a good video instruction tape. (Ray Comfort)

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/ray_comfort/

 

[bigsierra]

Oh yeah, I saw him on Kirk Cameron's show on TBN. He's a pretty intense guy.

 

[tigersnare]

What does it take to make a conversion good?

For God to be the one doing the converting, not a really convincing, perhaps well meaning, preacher/evangelist.

How does a person "know" when they have really got to the point that they are converted, that their heart has been changed?A Calvinist would believe their heart was changed before the pray, right? What is the indicator they have? Is it the fact that they are willing to pray the prayer?

When they are shown thier sin, driven to repentance, and are able to have faith in Christ's life and death for thier only justification before God.

Is it possible just to read the sinner's prayer off a card and be ok or is there something required along with it.

I don't think so. Maybe if by that time they are feeling an earnest need for a savior, but that would have to be after God has already regenerated them.

Some churches have alter calls and a lot of emotions can take place there. It can be a place where they say "My conversion happened on this day."

I am bitter towards emotion driven ministies now, I best not comment.