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i have a real question about prayers

KEVD18KEVD18 Member Posts: 15,037
edited January 2013 in General Discussion
im not trying to start a religious fight. i just have a legitimate question about the mechanical aspect of prayer. hopefully, i can get an answer without it going to pieces. here goes.

at any given time, there are always a few prayer requests here. im assuming that you all that pray have other people in your lives not connected to gun broker that you're praying for, as well as non person prayers.

my question is this. how do you keep it all straight? do you have like a written list? do you use some sort of a catch all like "lord, please heal all the sick people i know" or something? it seems like some of you folks have a lot to pray for. i go to the market for three things and by the time i get there i cant remember two of them, yet some of you seem to be able to remember the 15 things on your daily prayer list. im legitimately curious as to how you remember all that and whats the process like. is there an individual prayer for every item on the list? do you ever phone it in like "lord, all that stuff i prayed about yesterday i'd like to pray about today, but the ball game is about to start or im boiling an egg"?
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Comments

  • woodhogwoodhog Member Posts: 13,115 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    there's a special prayer to help you remember who to pray for
  • TfloggerTflogger Member Posts: 3,397 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Most people can remember 2-3 names without a problem.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    I have kept a list in the past. And while there are times where the situation dictates specificity, there are patently times when a more generic prayer may be appropriate. Consider the prayer given to Jesus' disciples in Mat 6:

    Mat 6:9 KJV - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
    Mat 6:10 KJV - Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
    Mat 6:11 KJV - Give us this day our daily bread.
    Mat 6:12 KJV - And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
    Mat 6:13 KJV - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

    It's lesser known equivalent is given in Luke 11:
    Luk 11:2 KJV - And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
    Luk 11:3 KJV - Give us day by day our daily bread.
    Luk 11:4 KJV - And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.


    Each serves as a general outline and it is my understanding from scripture that one may be as specific or as generic as desired, as God knows the intents of our hearts:

    Hbr 4:12 KJV - For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.


    (ETA: I could give examples of prayers showing both the specific and the general from scripture if you would like.)
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • Joes Custom GunsJoes Custom Guns Member Posts: 1,671 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Why not ask the Lord to Help You with Your Quistion?
  • Bubba Jr.Bubba Jr. Member Posts: 8,303 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Joes Custom Guns
    Why not ask the Lord to Help You with Your Quistion?


    Well first the Lord will have to figure out what a "Quistion" is. [:)]
  • MaxOHMSMaxOHMS Member Posts: 14,715
    edited November -1
    I have a terrible memory.

    God has a perfect memory.
  • M1A762M1A762 Member Posts: 3,426
    edited November -1
    It is not complicated at all; just ask God to help people - even if you do not know who they are.

    Just takes a few seconds.[:)]

    I pray you are able to understand.
  • gesshotsgesshots Member Posts: 15,678 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    GB prayer requests are said at the time of response.

    I don't limit prayers to any fixed schedule.

    Some folks are always included in my prayers........

    [^]
    It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't. ~ J.B. Books
  • beantownshootahbeantownshootah Member Posts: 12,776 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:my question is this. how do you keep it all straight?
    I'm not one of these "prayers", but I think if I were, I really wouldn't have a hard time remembering the names of the very small number of close family members or friends whom I knew that were sick that I wanted to pray for.

    If I were to ask you that question (ie whom do you know like that that you think you would want to pray for (if you were the praying sort), I doubt you'd have a hard time remembering who they were, and if you did have a hard time remembering their names, you probably wouldn't be praying for them anyway.

    quote:i go to the market for three things and by the time i get there i cant remember two of them,
    Well, arguably you're the one with the problem here! [;)]

    But I think, if say, these three things at at the store were critical medicines necessary to save the lives of close family members who were dying, your memory would improve and you'd probably be able to remember.

    Also, its not like prayer requires a trip to the store. You don't have to put on your shoes or warm up the car in the garage to do it, you know, so if you forget and remember later, it shouldn't be too hard a "problem" to fix.
  • dheffleydheffley Member Posts: 25,000
    edited November -1
    Sandy and I keep a prayer list and pray every day from that list. It is the only way we can keep up with changes, and those changes usually affect what the specific prayer is.

    That being said, I always offer an immediate prayer when I see or hear a request. I get lots of emails for prayer requests and I also have more an more of my own as I get older.

    Sometimes, the list is huge!
  • retroxler58retroxler58 Member Posts: 32,693 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    We keep a prayer list... And have a 'daily' prayer before retiring in the evening.
    But, with that said... There's no distinct time a prayer should be done.
    And I often say a quick prayer when the need arises during the day.
    I often also use the 'Lord's prayer' as mentioned by Mr. Perfect...
  • CoolhandLukeCoolhandLuke Member Posts: 7,826 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Never underestimate the healing power of prayer.
    We have to fight so we can run away.
    Capt. Jack Sparrow.
  • bigoutsidebigoutside Member Posts: 19,443
    edited November -1
    I try to pray without ceasing.
    1 Thessalonians 5:17
  • whiteclouderwhiteclouder Member Posts: 10,574 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I believe God knows what's in your heart, so a heartfelt prayer for the welfare of those you've been thinking of will do just fine.

    I hope your question was not mocking or frivilous because God has an eternal memory and He will not be mocked.

    Your beliefs may differ and I respect that, too.

    Clouder..
  • evileye fleagalevileye fleagal Member Posts: 4,238 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    pray while typing, he knows my heart.

    that allows me to move on past their hurt an pain, taking my share from them.

    hopefully liftin some of their burden.

    would you like one kev, sorry you got it anyway. peace be with you.
  • TooBigTooBig Member Posts: 28,559 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What does it hurt to remember someone that needs a Prayer and at least you have a moment with them. Go for it if it makes a person feel better and if your a Atheist they have no reason to get you all dressed up when you die since you have no place to go.
  • machine gun moranmachine gun moran Member Posts: 5,198
    edited November -1
    "Your Father knows what things you have need of, before you ask Him."

    'He tires of long and laborious prayer.'

    "Therefore, after this manner, pray..."


    But first, the relationship must exist.




    BTW, God resents sightseers.
  • Joes Custom GunsJoes Custom Guns Member Posts: 1,671 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    UNLIKE YOU: THE LORD DOES NOT NEED TO FIGUE OUT ANYTHING.
    HE ALREADY KNOWS ALL THINGS!!


    quote:Originally posted by Bubba Jr.
    quote:Originally posted by Joes Custom Guns
    Why not ask the Lord to Help You with Your Quistion?


    Well first the Lord will have to figure out what a "Quistion" is. [:)]
  • wpagewpage Member Posts: 10,201 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Read your Bible for more details on prayer...

    Meanwhile the Lords prayer is the best place to start.
  • andrewsw16andrewsw16 Member Posts: 10,728 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The last time I was at the B Dalton bookstore in the mall I stopped to look at bibles. There must have been a dozen or more different versions.
    Which one is the "true" edition/interpretation? I've known some who say the KJ version, but others who recommend a more modern English translation.
  • woodshed87woodshed87 Member Posts: 23,478 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If You Have to Ask You wouldn't Understand [^]
    Woody
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by andrewsw16
    The last time I was at the B Dalton bookstore in the mall I stopped to look at bibles. There must have been a dozen or more different versions.
    Which one is the "true" edition/interpretation? I've known some who say the KJ version, but others who recommend a more modern English translation.

    First of all, there's no such thing as a perfect translation. It just can't happen. One word in one language can mean three or four different words in another, for example.

    That said, the King James has several advantages over other translations. For one, it translates the correct source manuscripts. Any translation that does not do this is not worth consideration. Secondly, the translation has been studied for many years and its weaknesses in translation are well known and extensively documented. This is not true for any modern translation (most all of which do not meet criteria 1). Third, some of the more archaic usages are actually more accurate translations of the original. Consider just the pronouns "thee" and "thou" both or which the singular form of the word "you", which is ambiguous (note that when "you" is used in the KJV it indicates plural). Lastly, the prose and poetry is beautifully written and wonderful to hear read aloud, as scripture should be.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
  • woodshed87woodshed87 Member Posts: 23,478 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    +10000quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    GB prayer requests are said at the time of response.

    I don't limit prayers to any fixed schedule.

    Some folks are always included in my prayers........

    [^]
  • Bubba Jr.Bubba Jr. Member Posts: 8,303 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Joes Custom Guns
    UNLIKE YOU: THE LORD DOES NOT NEED TO FIGUE OUT ANYTHING.
    HE ALREADY KNOWS ALL THINGS!!


    quote:Originally posted by Bubba Jr.
    quote:Originally posted by Joes Custom Guns
    Why not ask the Lord to Help You with Your Quistion?


    Well first the Lord will have to figure out what a "Quistion" is. [:)]



    As long as he can figue it out, it's OK. [:)]
  • OakieOakie Member Posts: 40,565 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    GB prayer requests are said at the time of response.

    I don't limit prayers to any fixed schedule.

    Some folks are always included in my prayers........

    [^]


    Ditto
  • thunderboltthunderbolt Member Posts: 6,041 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Stick with the KJV.
  • themountainmanthemountainman Member Posts: 1,207 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I can only answer for myself. Prayer is a conversation with GOD. I have tried to develop a personal relationship that is the most important I have with anyone. I RELATE TO GOD very much the same as humans or other of God's creatures. Prayer is that dialog. God relates to me in everything I have experienced. We try to keep everything simple, seems to work best.
    There are 3 kinds of people in the world. Those who can do math and those who can't. :?
  • jimdeerejimdeere Member, Moderator Posts: 26,277 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by themountainman
    I can only answer for myself. Prayer is a conversation with GOD. I have tried to develop a personal relationship that is the most important I have with anyone. I RELATE TO GOD very much the same as humans or other of God's creatures. Prayer is that dialog. God relates to me in everything I have experienced. We try to keep everything simple, seems to work best.

    You put it better that I ever could have.
  • Old.22BoltsOld.22Bolts Member Posts: 6,032
    edited November -1
    Whether you are sincere or not here is my answer:

    Matthew 18:19 (KJV)
    19Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth
    as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them
    of my Father which is in heaven.
  • yoshmysteryoshmyster Member Posts: 22,059 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I guess it all falls under positive thinking in that Transdential Meditation thing where folks link up in that spider web that we all are "supposed" to be connected to.

    As for healing the sick. It's a crap shoot. Some luck or money (meds, too) to get well.
  • GrasshopperGrasshopper Member Posts: 17,041 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Never underestimate or take it for granted--Its a tool, powerful tool.
  • searcher5searcher5 Member Posts: 13,511
    edited November -1
    I just pray for folks as the come to mind. Something like the internet, well, that brings that person with trouble to mind. Others, that are experiencing hard times, are always on my mind.

    I rarely attend church, a fact of which I am neither proud, or ashamed. I have my beliefs, they work for me. What others do, well, that's up to them.
  • kidthatsirishkidthatsirish Member Posts: 6,984 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I pray about a thousand different ways....as I see fitting for the situation. Sometimes this includes a list...sometimes not.
  • pietro75pietro75 Member Posts: 7,048
    edited November -1
    You have only one 24/7 companion and you can reach him at anytime. Many great answers here imho. I pray for all kinds of things and even "on the fly" while on the PC. It is a constant relationship.

    Sure is nice to see this go civil. Been a long time!
  • montanajoemontanajoe Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 60,240 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by pietro75
    You have only one 24/7 companion and you can reach him at anytime. Many great answers here imho. I pray for all kinds of things and even "on the fly" while on the PC. It is a constant relationship.

    Sure is nice to see this go civil. Been a long time!
    [^][^][^][^]
  • montanajoemontanajoe Forums Admins, Member, Moderator Posts: 60,240 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Oakie
    quote:Originally posted by gesshots
    GB prayer requests are said at the time of response.

    I don't limit prayers to any fixed schedule.

    Some folks are always included in my prayers........

    [^]


    Ditto
    Absolutely.[^][^][^][^]
  • KEVD18KEVD18 Member Posts: 15,037
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by whiteclouder
    I believe God knows what's in your heart, so a heartfelt prayer for the welfare of those you've been thinking of will do just fine.

    I hope your question was not mocking or frivilous because God has an eternal memory and He will not be mocked.

    Your beliefs may differ and I respect that, too.

    Clouder..


    my question wasnt mocking or in jest. it was legitimate. whether it was frivolous or not is a matter of interpretation. my own beliefs are fairly well documented on this board. i dont pray. i dont believe in god. i dont own a bible. while technically speaking i am a confirmed catholic, i havent been to church since that day and long ago renounced my faith.

    i wasnt making light of prayer in any way. if thats what makes you feel good, then go for it. i dont care for it when people try to jam their beliefs down my throat, but im all for you believing in what you like. if you respect my right to not believe, i'll respect your right to believe. you'd be surprised how hard it is for some to make this simple deal.

    my question was simply about the mechanics of prayer when you've got a dozen people to pray for. i was trying to picture someone on their knees at the end of their bed with a palm sized crib sheet of all the people they are praying for and i couldnt decide whether that was possible, likely, or ludicrous so i though i'd ask. im not making fun, just curious.
  • skicatskicat Member Posts: 14,431
    edited November -1
    When I pray for people asking online for help, the prayer is said before I hit Post New Reply. When I decide to pray for whomever, I do it as I think of it. I have never had a practice of saving them up for the end of the day. If I did, I suspect I would forget some of the prayers.
  • allen griggsallen griggs Member Posts: 35,692 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There is tremendous power in prayer.

    It is a matter of faith.
  • Mr. PerfectMr. Perfect Member, Moderator Posts: 66,437 ******
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by KEVD18
    quote:Originally posted by whiteclouder
    I believe God knows what's in your heart, so a heartfelt prayer for the welfare of those you've been thinking of will do just fine.

    I hope your question was not mocking or frivilous because God has an eternal memory and He will not be mocked.

    Your beliefs may differ and I respect that, too.

    Clouder..


    my question wasnt mocking or in jest. it was legitimate. whether it was frivolous or not is a matter of interpretation. my own beliefs are fairly well documented on this board. i dont pray. i dont believe in god. i dont own a bible. while technically speaking i am a confirmed catholic, i havent been to church since that day and long ago renounced my faith.

    i wasnt making light of prayer in any way. if thats what makes you feel good, then go for it. i dont care for it when people try to jam their beliefs down my throat, but im all for you believing in what you like. if you respect my right to not believe, i'll respect your right to believe. you'd be surprised how hard it is for some to make this simple deal.

    my question was simply about the mechanics of prayer when you've got a dozen people to pray for. i was trying to picture someone on their knees at the end of their bed with a palm sized crib sheet of all the people they are praying for and i couldnt decide whether that was possible, likely, or ludicrous so i though i'd ask. im not making fun, just curious.
    Yes, I have done that, but I used a larger sized notebook. It is quite interesting to look back at that book and see how the prayers were answered.
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    And fiery auto crashes
    Some will die in hot pursuit
    While sifting through my ashes
    Some will fall in love with life
    And drink it from a fountain
    That is pouring like an avalanche
    Coming down the mountain
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