For years I have suggested that, especially for church prayers but no reason not to for private prayers, we stop and think about what specifically we are asking God to do and then look at the Bible for support for such a request.
We pray for God to touch the heart of an unbeliever. We are asking God to operate outside the foolishness of preaching to cause someone to believe. That is not a biblical concept so that prayer is a waste of breath. If we want that person saved TEACH THEM ourselves. Anyone who says they cannot tell others about Jesus is a liar and just plain lazy. Similar to when a person sees another person entering a dangerous situation and turns their back because they do not want to get involved.
But to your question: I, personally, me do not expect God to do anything for me. For years I did but no longer. I have never experienced nor have I observed the answer to any prayer for any reason. I have listened to church members ask for safety and protection, blessings (whatever they are), health and healing, to give the preacher a ready recollection, my personal favorite, "we pray for. . ." and on and on. I have never heard anyone ever pray for strength and boldness to tell others about Jesus.
While "God helps those who help themselves" is not in the Bible I do not believe God is going to do anything for me I can do for myself. I believe God has already provided the way of escape from temptations so I do not expect anything special there either so there is no reason to pray about that.
This is an area each has to decide for themselves what they believe and why they believe it. Realizing the fact they believing something does not make it correct. As for me I have come to conclusions for myself. I felt a bit alone at first but I do not anymore. I think myself foolish before for thinking God would do something for me while he would sit or stand by and let a child be beaten to death, starve to death, die of a hideous disease. I do not read anywhere in the bible of people praying for things we pray for today so I must accept they are not biblical.
I am sure I have not answered your question but Jesus never answered questions either. He just asked other questions so I guess that makes me Christ like.
Ps The moron who is having a Burn a Koran Day has admitted he is praying about it. Even a moron knows God does not burn Korans and does not want his people to do it either. God's kingdom is not of this world. So what is the moron praying about?
Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179 cell
Gatlinburg, TN
Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
"IF 7UP hadn't decided on a name that was short and sweet we'd still be drinking Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda."
I sent you an email a few days ago asking you to explain what kind of prayers you believe are biblical since you feel that most prayers Christians pray today are unbiblical. I have not gotten a response to that request. Like I said in the email, I am not looking for another argument or debate. I am genuinely interested in hearing what you have to say. If I have been wrong all these years, I would like to investigate what is acceptable to God. So when you have time, please let me know what it is that you believe are acceptable prayers.
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