We tend to run to 'prayer' as a problem solving device; naturally enough, i would say. However, i'm currently studying under a pastor who maintains that prayer is often not what is needed, and cannot help in many situations. Thoughts?
Would have to know more about what he thinks. Sounds suspicious, as prayer certainly was something even Jesus had to do, even the night before he died, he prayed all night. I would be very suspicious of someone who said a follower of Christ need not pray, although I don't know if that is what you are referring to. More information about his thoughts would be necessary.
Not that one should not pray, no; but that prayer is often accepted as the cure, if you will, possibly often to the detriment of faith/rest. And interesting that you mention that passage, as i think we poorly understand it; was Christ really asking God if He could take a pass on the whole Saviour thing, as it translates? I don't think so; God is the head of Christ. So, what is this prayer really saying? But this is not meant to refute always in prayer by any means, i don't think.
This teaching only comes in pieces, but i'll work up a synopsis. Meanwhile, i had hoped to get some feedback from others as to when or if prayer might be ineffective as a problem solving method; and Scripture even provides some direct quotes along these lines.
We tend to run to 'prayer' as a problem solving device; naturally enough, i would say. However, i'm currently studying under a pastor who maintains that prayer is often not what is needed, and cannot help in many situations. Thoughts?
I'm trying to think of a scripture which may suggest a circumstance where prayer would be unnecessary, inappropriate, or ineffective. I'm drawing a blank.
I'm trying to think of a scripture which may suggest a circumstance where prayer would be unnecessary, inappropriate, or ineffective. I'm drawing a blank.
I think that would be when God told someone not to pray.
Jeremiah 7:16 says, "Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, and don't beg me to help them, for I will not listen to you."
Jeremiah 11:14 says, "Pray no more for these people, Jeremiah. Do not weep or pray for them, for I will not listen to them when they cry out to me in distress."
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His banner over me is LOVE.... My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
yup, that's 2 (or maybe one reiterated?); there's another at the end of 1Sam8, and some others; but, having absorbed this concept over the last 2 years or so, i have to say that i am now getting more from reading between the lines of Christ's prayer, above, et al.
either add "...Solving Device" back into the link, or just scroll about 90% down the page.
i will say that i am 'spoiling' this, due to the higher maturity level of most Christians here; so i hope that too much of the impact is not lost. If you wonder why prayer does not seem to be effective in a situation, this may provide some answers.
If someone says "prayer works", I would counter with the following:
"No it doesn't. God works".
If someone says "prayer changes things", I would counter with the following:
"No it doesn't. God changes things".
If someone says "prayer is powerful", I would counter with the following:
"No it isn't. God is powerful".
See the difference?
The first is, perhaps subconsciously, putting faith in the act one undertakes to reach God. The second is a conscious realization that the act one undertakes to reach God is the means whereby God (and not prayer) can do many wonderful, even amazing things.
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For anyone devoted to His fear:
Additionally, I've had many people come to me and ask for counsel and advice. At some point they usually say the following:
"I've prayed about it..."
To which I reply, "That's good, but now what?"
They get a little confused, and so I explain.
God is a practical God. He's not going to do for you the things He fully expects you to do yourself. He's not a Sugar Daddy. He doesn't make decisions for you, and He cannot act for you on your behalf if and when you have a mind to think, say, or do some X, Y, or Z.
The Word already reveals what it takes to please Him. Obedience is on you.
The best example I can give is:
When a person is tempted, and they have prayed, this is well and good. But then what?
God is not going to stop you from giving in. You, (with His help, of course) must resist the urges of your flesh to do the wrong thing.
If you intend to give in, and so, do give in, all the previously offered prayer in the world ain't gonna save you. And in that instance, neither is God.
Another example:
A person prays "God, I need a job. Please supply. I believe you can do it!"
A good prayer.
But where are the legs?
That same person won't check the help wanted ads, doesn't look in the windows of various local businesses for signs saying "Now Hiring", doesn't prepare or tweak their resume, won't do a job search online, doesn't ask around through their network, and just sits at home pining away.
That person is probably NEVER going to get a job from God.
I suppose a random phone call from out of the blue could happen. I'm sure it has. But banking on a $100 bills from heaven type miracle when you've got a back, hands, feet, and a brain to earn an income for yourself is a pretty much dead end way of supporting yourself.
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For anyone devoted to His fear:
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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