Struggling in prayer

[carnation]

Hi all,
I have been sufferring with this issue for some time now. Dring past months, I find it so difficult to pray in peace. Each time I pray and mention "Jesus" or "God", my mind automatically searches for the negative stuff and then "Satan" appears in my mind and then I get scared and stop my prayer and wonder and doubt whether I have been praying to God or satan. And thus this goes on and on until I become really fed up coz my prayer ends up with full of "Sorrys" so much so my other prayer items which I should be concentrating more on becomes less focused and I develop this feeling that I dread my prayer time and even my QT as well...Sigh!
I ahve discussed with my Christian friends but they informed me to ignore and not to pay attention to them at all and just proceed with my prayer as if nothing happenned. But is that fine with God? What is happennign to me?

 

[GODSHOUSE]

Dear Friend

Always remember that when you pray, you do it not to please GOD but to speak to him. There is nothing to feel guilty about. Start off by just talking to GOD as a father and friend and tell him the struggles you mentioned above and ask him to help you with them. You must always remeber that GOD forgives and is way beyond our understanding. When you pray remeber also that he knows your ture intend and that he wishes to help you in your walk with him. He is not there to condem.


All you have to do to know the Chacter of GOD is read what Jesus says and you will notice that he is always forgiving and there for you. Pray in peace and realize that you are with GOD and he Understands you and what you are going through and is not judging you.

Satan has already lost it is already set in stone.

Peace and Love to you.

 

[Dr Kimble]

He is not there to condem.

Here here! Talk this over with God, let Him know how you feel, I guarentee you will feel better. God wants to hear you, and help you. There is no greater love than God's and no greater source for help.
God bless and good luck

 

[Blessed-one]

um, why does the thought of satan stop you from praying? i thought i should be the opposite... you should talk to a pastor or a mentor at church, someone who is more mature in the christian walk and so should be able to give you some solid advice and help.

 

[endure]

well something i believe alot of people dont understand is that prayer is not simple.
it is, but its not.
some people say that its just in the name of Jesus, talking to God and thats it..."just talking to God...."
and it is talking to God, but thats not all it is, there are underlying principles and ways and laws of prayer that have to be understood to pray effectively.

but really, there is more toit than most people know, and just talking to God.
there really really is.....

ya know the disciples saw Jesus praying and said
"Lord, teach us to pray...."

ya know what that means? that means no, prayer isnt always something easy and not everyone knows how to doit, its not as simple as just beginning to talk to God anytime anywhere.
it is talking to God anytime anywhere, but to be effective in prayer, you have to understand HOW to pray and HOW prayer works.
we have to learn how to pray, we have to learn how to doit better.
and that means it is very possible to pray very poorly.

dont beat yourself up, prayer is something you have to learn how to do.
i think alot of people win people to the Lord and just say
"ok...go pray...go talk to God..."
but its not that easy.
just as the disciples had to learn and be taught how to pray, so do we, IF WE ARE TO REALLY BEGIN TO MAKE A DIFFRENCE IN PRAYER.
and this is normal.

prayer is an art, it something that requires understanding and skill.
you just havent learned how to deal with this yet.

i wish i had someone or something to reccomend you to. but i dont.
i would be more than happy to try and tell you all i know, but there is alot that i dont know yet too.
but one thing i do know is this, and i think this would radicly change some peoples prayer lives.
is that the bible says
"we come into his courts with thanksgiving in our hearts"

i think before every prayer time, we need to take a time to not ask anything, but just put some worship music in and begin to worship God, and praise his name untill you feel the presence of the Lord and that peace come to you, and then once you feel like youve entered a place of his presence, then....
only then begin to ask of him and just make your petitions known unto him and talk to him.
but i think it can be very sticky and hard to really talk with the Lord outside of his presence.
but in the presence of the Lord you feel free and at peace.
the bible says that where the Spirit of the Lord is THERE IS LIBERTY!

and i beleive that means that in the presence of the Lord when the holyghost begins to brood in your prayer place, there comes a liberty and a freedom in the Lord.
the devil can attack you and hinder you, yes, and thats what hes doing.
BUT....
in psalms 31 the bible says that PRESENCE OF THE LORD, IS A PAVILION (or hiding place) AWAY FROM THE PRIDE (attacks) OF THE ENEMY!

i beleive when begin to worship the Lord it ushers the holyspirit into your life and area and the presence of the Lord is a hiding place, a secret place, a place hidden away from the enemy. where you are free from the attacks of the enemy. and you can talk freely with God.

i think taking time to worship, and usher in his presence and glory, could really help you.

and beyond that, you have to pull into captivity every wrong thought, and casting down and bringing every thought into obedience of Christ.
dont let the devil in your mind.
when these lies of the devil come into your head, cast them down in Jesus name.
and then, talk to the Lord about THIS issue and why you cant pray.
hell answer you and heal you.

Lee.

 

[JDRoss]

You are not alone in your struggling. I am a fairly new christian and I also have problems in it. There are times when I will be praying and my mind wanders off or I think about things that I know are sinful. I believe that prayer is powerful and satan knows this so he tries to distract me. I keep at it though and sometimes end up saying my prayers out-loud sometimes even to the point of rambling until the distraction is gone. I have even yelled out at satan telling him that he leave me the heck alone in the name of Jesus. Just keep at it like I do. I believe that the longer I pray the more experience I will have at it. I kind of think that is true for my walk. The longer I seek God and do my best to obey him the stronger I will be at carrying my cross.

On a different note but still on the subject of prayer, I have a question. I have read about praying in the spirit and am not sure what is being talked about. I know that it is praying.....arrrrg I am just confused about it and what it is. If anyone could shed some light on this I would appreciate it.

 

[endure]

jdross
i believe praying in the spirit can most easily be applied to praying in tongues, like the disciples spoke in tongues in acts the first few chapters.

but also, i think it can be just praying under the leading and guidance of the holyspirit and in the power of holyspirit.
beyond yourself and your strength and wisdom.
though that is what praying in tongues is really.
though i beleive you can pray in the spirit in your native tongue also.
as the Lord leads you to pray and how to pray and what to pray for.

i think it can also mean praying boldly, in light of the fact through Jesus you have the right to be bold and access to all of heavons storehouses.

 

[wgjones3]

carnation, as I said in another post, you remind me of myself 7 years ago. I had a hard time with prayer, too. So hard, in fact, that I would dry heave if I tried to pray aloud. I went to several churches and asked for my demons to be exercised so I could pray again, and got the expected crazy looks. But, I was so desperate, that I didn't care how crazy it sounded. A friend of mine gave me this sound advice:

When you pray, you're going boldy before the throneroom of God. That means you have communication with God. That means you have power and influence in the spirit realm. Of course, there are spirits who cannot commune with God. We call them demons. If they can't commune with God, they won't want us communing with God. They'll harass you and oppress you and do whatever they can to shake you up. They do that because God has a purpose for you, and it's their job to stop you from reaching that purpose.

Okay, I think I've added a bit to it but the meaning is the same The old folks talk about praying through, about hunkering down at an altar and praying until God touches you. I've done it, it takes effort, and you will feel better after you hear from God.

As for learning to pray, I took the Biblical story of the diciples a little different than you did, endure. See, I see it as Jesus's way of telling the diciples that there isn't really a trick to praying. The Lord's prayer is simple--yes, there's wisdom to be gleaned from it--but it's sincere. Jesus talked of how the pharases (sp?) prayed--long words, recited speaches, loud voices, a lot of pomp of show. I think Jesus just bowed his head and uttered those words quietly, meekly, in all humility.

I approach God by simply talking to Him. I praise God to remind myself of how good God is. I ask God to forgive me of my sins and clothe me in righteousness so that I may commune with Him. From there, I talk to Him. I petition Him on behalf of others, and I ask for things for myself. I'm a very selfish prayer, I even talk to God about this sometimes. I ask for Him to bless those I love and those who I must make a continual effort to love.

I've had many prayer breakthroughs, and here are a few of them that may help others:

An evangelist once told me, at a prayer breakfast, that he begins each prayer by asking God to show him what to pray for by the power of the Holy Spirit, and to allow the Holy Spirit to pray through him. He did not pray in tongues, but he prayed in the Spirit nonetheless.

I, myself, pray in tongues. Seeking the gift of tongues was an exercise in spiritual growth for me. It wasn't about myself at all, or the way I lived or the things I did, it was about knowing God. One night, after church, I came home and was full of the Spirit. Within the hour, I was speaking in tongues. I have, of course, recieved other gifts that have served to edifiy not only myself, but those for which God has allowed me to use these gifts, but the "prayer language" has been a tremendous source of spiritual strength for me. I don't think it's necessary or even tremendously important to speak in tongues--most of the most devout Christians I've known didn't. But, for me, it is a blessing.

My latest breakthrough came when God laid it on my heart to pray blessings upon my "enemies." In other words, God told me to pray for prosperity, health, happiness, and success for EVERYBODY I don't like. I did it, I wasn't happy about it, but God has done something truly amazing--He's changed my heart because of it. My prayer life has become richer and more fullfilling because of it.

 

[Godsgrace]

Although it was said by someone that satan has lost already -yes that is true but we need to remember that satan works much harder on Christians than non and being in the flesh of that work was being in satans domain. Now that we are born again through our faith satan has lost us. He will try to confuse us in any way, especailly newbies, so to speak. Though prayer, I believe, is his favorite way of confusing us because we are one on one with GOD.

I struggled for years in prayer. satan was constantly stepping in with thoughts of distracting me and I too found most of my prayers being apolgies to GOD instead of what I wanted most and that was to talk to HIM.

I found through the Pastor of the church I went to that he said I should read scripture until I felt the presence of GOD. I read Eph 6:10 - 20 (The Armor of GOD) many, many times to help me before prayer. It gave me strength in my prayers.

GOD Bless
Janice

 

[iac]

Hi all,
I have been sufferring with this issue for some time now. Dring past months, I find it so difficult to pray in peace. Each time I pray and mention "Jesus" or "God", my mind automatically searches for the negative stuff and then "Satan" appears in my mind and then I get scared and stop my prayer and wonder and doubt whether I have been praying to God or satan. And thus this goes on and on until I become really fed up coz my prayer ends up with full of "Sorrys" so much so my other prayer items which I should be concentrating more on becomes less focused and I develop this feeling that I dread my prayer time and even my QT as well...Sigh!
I ahve discussed with my Christian friends but they informed me to ignore and not to pay attention to them at all and just proceed with my prayer as if nothing happenned. But is that fine with God? What is happennign to me?

I had that very same problem when I got saved!

 

[carnation]

Prayer I believe ought to be done willingly, easily and comfortably. I have been a Christian for already more around 10 years and the irony is that I can have probs like this. I should be more mature and not drinking milk like a baby as the Scripture mentions but be eating more solid food already..;-) Sigh! Quite pathetic indeed, makes me feel shy to even confess this to anyone..
When I am at church worshiping with everyone, I feel wonderful but then and again, the fear sets in and evil thoughts attack so much so when I leave church, I sometimes have headaches from stuggling, makes me dread going to church next time though.
I never had this problem last time, my prayer was fine. I feel fine with my the way I pray to God. It was indded natural and I am happy abt it - no dreading prayer time as much as now.
But this has been happenning months ago. I question myself: is it a chain reaction of my fears occurring ever since I shifted to my new home where there are empty houses around? As I mentioned before in my other thread: my fears are so strong that I begin to lose confidence in what I ahve actually done and said. Sigh!
I just would like to talk to God like He is my best friend ever..but satan is always waiting to pounce on me. I really resent my situation right now. So clouded by fears, worries, lack of confidence in myself, confusions and misery...Sorry to moan here but I am feeling really down in the exact dumps!

 

[iac]

When I first got saved and I tried to pray I had evil faces pop up on me eye lids. Is that what you're saying?

 

[endure]

Jesus...

Carnation
well i dont have any inticing words of mans wisdom, or any nice sayings, or any motivational messages, but i do have a word from the Lord from the scriptures for you if you will take hold of this and begin to have faith and joy, you can be free...

the Lord would say unto you that he has not given you a spirit of fear.
i know youve heard that before but you need to understand and begin to beleive that it was never the will of God for you to be this way.
God never planned on this, he never desired you, he does not will this, and there is absolutely no reason whatsoever for you to need or to have to let fear tear your life apart. The Lord never gave you that, the lord would have you set free today! beleive, that TODAY, EVEN TODAY...is a great day for your miracle! today is a great day for you to be set free, not tommorow, not next sunday, not next year but praise God today, is a wonderful day for a miracle!
today is a great day to be set free from fear, becuase Jesus died, that fear would not bind you. and though this is simple word, it holds the absolute unshakable truth that fear is defeated and there is no reason for it to have you, there is no reason at all, for you to be afraid and stuck in fear anylonger!
today is wonderful day for a miracle. you can be set free today!
see i am not afraid to say such things, because i believe the word of God and have the boldness of the Lord right now. you can be free today!
TODAY, CAN BE THE DAY OF YOUR MIRACLE. becuase fear has been destroyed, and Jesus died so you would be set free from all fear, and he died and paid the ransom for you, and bought you, and fear is no longer your master, it does not hold you anymore.
you are free in Jesus name! believe that.
not that all the struggle will leave now, but that the beginning of your miracle will happen now! that the beginning of you living fear free life, starts today! dont wait untill tommorow...take hold of it through faith today.

hebrews 3.6.
but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

see that is the only way God would have you be.
that is the only way...he desires you to live...the only way.
a boldness in your spirit and a shout of deliverance on your lips at all times!
i pray that you would see that and begin to pray in faith that he would give this to you.
i pray that you would read this scripture over and over and over becuase the fear in you, does not have the power to block you from going into what he has called you to be.
becuase the bible says THE WORD OF GOD is sharper than any two edged sword, diving asunder the bone and marrow and the soul and spirit.
the word of God has the ability to divide you from that fear, the word of God is sharp enough, to cut that fear out of your life.
i pray that you would begin to meditate on these scriptures all day long, memorise them, repeat them to yourself all day long, read them over and over and over and it actually cuts that fear out of you, the word of God has the power to change you upon it filling you and being added to faith.

begin to make a self made effort from your inner man, to say to yourself
"i am not afraid, i am not afraid, i am not afraid, i am bold, i am bold, i am bold"
get that word, get that scripture down in you, the scriptures are sharp enough to set you free, and cut your enemy to pieces, the bible says the word of God is sword in the spirit, and you can cut yourself FREE with the power of the spoken WORD OF GOD in your life.
if you will take up this word, and believe it and say "i will be free today!" and begin to beleive and take steps toward your freedom.
fight back... let the word of God and prayer and faith set you free.

today... dont wait till tommorow, believe that God can do something today!

i dont talk like that becuase i think i know it all, or because im arrogant or naive, but becuase you need a miracle today, and i cannot bear to see you live this way another day, you need something now!
and i believe the word is always true, and it will never fail to do what it said it would do.

man, be free... in Jesus name.
im going to pray for you tonight, that you would be set free.
Godbless you man.

Lee.

 

[Dr Kimble]

i think before every prayer time, we need to take a time to not ask anything, but just put some worship music in and begin to worship God, and praise his name untill you feel the presence of the Lord and that peace come to you, and then once you feel like youve entered a place of his presence, then....
only then begin to ask of him and just make your petitions known unto him and talk to him.

Beautifully said endure. In my original post I just said talk it over with God, but I didn't realize that such a thing may not be that easy for everyone. We must feel God's presence before we can talk with Him, and spiritual music is a very good way to do so.

 

[carnation]

Dearest Endure,
As I was reading your reply, tears were streaming down my face. I am extremely touched with your genuinity and sincerity. Thank you for caring for me, Lee.
I believe that Jesus heard your prayer for me, coz you really did pray so well, so well...;-)
The thing is that I am abit apprehensive/doubtful to take the first step to want and let this miracle take place. I am scared. You mentioned that I should just break loose from the hold of fear but how, Lee?
Can I just believe and put my faith into pratice just like that, ignore those thoughts and uneasy feelings that fear have built in me and life goes on but knowing at the back of my mind that Jesus is here with me protecting my body, mind and soul...Lee, is this sufficient? Can I choose to pray later when I get back from work? In the mean time, will God still care, protect and ensure my safety from the devil?
I now know that God never meant this to be for me. My situation as of now is self-inflicted, I know. Just as I am sufferring here, I know Jesus feels my pain and misery too.
I just remembered and recalled that this prob actually existed few years ago just that only recently, they have become worse and worse. Pls understand that this has been plaguing me for so long. The hold is strong but I know that I can pray using the words from the Bible as you emntioned to cut that hold away from me. I will change my QT book to using one that focuses on the praying of using God's Words.
I will try. I have to for sanity sake....
Jesus, pls set me free to be and feel the real meaning of being FREE. IN Jesus name, I pray AMEN!

 

[Galadriel]

Beautifully said endure. In my original post I just said talk it over with God, but I didn't realize that such a thing may not be that easy for everyone. We must feel God's presence before we can talk with Him, and spiritual music is a very good way to do so.

What do you mean by "feel" God's presence? I would say 99% of the times I have prayed I haven't "felt" anything. I just pray sincerely, and thats what I do. Hmm...??

 

[Dr Kimble]

What do you mean by "feel" God's presence? I would say 99% of the times I have prayed I haven't "felt" anything. I just pray sincerely, and thats what I do. Hmm...??

How can one pray or talk to God if you do not know He is there. That is what I mean. We need to feel His presence, know He is there with us, listening, or the prayer is not really a talk WITH God.

 

[Galadriel]

How can one pray or talk to God if you do not know He is there. That is what I mean. We need to feel His presence, know He is there with us, listening, or the prayer is not really a talk WITH God.

It is VERY misleading to go by FEELINGS. I can say I hardly ever "feel" God there, but I KNOW He is there, and that is what I go by. Its not good to go by feelings, never good.

 

[Follower of Christ]

How can one pray or talk to God if you do not know He is there. That is what I mean. We need to feel His presence, know He is there with us, listening, or the prayer is not really a talk WITH God.

Balderdash...

Chapter and verse for that please..
The one that says if I dont FEEL God then He aint listening.

a relationship that is based on emotinalism WILL fail when the emotions are gone.


Stand firm till the end young Galadriel.
He hears you whether you ''feel'' Him or not.......

 

[Dr Kimble]

I don't mean that you have to "feel" God physically. What I am trying to say is that when I pray, I know God is listening, but I need to be aware of His presence, otherwise I just start to talk randomly and loose track. I need to "feel" His presence while He is with me, or my prayer will not be sincere. I am trying to explain that knowing that God is there with you keeps your prayers sincere. I guess feel was the wrong word to use. I should have said knowing that God is there with you keeps your prayer from digressing.
Sorry for the confusion