|
Users viewing this topic:
none
|
|
Login  | |
|
Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/3/2008 8:42:44 AM
|
|
|
journeyman7
Posts: 67
Joined: 11/11/2007
Status: offline
|
I should condition this post that I am a Christian. I always struggle with how good of a Christian I am because I always think to myself that I can do more. I will not digress on this previous subject, but I would like to hear other's thoughts on prayer.
I pray most every night, and I try to be as open and earnest as possible, but I never feel anything. I realize and have read enough to realize the importance of prayer, but most often I really think I am missing something. I never feel as if God is talking to me or communicating to me through prayer. I do realize that this is not, nor do I expect, a verbal type of communicating, but I feel nothing. It is as if I am really talking to myself in my mind, but nothing passed that.
Does anyone here truly feel anything when they pray? If so, what does this feeling or communication seem to be like? I basically feel the same after prayer as I do before, which is troubling to me when I hear so many others discussing how they receive insight in prayer.
For instance, I have been praying for God to lead me to my calling or passion throughout my life. I pray on this and pray on this but never receive a feeling, a message, or an answer. I often find it hard to go to God in prayer because of this lack of communication because it always has felt to be absolutely one way.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/3/2008 8:56:43 AM
|
|
|
Eutychus
Posts: 2066
Joined: 4/11/2005
From: Dothan, AL
Status: offline
|
You're in good company - I read where Billy Graham experienced a long period when he said it felt like his prayers went no further than the ceiling. Expressing his agony to his (still living) mother, she told him that periods "in the desert" are periods when God tests our trust. You see, our relationship with God is never based on how we feel. We have His written word to assure us that He loves us deeply and hears all our prayers - regardless of any feelings we might have.
I'm not sure if you have children, but I assure you that your love and concern for your child isn't/wouldn't be based on how they feel. Your love for them is/would be unconditional. And, like Jesus said, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!" -Matthew 7:11 NASB
Accept this: You CAN trust Him!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/3/2008 10:15:30 AM
|
|
|
raivyne
Posts: 1010
Joined: 8/28/2008
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: journeyman7
I should condition this post that I am a Christian. I always struggle with how good of a Christian I am because I always think to myself that I can do more. I will not digress on this previous subject, but I would like to hear other's thoughts on prayer.
I pray most every night, and I try to be as open and earnest as possible, but I never feel anything. I realize and have read enough to realize the importance of prayer, but most often I really think I am missing something. I never feel as if God is talking to me or communicating to me through prayer. I do realize that this is not, nor do I expect, a verbal type of communicating, but I feel nothing. It is as if I am really talking to myself in my mind, but nothing passed that.
Does anyone here truly feel anything when they pray? If so, what does this feeling or communication seem to be like? I basically feel the same after prayer as I do before, which is troubling to me when I hear so many others discussing how they receive insight in prayer.
For instance, I have been praying for God to lead me to my calling or passion throughout my life. I pray on this and pray on this but never receive a feeling, a message, or an answer. I often find it hard to go to God in prayer because of this lack of communication because it always has felt to be absolutely one way.
I am right where you are brother. I keep telling myself, "If you want to make it through the desert to stand on that mountain - you have to walk." Some days its really hard to even bring myself to walk (pray). On really bad days I listen to the song "Keep Singing" by Mercyme:
quote:
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
You’re the one that’s keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That’s the only way that I’ll find healing
Just hang in there and keep the faith.
_____________________________
P.U.S.H. – Pray Until Something Happens
What if God is asking us for a sign?
Knowledge is proud; wisdom is humble.
Patiently waiting for my KSA
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/3/2008 10:20:45 AM
|
|
|
mvic
Posts: 1795
Joined: 1/17/2008
Status: offline
|
Hi Journeyman,
I agree with Eutychus. You are not alone in feeling nothing when you pray.
Sometimes, when I'm concerned about something and pray about it, God reminds me of my past. I remember all the difficulties in my life and how, throughout them all, God was there for me and helped me through them. Even if I did not realise it at the time.
And these memories of the past bring me comfort and courage in that, in this particular situation I am praying for, He will yet again, help me through it. As He always does.
That's how God sometimes speaks to us. Subtly. In His own silence, we sometimes "feel" His voice speaking to us.
You say you've been praying for God to lead you to your calling. Perhaps His silence is saying "Not yet. Continue to do what you're doing for now."
Please don't be concerned if you feel nothing in your prayers right now. Continue to pray in the sure knowledge that He is hearing you, and He will communicate with you, in His own time.
For the time being, His silence does not mean that He is not listening, or that He has abandonned you. On the contrary. He is looking after you right now and protecting you from more things than you can possibly imagine.
Just trust Him.
God bless.
_____________________________
Visit http://www.holyvisions.co.uk
My Book My Blog
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/3/2008 2:33:21 PM
|
|
|
deermousie
Posts: 1948
Joined: 9/26/2007
Status: online
|
Bless you, Journeyman. You sound so down, and I think if you get past the abruptness of my words, you'll be high as a kite. 
quote:
ORIGINAL: journeyman7
I always struggle with how good of a Christian I am because I always think to myself that I can do more.
There's good news for you - you don't have to sweat this! God has accepted you unconditionally. Your sin was all paid for 2000 years ago, and you are God's son right where you are. Just as we don't stop being a son or daughter to our parents when we spill the milk or loss something, we don't stop being God's son or daughter when we blow it. He even gives us the "tool" to repair our relationship with Him when we blow it: 1 John 1:8,9. We confess, we repent, and then we can say thank You for being forgiven.
Yeah, we do try to live like God wants us to, but He isn't grading on a curve. You are accepted in the beloved. Period. When you fall down, brush yourself off and get up again. Can any person do more? Sure. Does their salvation or God's esteem depend on it? No. So we do well because we are His and He said to do well. Like a servant being told to set the table. Just do it, with a calm heart. If there's a problem, you'll fix it when you find out about it. There's no panic.
There is a difference, and that's consequences. A little good brings much good consequences. A little sin brings much bad consequences. But that is variable, because God blesses in the midst of it all. When you fall over, you might hit the ground (ouch!) or someone might catch you. You'll decide you don't like falling over and you'll be more careful. No panic.
So what makes a "good" Christian? No one is good but God, Jesus said. He knows we're sinners; that's why He came to pay the price for us. We were helpless. However, we can make a good reputation with others by dealing with our sins quickly and not letting besetting sins become like a wolftrap on our faces. It comes from spotting little sins as soon as they show up, and confessing and repenting them before they get bigger.
In Christ you are free. There is tremendous liberty (look that word up in the online concordance in my sig line). You'll never be good enough, but God has made you His and you are to walk minute by minute, holding His hand and rejoicing in His love and your salvation. So relax, and go do what needs doing the next five minutes. That might be to take a nap and rest your body.
quote:
I pray most every night, and I try to be as open and earnest as possible, but I never feel anything. I realize and have read enough to realize the importance of prayer, but most often I really think I am missing something.
It's not about feeling, but knowing. Base what you know on the Bible (are you reading it every day? Steep yourself like a tea bag in hot water). You are His. You are forgiven. You have liberty. 2 Cor. 3:17 If that is true, then jump up and down and glory in it! Thank Him for it and rejoice! Hey, there's the feelings for you. You're a son and don't have to do anything to stay that way. Relax. Do what you do from love and gratitude, not because God is holding a stick over you. He doesn't.
quote:
I never feel as if God is talking to me or communicating to me through prayer. I do realize that this is not, nor do I expect, a verbal type of communicating, but I feel nothing. It is as if I am really talking to myself in my mind, but nothing passed that.
That's what your Bible is for. He sent you that love letter to tell you things, and you're waiting for a phone call.  Go open your Bible!
quote:
Does anyone here truly feel anything when they pray?
No. Well, maybe, because I see what He did for me and I thank Him and the gratitude starts welling up in my heart. But it's taken me a long time to get to the point when I read the words and realize God is talking about me and it's all mine.
quote:
If so, what does this feeling or communication seem to be like? I basically feel the same after prayer as I do before, which is troubling to me when I hear so many others discussing how they receive insight in prayer.
Prayer is talking to God, and if He hears it then you were successfully communicating. That's the point of it. When you read in your Bible that He answers prayer (again, look it up in a concordance) and that the prayer of a righteous man does a lot, then you get a good answer, even if it wasn't the one you thought you'd get.
quote:
For instance, I have been praying for God to lead me to my calling or passion throughout my life. I pray on this and pray on this but never receive a feeling, a message, or an answer. I often find it hard to go to God in prayer because of this lack of communication because it always has felt to be absolutely one way.
Prayer is by definition, one way. You may be waiting at the train station when His answer came to the airport. God doesn't promise a audible answer, so go read your Bible. And go talk to your pastor (or find a pastor who will counsel you), or a mature Christian man who knows his Bible, and ask for some help. What strenths do your parents see in you? How about your teachers? Ask around. God has given you strengths, gifts (have you discovered your spiritual gifts yet?), and experiences to shape you for His service. What do you like to do? What are you good at? That's a clue.
You have a heart to serve God, and my hat is off to you, young man of God. May He bless you and lead you in all His ways. And start getting seriously into your Bible every day if you want to grow; that's a big part of God's program. I am praying for you today. May God meet all the desires of your heart!
_____________________________
Want to know where a certain word or phrase in the Bible is found? www.biblegateway.com Yay!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/3/2008 9:32:33 PM
|
|
|
Dancre
Posts: 1307
Joined: 4/12/2005
Status: offline
|
First of all, put your feelings in a box and put it on a shelf. fEelings have nothing to do with how God hears you. Go by His word. what does His word say about prayer? That's how you determine your prayers.
quote:
ORIGINAL: journeyman7
I should condition this post that I am a Christian. I always struggle with how good of a Christian I am because I always think to myself that I can do more. I will not digress on this previous subject, but I would like to hear other's thoughts on prayer.
I pray most every night, and I try to be as open and earnest as possible, but I never feel anything. I realize and have read enough to realize the importance of prayer, but most often I really think I am missing something. I never feel as if God is talking to me or communicating to me through prayer. I do realize that this is not, nor do I expect, a verbal type of communicating, but I feel nothing. It is as if I am really talking to myself in my mind, but nothing passed that.
Does anyone here truly feel anything when they pray? If so, what does this feeling or communication seem to be like? I basically feel the same after prayer as I do before, which is troubling to me when I hear so many others discussing how they receive insight in prayer.
For instance, I have been praying for God to lead me to my calling or passion throughout my life. I pray on this and pray on this but never receive a feeling, a message, or an answer. I often find it hard to go to God in prayer because of this lack of communication because it always has felt to be absolutely one way.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/3/2008 9:33:04 PM
|
|
|
jn1010lf
Posts: 352
Joined: 4/20/2005
Status: offline
|
Hello journeyman7
Might I suggest that you investigate the phenomenon known as praying in the Spirit. Paul spoke about it in 1 Corinthians 12 & 14. I would suggest that you study these two chapters and ask God to reveal the truths in them.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/4/2008 12:35:56 AM
|
|
|
thiricy
Posts: 49
Joined: 8/22/2005
Status: offline
|
I face the same problems as you do, but the problem here is that God speaks through his word, thats where you have to look for answers. Please Listen to Word of God speak by Mercy me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=OMqJWwO-S8E
[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/4/2008 7:01:25 AM
|
|
|
Walker311
Posts: 1343
Joined: 4/11/2005
Status: offline
|
It would be reassuring if we could feel something or have a sign.
Through my anxiety and struggle with this as a young man I realized that God will show Himself to us in various ways and in His time.
So, because I could not get the kind of feedback that I thought that I needed, I decided to trust God anyway and a communication developed that has included feelings and acknowlegement.
Prayer is not neccessarily something that we do, it is a lifestyle.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/4/2008 2:58:06 PM
|
|
|
kyl
Posts: 1637
Joined: 5/2/2007
Status: offline
|
You have been given some great answers I hope they help you.
One thing stood out to me when i read your post that may very well be a stumbling block for you.
quote:
It is as if I am really talking to myself in my mind, but nothing passed that.
This thought needs to be done away with.You know it is a lie.
Pray with faith knowing that every word whispered to the Lord is heard and answered.
Pray knowing the Lord is willing to answer according to his will and in his time.
Pray with expectancy...
Pray knowing the answer is on it way.
Pray like you are sitting there with Jesus and he just said ask and you shall receive.
_____________________________
Psalm19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/4/2008 4:42:27 PM
|
|
|
LCannon
Posts: 1225
Joined: 2/22/2007
From: Lebanon, OR
Status: online
|
Largely, the power of prayer is as a result of my obedience and the evidence of a changed(and changing)life experience. Many want change as a resulting action on our part but that rarely is the case, as we pray, obey, serve...however the missing link, perhaps,isn't our prayer/obedience/service but His purpose. His purpose is in our obedience and rest, how frustrating or glorious, that be.
quote:
Pray with expectancy...
Pray knowing(and excepting)His(not necessarily 'our')answer is on it way.
< Message edited by LCannon -- 12/4/2008 4:49:33 PM >
_____________________________
"It may be that when the angels go about their task of praising God they play
only Bach. I am sure, however, that when they are together en famille they
play Mozart and then too our dear Lord listens with special pleasure."(Karl Barth)
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/5/2008 12:26:39 AM
|
|
|
AbbyGrace
Posts: 660
Status: offline
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: journeyman7
I should condition this post that I am a Christian. I always struggle with how good of a Christian I am because I always think to myself that I can do more. I will not digress on this previous subject, but I would like to hear other's thoughts on prayer.
I pray most every night, and I try to be as open and earnest as possible, but I never feel anything. I realize and have read enough to realize the importance of prayer, but most often I really think I am missing something. I never feel as if God is talking to me or communicating to me through prayer. I do realize that this is not, nor do I expect, a verbal type of communicating, but I feel nothing. It is as if I am really talking to myself in my mind, but nothing passed that.
Does anyone here truly feel anything when they pray? If so, what does this feeling or communication seem to be like? I basically feel the same after prayer as I do before, which is troubling to me when I hear so many others discussing how they receive insight in prayer.
For instance, I have been praying for God to lead me to my calling or passion throughout my life. I pray on this and pray on this but never receive a feeling, a message, or an answer. I often find it hard to go to God in prayer because of this lack of communication because it always has felt to be absolutely one way.
You are not alone...I believe we all experience it, but we must remain confident and know that God always hears us. I had a period of about 2 weeks, where I thought I was literally losing my mind. I never stopped praying or talking to Him, but I sure felt as though He wasnt there, and I hated it! And the more I felt like this, the more I talked to Him and the more honest I got, and before long, I felt His very presence again in my life, with His peace and strength. I believe that its times like these, when God seems distant, that He is doing more than we realize. We know that He never leaves us, we dont live by what we feel and we lean not on our own understanding....so during this period, just keep talking to Him and be as honest as you can....He WILL NOT forsake you, I promise.
_____________________________
Hebrews 12:14 "Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." 
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/5/2008 8:45:03 AM
|
|
|
journeyman7
Posts: 67
Joined: 11/11/2007
Status: offline
|
Eutychus, raivyne, mvic, eermousie, Dancre, jn1010lf, thiricy, Walker311,
kyl, LCannon, and AbbyGrace thank you all so much for the replies; such sincerity and heartfelt answers. I guess I am not alone out there when it comes to this topic.
It would be so much easier if God would simply talk to us, but this is where we enter into the realm of Faith.
Thank you
_____________________________
Mt 16:24 -
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/5/2008 10:55:06 AM
|
|
|
bob97
Posts: 2016
Joined: 6/24/2006
From: Kansas
Status: offline
|
I have had God speak to me but believe me in between these events can be long dry spells when your prayer can really seem like talking to the wall.
Just the other night I was laying in bed and my sick wife had to get up because her coughing became so horrible I thought she might choke to death. This had been going on for a couple of days but suddenly had reach a critical point.
I started to pray but wondering to what end...suddenly I said...God I know you are listening to me, I know you hear my plea and Lord I'm asking you to help my wife. At that time...in my mind there was no doubt that He would respond and almost immediately the coughing was reduced to almost nothing.
Sometimes I think we are lacking in faith and of course sometimes we are just asking for the wrong things.
Bob
_____________________________
The LORD clears the road for me!
The LORD is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Is the Power of Prayer Missing for Me? - 12/5/2008 12:17:41 PM
|
|
|
hispen
Posts: 71
Joined: 8/17/2006
Status: offline
|
I wanted to add something to this post regarding feelings that I learned. Once I learned it, I would repeat as needed whenever I let feelings get in the way: It's this " If I wait to FEEL like x-y-z I'll NEVER do it." For me that included walking, eating right, and PRAYER.
SMILE
_____________________________
His Pen
"The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." II Samuel 23:2
|
|
|
|
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
 Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts |
|
|
Forum Tools
Printable Version
