Prayer Myths (Pt 1)

Prayer is one of the guiding principles of the church that I serve. It ought to be one of the guiding principles of every believer. But to understand prayer we must first understand some myths about prayer that we have often bought into.

      I.     There are Myths that We have Believed About Prayer:

Too often there are ideas about prayer that become a part of church culture but are not particularly biblical. Below are 6 myths about prayer that seem to have become a part of how we think as believers. Let me address a few of them.

Myth #1: The more people you have praying the better chance you have of getting God to answer your prayer.

How is this true when James reminds us that "The prayer of a righteous man has great power as it is working" (Jas 5:16b ESV)? Here God says that one man's prayer is powerful. Nowhere do we hear God saying that the prayers of many people are powerful. There is something comforting about knowing that many people are praying for me. But the number of people praying does not make the prayer more effective. Jesus said, “If two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Mt 18:19). Prayer is not a numbers game where God is waiting for us to reach the right number of people before he answers. Answered prayer only takes two or three.

Myth #2: Some prayers are better than others. If you find one that works use it often.

 How is this true when Jesus told us that the Gentiles "heap up empty phrases," but that we are not to pray in that way? (Mt 6:7) When we approach prayer as though it is about finding the right words in order for it to work, then prayer has become an incantation to manipulate God, not a heart communication with God. Prayer is not about finding the right formula, but about pouring out your heart to God who cares. The Psalms are songs and prayers. Each one written in a different setting concerning a different need or experience. Prayer is like that. Don’t fall for the myth that certain prayers move God better than others.

Myth #3: God is reluctant to answer. Persistent prayer will irritate him enough that he will finally give in.

Luke 18:1-8 is often quoted to support this claim. Jesus told a parable in order to communicate that we should never lose heart and quit praying. The story is about an unjust judge who responds to a woman's pleas because of her persistence rather than because her request is just. But, God is not an unjust judge. The reason we keep praying is not because our persistence will irritate God enough that he will eventually answer, but because he is a just judge and will therefore hear our pleas. Therefore, don't stop praying. Prayer is as much for us as for God. It is in prayer that we realize our dependence. It is in prayer that we hear from God even as he hears from us. God’s answer comes in his time. In the meantime don’t stop praying.

These are three myths that I have fallen for and seen people fall for over the years. There are others, and I intend to address more in a following blog. Sometimes I think we make prayer too hard. We think it is about finding the right formula. Prayer is just about being honest with God. Lord, teach us to pray.