We spend a lot of time talking about what prayer “is”. Today I want to talk about a few things that prayer is “not”.
Prayer is not something you give God as leftovers. He wants to hear from you first. Prayer should never be a “Plan B”.
Prayer is not unanswered. Sometimes the answer is “yes”, sometimes it is “no” and sometimes it is “wait”. Sometimes not having an answer, is the answer. An old quote says it well…”There are times God punishes us mildly by ignoring our prayers and severely by answering them.”
Prayer is not just a 30 minute session at the altar at church. Prayer is a way of life. It is a constant state of mind.
Prayer is not ordinary. Prayer should be expecting the miraculous. It is communicating with the God of the universe, so it could never be described as “ordinary”.
Prayer is not you solving the issue for the Lord. Your prayers should be taking a situation before God and laying it at his feet, not giving Him instructions on how He should fix it.
Prayer is not a one-way conversation. Spend more time listening in your prayer time than talking.
Prayer is not an option. It is a biblical mandate.
Prayer is not a means by which to escape the biblical principal of reaping and sowing. You will reap what you sow. Many people make bad decisions and expect to pray themselves out of the consequences. It doesn’t quite work that way.
Prayer is not a guarantee against suffering. Prayer may not keep you from suffering, but will certainly help you to endure it.
From Flo Shaw, World Network of Prayer