This is meant to be a blog to discuss and investigate issues and topics within Christianity, primarily as they relate to teenagers trying to understand more about their faith as growing Christians. Feel free to tell your friends, even if they don't know us. Although we may disagree and be different denominations, let us come together through Christ.
[To the Post] I'm sorry for my ignorance, but what does a prayer include exactly (or does it vary)? Folding your hands and saying a specific verse? Or just generally praising Him? Or just closing your eyes and mentally thanking Him?
I think this challenge should only be applicable to you assuming you normally conduct prayer before meals.
Please never let this ever be anything even remotely close to trying to get attention :-|
[To Mya] See, this is where I, unfortunately, begin to be like "sigh". I don't think that overcoming what other people think of you requires God-given strength.
Sometimes, I feel like people leave too much to God, when they really have the power to do things themselves. I'm not trying to say that you shouldn't pray to God, but I think that prayer should be for bigger things than overcoming what other people think of you.
It's like, I think God wants us to be independent as well; I don't think finding salvation in Him means calling him to help us with everything. I think part of it is God loves watching you grow, too, be as strong as you can; the best that you can.
I'm glad you asked. A prayer can be anything you want it to be, essentially. There's no specific format in which to pray. Sometimes when I'm frustrated I just yell at God for what I'm going through. Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I praise Him. Almost all the time I ask for help. It can be as simple as "help me God," or as complicated as sitting down for an hour (or more) to ask God to help your circumstance and the circumstances of others. Intercession (a different type of prayer) involves stepping in (interceding) in someone's life through prayer and asking for a radical change, protection, etc. Prayer is really cool and really REALLY important. I see what you mean. I don't think it "requires" God-given strength either. But why would I rely on my own strength when I can have the power of God helping me overcome obstacles? As for thinking that prayer is for bigger things, look at what Philippians 4:6,7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." and again in 1 Thesasalonians 5:17,18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." God wants us to rely on Him through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit all the time. Let me know what you think
Hmmm ok. You definitely have textual support for that. As a nonbeliever, I still don't agree with it personally, but in discussing the Bible's meaning with the assumption that it's true (the part I don't believe), I understand and agree with your views.
I don't think I will ever agree with the Bible, but I still wish to understand it and Christianity, so in commenting, I will attempt to look at what you guys say assuming Christianity is true, and argue the meaning from there. Deal? :)
Sounds good to me! It's cool that you keep commenting. It's really spurred me on in my faith and hopefully we've been able to shed some light on Christianity for you. Thanks for being so respectful. I really appreciate it.
I'm always afraid to do this. I've gotta pray that I wouldn't care what others think about me- that's the only thing that's holding me back.
ReplyDelete[To the Post]
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for my ignorance, but what does a prayer include exactly (or does it vary)? Folding your hands and saying a specific verse? Or just generally praising Him? Or just closing your eyes and mentally thanking Him?
I think this challenge should only be applicable to you assuming you normally conduct prayer before meals.
Please never let this ever be anything even remotely close to trying to get attention :-|
[To Mya]
See, this is where I, unfortunately, begin to be like "sigh". I don't think that overcoming what other people think of you requires God-given strength.
Sometimes, I feel like people leave too much to God, when they really have the power to do things themselves. I'm not trying to say that you shouldn't pray to God, but I think that prayer should be for bigger things than overcoming what other people think of you.
It's like, I think God wants us to be independent as well; I don't think finding salvation in Him means calling him to help us with everything. I think part of it is God loves watching you grow, too, be as strong as you can; the best that you can.
I'm glad you asked. A prayer can be anything you want it to be, essentially. There's no specific format in which to pray. Sometimes when I'm frustrated I just yell at God for what I'm going through. Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I praise Him. Almost all the time I ask for help. It can be as simple as "help me God," or as complicated as sitting down for an hour (or more) to ask God to help your circumstance and the circumstances of others. Intercession (a different type of prayer) involves stepping in (interceding) in someone's life through prayer and asking for a radical change, protection, etc. Prayer is really cool and really REALLY important.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean. I don't think it "requires" God-given strength either. But why would I rely on my own strength when I can have the power of God helping me overcome obstacles? As for thinking that prayer is for bigger things, look at what Philippians 4:6,7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." and again in 1 Thesasalonians 5:17,18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." God wants us to rely on Him through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit all the time. Let me know what you think
Hmmm ok. You definitely have textual support for that. As a nonbeliever, I still don't agree with it personally, but in discussing the Bible's meaning with the assumption that it's true (the part I don't believe), I understand and agree with your views.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I will ever agree with the Bible, but I still wish to understand it and Christianity, so in commenting, I will attempt to look at what you guys say assuming Christianity is true, and argue the meaning from there. Deal? :)
Sounds good to me! It's cool that you keep commenting. It's really spurred me on in my faith and hopefully we've been able to shed some light on Christianity for you. Thanks for being so respectful. I really appreciate it.
ReplyDelete