Requa – requestor # 1
Questa – requestor #2
Cippy – recipient #1
Reci – recipient #2
Requa and Questa both put their prayer requests online to their respective group of readers and friends. In both cases, the requests were simple but non-specific.
Cippy responded to Requa’s request to “pray for her family” with this message: “I’ll pray, but names and specific situations are important and help greatly.”
Reci responded to Questa’s request to “pray for me” with this message: “I’m praying. Whatever your need is, God knows and He loves you. Let me know if I can help.”
I have seen responses like Cippy’s once too often when someone asks for prayer. The truth is, God DOES know. He doesn’t need US to give HIM specifics. In my opinion, Cippy’s response crossed a line. It is heading toward NOSEY. If Requa wanted to be specific, I’m sure she would have.
Reci’s response, in my opinion, is the one that ALL Christians should have when asked to pray. If, and when, Questa wants to share more about her situation, Reci has left the door open. More importantly, though, GOD does KNOW. And when we can honestly say we will pray even when we don’t know the specifics, I think it shows a certain level of faith and trust that HE CAN work in any situation. And that HE doesn’t need US to fill him in!
I confess, I have been in the situation where I was more curious than anything when someone asked me to pray, but didn’t “fill me in”. I try not to poke and prod, but I can’t say I have always been successful at this. I think, as I’ve grown in my faith, I work to respond more as the person who simply takes the request for what it is…a true heart-felt request. And, I DO pray for the requestor.
So, why am I writing this? I am not completely sure. It's simply what's on my heart and mind today.
I do believe that “prayer requests” have a very REAL danger of becoming gossip and meddling. I've seen many instances of this over my years in Christian circles. And I know when someone asks us to pray, we have a very real choice to make. We can be supportive of them where they are and offer to lend a true listening ear if, and when, it’s needed. Or, we can become meddlesome and possibly more damaging to a person in need.
It’s a fine line. May we all walk it well.
13 comments:
Amen! Even when i have specifics i may not use them. It is in God's hands... i am merely coming alongside to help a brother or sister out.
Great point, Susan!
Sometimes I pray for people not knowing one single thing about their need, only that they have one...other times I think God is nudging me to pray for someone He brings to my mind...and in that case, I know nothing at all! Just to pray...but God knows.
What interesting observations. I don't believe I've ever seen someone ask for more specifics, but I tend to agree with your thoughts on that.
I am thankful that a person asked for me to pray for them - it is an honor to bring a brother/sister and his/her needs before the Lord.
And like Tammy said, the Lord also brings people to mind and I pray for them...not having any details. I may find out later and I may not - it doesn't matter...because it isn't about me!!
Hope you had a great weekend!!
I agree with you. I used to be the "nosy" one, and I think what it came down to was pride (I needed to know everything), and gossip (I needed to have a "prayer" to pass onto someone else). I used to justify it however I could, but it truly came down to self-centered motives- boosting my ego and my significance.
Also, when someone isn't in tune with the voice of God and of the Holy Spirit, they think, "I really have no clue what to pray for." But when your ears are "open" to the Lord, God brings the words.
Such a good post on an important topic. I, too, have seen some prayer groups turn into nothing but gossip. Such a shame. Yes, the God that know the number of hairs on our heads certainly knows ALL and doesn't need us to fill in the gaps.
Susan
A very good reminder Susan. God does know all the details and He knows better than we do how to pray. All things are His business but most things are not ours.
Rich blessings to you!
I have been in lots of sitautions (Sunday School), etc. where people put out a prayer request and there is - more often than not - follow up questions for exactly what you are saying....name, where do they live, etc. I could never figure that out and never thought it was right to probe like that. I totally agree with you.
Well thought out and so true, Sooz. Thanks for sharing.
Susan, yes I so agree with this...Prayer is prayer and God hears and God already knows anyway...Great point..
Sandy
I agree with you TOTALLY! My feeling is the same as yours, God knows the situation and when I pray and call the person's name who asks for prayer, He immediately knows why I am praying for them. If someone pokes around trying to find out the particulars it seems they are more interested in the 'dirt' than praying.
Thanks for sharing this. I think it is a good reminder for us all.
I think you are so dead on with this. God is always listening and he listens to our hearts and knows what we are truly praying for. Specifics get lost in translation. We should all just be thankful that we can pray and that we do believe in the power of prayer.
What a good post. I have had a lot of people be "nosy" with me. One person in particular (not a blogger) just boggles my mind why she wants to know all the specifics of everything.
I honestly had never thought about this in the context you have written though. Very thought provoking.
Yes. God hears no matter how much info you have. I never ask for more than anyone wants to give. Just a simple YES... I will pray... that is sufficient! It IS rude to ask for more info.
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