"I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy" (2 Timothy 1:3).
Can prayer be an idol? What is the difference of persistent prayer and idolatry? Why does the New Testament record so much of Paul's intercession? Why does Jesus give entire parables on persistent prayer (Luke 18:1)? " Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."
1 Samuel 12:23
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
No, praying for lost souls, the church, the second coming, the glory of God, Kings and all in authority, or any other burden (Hannah praying for a son, Rachel for the same, any lawful thing is allowed to be prayed for unceasingly). That is not an idol, or else Jesus, Paul, James or the prophets would have said so. On the other hand, they prescribe and teach night and day prayer. God actually designed it because he likes our dependence on Him.
The absence of prayer, however, promotes anxiety -- and WORRYING, is a sin, and is best remedied by prayer. Trusting. Now, if I am praying for a Mercedes night and day, or whatever [pick any other actual idol], that might be an issue ; ) Thankfully, James handles that one, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3).
May God allow the word to run swiftly and be glorified (2 Thes 3:1).
Can prayer be an idol? What is the difference of persistent prayer and idolatry? Why does the New Testament record so much of Paul's intercession? Why does Jesus give entire parables on persistent prayer (Luke 18:1)? " Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up."
1 Samuel 12:23
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right.
No, praying for lost souls, the church, the second coming, the glory of God, Kings and all in authority, or any other burden (Hannah praying for a son, Rachel for the same, any lawful thing is allowed to be prayed for unceasingly). That is not an idol, or else Jesus, Paul, James or the prophets would have said so. On the other hand, they prescribe and teach night and day prayer. God actually designed it because he likes our dependence on Him.
The absence of prayer, however, promotes anxiety -- and WORRYING, is a sin, and is best remedied by prayer. Trusting. Now, if I am praying for a Mercedes night and day, or whatever [pick any other actual idol], that might be an issue ; ) Thankfully, James handles that one, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3).
May God allow the word to run swiftly and be glorified (2 Thes 3:1).
