Praying advice

[Mirjam]

Hi,

A few weeks ago I had a councelling talk with somebody of my church. Since then I've been puzzled about something.

She told me that in your prayers, when you asked God for something, lets say a job, after asking, you should say : Thank you for the job You gave me. Like you already have the job. She said that saying these things make the "universe work" ( mind she didn't mention God ) on getting a job for you.
But this sounded so wrong to me.
I immediatly had to think of the book "The Secret" ( how to get the things you want by pretending you already have them ), do you know this ?
She has been a Christian all her life, but it just didn't sound right to me. Like God is going to give you something just because you pretend you already have it.. She said I was too modest and should ask for more things.
What do you think about this ?
I've tried it a few times, but it felt wrong. In my prayers I always say : I would like this or that to happen, but it is in Your hands, not mine. This feels much better to me.
I was wondering how you feel about this. I hope you know something about this book "The Secret", so you know what I mean.
Thanks !

 

[Coconut]

That particular approach to prayer (or should I say approach to Father) is a very popular teaching or belief, and I think it may be based on Php 4:6 "Never worry about anything, but in every situation let your petitions be made known to God in prayers and requests, with thanksgiving."


However, assurance that Father will supply, and having a thankful heart for His provision, is not the same as trying to manipulate Father, (or the powers that be) which is what this lady is telling you, amounts to. I might go further and say "making the universe work" leans closer to witchcraft than a trusting conversation with Father.




Mat 6:7 "When you are praying, don't say meaningless words like the gentiles do, for they think they will be heard because of their wordiness.
Mat 6:8 Don't be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Mat 6:9 "Therefore, this is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
Mat 6:10 May your kingdom come. May your will be done....

 

[Trishann]

Mirjam I don't know what is in this person's heart so I can't tell you what is right or wrong for this person. But I am like you, I have problems with prayers being made like this for myself.

I do believe that we can stand on the Word of God and believe that He will make a way for us and that God has a plan for each of our lives. I do believe that God makes a way where it seems so impossible, and that you know without a shadow of a doubt that He made that way possible.

Pray from your heart Mirjam, you don't have to pray like someone else.

Trish

 

[lizabe]

Dear Mirjam,
I have read something like this already and yes it can be used, but in the realm of God's kingdom, meaning, Christ died for all our situations on the cross Isaiah 53 and after we pray about something, it is good to thank God for it, for it is an act of faith to do so.
For God said, whatever we pray, beleiving we shall receive, especially if we are faithful in obedience to Him.

God answers me when I pray, beleiving in HIM to reply on my behalf and others.
Lizabe

 

[Mirjam]

Thank you for your replies. I stopped praying like that, thanking for something I don't have yet.
This week I went for a job-interview, I was unemployed. I told God in my prayer that it looked like a great job to me, but it was in His hands to give me the job and I would accept the outcome good or bad.
A day later I got a phonecall with good news, they gave me the job !

 

[lizabe]

Dear Mirjam
Our relationship with God is all personal and private.
So what words we use in our prayer, God understands exactly what we mean and HE responds accordingly.
Praise God that your request was answered.
Yours in Christ
Lizabe

 

[Trishann]

Mirjam God is good isn't He! Thank you Lord for making a way for Mirjam and opening doors for her and bringing provision for her. We give you the praise. Amen.

God Bless, Trish