What prayer is not

My Sociology professor defined "prayer" as a religious spell, or ritual to affect the outcome of a situation.  Taken aback, I realized that he was right...at least, that's what prayer is for a lot of self-proclaimed Christians.  A wish list of desires demanded of a supernatural force, thus turning God into a personal genie.  Just rub his lamp.

---

Put as simply as I can, prayer is an ongoing conversation with God your Father.  How?    "Because we are indwelt by the Spirit of Christ everywhere we go and anytime that we are awake we can be in God’s presence." In reality our prayers should look like a conversation in a loving relationship:

1. Prayer is NOT generic. Be Specific. I often catch myself praying "plug-n-play" prayers. How thankful are we really for this meal if we're mindlessly playing a recorded prayer?  Reciting the Lord's prayer is beautiful...if you actually mean it.
   
   
2. Prayer is NOT demanding.  Be Submissive. We need to remember who God is.  We can't twist God's arm, earn his answer, or feel obligated  to a response.  Otherwise we risk looking like a child demanding a cookie, or spouse demanding to be "loved."
   
   
3. Prayer is not NOT doubting. Be Expectant. God may not answer specific requests in ways we desire, but we should at least know that God has heard us otherwise we have a trust issue.   We need to remember who God is and that his will will always be done, even in our own lives.
   
   
4. Prayer is NOT fearful. Be Persistent.  God knows your needs and wants even before you ask.  If we are God's beloved children, he will provide exactly what we need.  It's been said God answers prayer three ways: "Yes," "No,"  and "Wait."  Who isn't thankful for at least one unanswered prayer in their life?
   
   

Jesus on Prayer & Solitude
Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Matt 6:5-15; Matt 7:7-11; Matt 9:38; Mark 6:31; Matt 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luke 11:1-13; Matt 21:12-13; Luke 19:45-48; Matt 21:22; Mark 11:24-25; John 14:12-14; John 15:16; John 16:23-28; Matt 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46; Luke 18:1-14

(Roy King - Spirit and Prayer)