How important is prayer in the Christian life?

[Bruce.Leiter]

In our action and achievement-oriented cultures, it's my impression that we think prayer is optional instead of essential. How much is that so?

 

[Hopeful 2]

In our action and achievement-oriented cultures, it's my impression that we think prayer is optional instead of essential. How much is that so?

A Christian life without prayer, is a dead faith.

 

[WIP]

In our action and achievement-oriented cultures, it's my impression that we think prayer is optional instead of essential. How much is that so?

If we look to our Lord as an example, it is very important.

 

[JLB]

In our action and achievement-oriented cultures, it's my impression that we think prayer is optional instead of essential. How much is that so?

It’s a priory if you want to walk according to the Spirit.

 

[Free]

In our action and achievement-oriented cultures, it's my impression that we think prayer is optional instead of essential. How much is that so?

Agreed. Most professing Christians live as practical atheists and pray only when troubles arise or to get something they want. But prayer is to the spiritual life as breathing is to the physical.

 

[WIP]

Agreed. Most professing Christians live as practical atheists and pray only when troubles arise or to get something they want. But prayer is to the spiritual life as breathing is to the physical.

Yes, and without ceasing.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

 

[Hidden In Him]

In our action and achievement-oriented cultures, it's my impression that we think prayer is optional instead of essential. How much is that so?

I once found myself going through the phone book calling some of our local churches in the area, asking at what time they held prayer services. I was currently without a church and wanting to know if there might be something close by I could go to on a particular night that might work for me.

The answers I got were a little frightening. One told me they had no formal prayer services, but I was welcome to come pray at the church any time I wanted. Another told me something similar, but was even more vague. A third acted like she didn't even know what a prayer service was.

The church where my wife goes certainly has them, so it's not as if the city is without churches that pray, but I found the answers I was getting so troubling that I gave up the search. And while I fully agree that prayer needs to be an integral part of the believer's personal life, it is much easier to engage in it when the entire church is praying, as was recorded in Acts 12.

As for the rest, I agree with nearly every reply.

 

[Niblo]

Most professing Christians live as practical atheists and pray only when troubles arise or to get something they want.

Evidence?

 

[Free]

Evidence?

Talking to, listening to, and watching professing Christians. Reading books from the last few centuries on prayer and the Christian life. What I said is actually paraphrased from someone else, I just can't remember who. The entire Word of Faith movement is one of pursuing material things, ignoring the gospel, and praying to get whatever one wants, all in contradiction to Scripture.