Question:  Hello Greg,

            I’ve been having an ongoing disagreement with one of my friends that I hope you may be able to shed some light on.

            I received a prayer request from a brother from my church.  In it he requested intercession on behalf of his “unbelieving sister” who is shortly to deliver her third child.  Her husband is a recent convert who is burdened over the fact that their two previous children were born considerably premature with difficulty and have since then suffered various ongoing ailments.

            Upon sharing this with my wife the debate began.

            The main cause for disagreement has been over the issue of whether prayers are or are not heard if one has not professed to “know” the Lord.  I have taken the stance that God is sovereign and that though an individual may not know Him intimately, that He (the Lord) does not turn a deaf ear to those particular individuals who seek his attention at a given moment out of unique sincerity in the bosom of their hearts.  My wife claims that the Lord will not!  Period!

            She further stated that you have to be careful what you pray for, because the Lord does deliver – and yet sometimes more than one is willing to accept?!?

            Thanks,

            Art

Answer:  Dear Art,

            There are many Christians who struggle with misunderstandings about prayer.  We often fall into the pitfall of thinking that God is some cosmic vending machine or bellhop who will take care of all our needs if we deposit the right amount of money or use the right words or phrases – or if “we have enough faith” (a huge misunderstanding).  Prayer is not primarily for the purpose of bargaining with God, or persuading him to change his mind.  One of the primary purposes of prayer is for us to spend time with God – to commune with him, to allow him to “speak” to us, for us to “listen” to him, and for him to be able to change our mind.  After all, is it God who needs to change his mind and heart, or us?

            We have a booklet we offer free of charge titled “Prayer: Talking to God”.  You may call us toll free at 1-800-509-4466 and request a copy.

            Hope this helps.  May God bless you.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht