Thoughts on Prayer
You’ve experienced this, just as I have. You’re at the Sunday Bible class and the teacher asks for prayer requests. What dominates the list as it is assembled? You know the answer. Prayers for the sick. And I get it, because when I’m sick, I want others praying for me, as well.
That said, do we find such an emphasis in the prayers mentioned within the New Testament, as the apostles and their associates write the history of Jesus’ life and of the early church? No, we don’t. Several years ago, I decided to do a study, working through the New Testament, listing each time prayer is mentioned, or a request for prayer is made. I discovered 63 such references. I categorized those that provided a prayer topic:
For the struggle to stand strong & get the gospel message out = 6, or 10% (rounding)
For character development = 5, or 8%
For those who persecute you = 2, or 3%
For protection against temptation or evil = 2, or 3%
For unity = 1, or 2%
For the sick = 1, or 2%
The other 70% mention prayer, encourage prayer, but do not say what is being prayed for.
Based on the example of scripture, if quantity is a factor, praying for the ability to stand strong and to boldly present the gospel message, should dominate our prayers. And the maturing of our character, as we study the directions provided by Jesus and his apostles, would be a close second. If we truly prayed and worked for those two things, more people would hear about the Lord, protection from temptation would have a stronger foundation, and perseverance when tempted or persecuted would be more likely.
The one reference for the sick is in James 5, where we find interesting words. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, to be healed.”
What is James talking about? It sounds more complicated than physical sickness. Studies have shown that when we sin against someone and hold a grudge, it impacts us mentally and physically, and it almost sounds like something of that nature is James’ topic. Spiritual sickness is the primary concern, not physical. But regardless, this is the lone mention of praying for the sick, and it says for the local church elders to do it.
What about all the healings Jesus did in his ministry, you might ask? They were evidence of who he was – the Messiah – and certainly showed God’s compassion on those who suffer but really don’t help us much when it comes to the topic of praying for the sick. We show such compassion today as we assist those who are sick, and as medical professionals use the skills God has granted them to help the sick.
Is there anything wrong with praying for the sick? No, and as I said, I desire such prayer when I’m sick. I much appreciate the prayers offered for me during my heart surgery in 2024, I believe they made a difference, especially with one thing that happened during surgery. All I’m saying is, we should broaden our perspective, knowing that no matter how many times we are healed of a sickness, we will still die one day, but the gospel message provides hope beyond the grave! That’s when ultimate and complete healing takes place.
Question: During your personal prayer time, what dominates your prayers? How might you change that?
That said, do we find such an emphasis in the prayers mentioned within the New Testament, as the apostles and their associates write the history of Jesus’ life and of the early church? No, we don’t. Several years ago, I decided to do a study, working through the New Testament, listing each time prayer is mentioned, or a request for prayer is made. I discovered 63 such references. I categorized those that provided a prayer topic:
For the struggle to stand strong & get the gospel message out = 6, or 10% (rounding)
For character development = 5, or 8%
For those who persecute you = 2, or 3%
For protection against temptation or evil = 2, or 3%
For unity = 1, or 2%
For the sick = 1, or 2%
The other 70% mention prayer, encourage prayer, but do not say what is being prayed for.
Based on the example of scripture, if quantity is a factor, praying for the ability to stand strong and to boldly present the gospel message, should dominate our prayers. And the maturing of our character, as we study the directions provided by Jesus and his apostles, would be a close second. If we truly prayed and worked for those two things, more people would hear about the Lord, protection from temptation would have a stronger foundation, and perseverance when tempted or persecuted would be more likely.
The one reference for the sick is in James 5, where we find interesting words. “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, to be healed.”
What is James talking about? It sounds more complicated than physical sickness. Studies have shown that when we sin against someone and hold a grudge, it impacts us mentally and physically, and it almost sounds like something of that nature is James’ topic. Spiritual sickness is the primary concern, not physical. But regardless, this is the lone mention of praying for the sick, and it says for the local church elders to do it.
What about all the healings Jesus did in his ministry, you might ask? They were evidence of who he was – the Messiah – and certainly showed God’s compassion on those who suffer but really don’t help us much when it comes to the topic of praying for the sick. We show such compassion today as we assist those who are sick, and as medical professionals use the skills God has granted them to help the sick.
Is there anything wrong with praying for the sick? No, and as I said, I desire such prayer when I’m sick. I much appreciate the prayers offered for me during my heart surgery in 2024, I believe they made a difference, especially with one thing that happened during surgery. All I’m saying is, we should broaden our perspective, knowing that no matter how many times we are healed of a sickness, we will still die one day, but the gospel message provides hope beyond the grave! That’s when ultimate and complete healing takes place.
Question: During your personal prayer time, what dominates your prayers? How might you change that?
Posted in Waking Up Eutychus