A Question About Prayer

Kelly: Somewhere along my journey towards a more biblically consistent understanding of salvation I seem to have lost the confidence of knowing what to pray for with regard to God's dealings with someone—what I mean is, their salvation. I know these things are already known to God, and that His timing is impeccable and so forth. I understand that we can't know if a person will come to faith, so... well, what is appropriate to pray for, with respect to someone coming to know Christ? Is it inappropriate to pray for that at all, or what?

David: We pray that God's will is done, on earth as it is in heaven. That's the idea in a nutshell, but we are so accustomed to hearing that (cf. the Lord's Prayer) that its impact is scarcely felt. There is, as you should know, nothing at all wrong with talking to God on a personal level, talking to him about what your hopes and desires are, who you care for and would love to see in the Kingdom. But all such sentiment should be ultimately subservient to whatever God's will happens to be, with the fullest of confidence and trust that God is righteous and just.

Kelly: I see. And that's about what I thought you would tell me. I don't know what more I was hoping for. I just know someone who does seem to be searching but doesn't understand faith, and admits to wishing he had it. He doesn't, and can't, and we discuss freely all of the things involved with Christianity. Anyway, I do find myself praying for that sort of thing.

David: We both know that regeneration, the new birth, is a work of the Spirit, not a work of the Kelly. That sounds potentially condescending but it's not intended to be. I am trying to underscore a contrast. Fully trust in God, Kelly—and certainly do continue ministering to your friend, because you just never know, right? It's possible that these may be the initial flutterings of his wings of faith, as the Spirit regenerates his former heart of stone. Who but God can know?

Kelly: I water, God gives the increase. Yes, I understand that. This isn't really about me. I do minister, I do openly demonstrate my faith in my witness, I do relate things God has done and is doing in my life, to demonstrate that faith and those blessings. I agree with everything you've said, I do. I just have these buried impulses of habit to pray that their eyes would be opened, et cetera. But thank you for your answer.

David: By all means, you can still pray "that their eyes would be opened," Kelly. We are always encouraged to pray, engaging that communion we have with the Father through Christ Jesus. Like I said, there is nothing wrong whatsoever with sharing your feelings and desires with God.

Scott: That brings up a question for me: Why pray at all if you are only to pray for what God already has on His mind?

David: Because prayer is a form of worship. And it is one of several means whereby we may glorify God in our lives. And it serves to effectively focus our priorities. The list goes on. There are lots of reasons. But God is not a supermarket, and prayer is not a shopping cart.