Lutheran Perspectives on Prayer

[christiangal522]

So I've grown up in the ELCA and currently am at an ELCA church. However I attended a non-Lutheran Seminary. While i was at Seminary, I got to explore lots of different views about prayer. My grandmother is also very Charismatic. With that said, my views on prayer have changed. I'm more Charismatic in my approach (altho not completely)

My pastor has asked me to preach on prayer which I am excited about but I think I might hold some non-Lutheran perspectives so I'm hesitant on how to preach about prayer. I have two questions about this:

1. What is the Lutheran view of prayer?

2. Would it be dangerous to challenge some of the Lutheran views on prayer in a non-direct manner? (that would not be the POINT of my sermon but more or less I'm afraid some of the things I might say about prayer might stir some of the congregation up)

What are your thoughts??

[KagomeShuko]

I don't know that in the ELCA there is a certain view on prayer. I've never been taught one certain way and that all ways are acceptable. So, a challenge from the typical quiet sitting poetry type prayer - that there can be other types of prayer as well. . .

[RegularGuy]

Lutherans pray.

We pray using many different practices.

We pray publicly. We pray privately. We pray ex tempore. We pray according to traditional forms. We pray at any and all times, concerning any and all things. Luther would not have us afraid to speak our minds to God...

But, then again, it's important to remember that prayer is a dialogue. We pray to seek God's will.

Luther included forms for morning prayers, bedtime prayers and prayers at mealtimes in the Small Catechism.

I know of a few ELCA members and clergy who speak in tongues in their private prayers.

Since the pastor is the local authority in your congregation, I would suggest that you discuss with him or her what you have in mind. Your pastor will know the congregation and will have an idea of what they can bear to hear.

I might also suggest that you speak personally. "This is how I pray." "This is what prayer means to me" etc.

[christiangal522]

I guess I'm wondering more or less if Lutherans believe that prayer "makes a difference"? Or is it merely dialogue. I personally believe it makes a difference....but some believe that God has his mind made up already and prayer is merely for relationship.

[KagomeShuko]

Christiangal,

I believe it makes a difference. "God having His mind set on things" certainly doesn't seem to go with the free will (I know, some Lutherans don't like that term) that he gave to humans. . .he's there. . but if there weren't free will, wouldn't all be believers. . .see how it matters and how having a dialogue with God keeps us grounded in faith and gives us direction?

[RegularGuy]

I'm with Kagome Shuko on this. Prayer makes a difference.

Re: free will, I had a college prof who explained Luther's view on the human will as being like a dog tied to a stake. The dog is free to do whatever it wishes within the limits of the rope. We have limited free will, and our will is in bondage to sin.

[Edial]

I guess I'm wondering more or less if Lutherans believe that prayer "makes a difference"? Or is it merely dialogue. I personally believe it makes a difference....but some believe that God has his mind made up already and prayer is merely for relationship.
Definitely makes a difference.

Unfortunately :) however, I know of 2 women that are prayer warriors and when I tell them something concerning an ongoing problem that was resolved, they say "Well, I prayed about it".

And they did. :)

Some tend to misdirect attention to themselves.

Now, they do not say that boastfully. :)
It is just appears that way.

Thanks, :)
Ed

[christiangal522]

So God who is unchanging can be changed through prayer?

[Edial]

So God who is unchanging can be changed through prayer?
God cannot be changed, but he listens to prayers and answers them.

However, he gives to us the way he decides.

For example.
Some people "demand" or "claim" healing or a resolution of some issues.
But when they do not get that, some say that person does not have enough faith while asking.

In my view, claiming while asking God is one of the more ineffective types of prayer.

Thanks,
Ed

[jcj3803]

"Thy will be done"

"Take this cup from me, nervertheless, Thy will be done."

These are the verses (among others) that guide me. I ask (supplication) but I also include something along the lines of "if it be Thy will" and / or "if this is best" for whomever I'm praying.

The simplest is "Lord, have mercy upon XXX" Whatever happens, the assumption is that God was merciful to that person, whether they see it that way or not.

I guess a supplicatory prayer non-believer would say that's a cop-out but it works for me...

[KagomeShuko]

God can't ever be changed through prayer.

Sure, God knows everything about us, but still, He wants us to be faithful and to ask things of Him, not just do nothing. Prayer is important. . .how many signs and wonders might we not see without prayer?

The whole, "I prayed about it thing," people tend to forget there are three main answers to prayer:

Yes
No
Wait