When prayer becomes unhelpful




Introduction: Prayer is the most unlikely place to commit sin. It could however be a fertile haven to nourish wrongdoing. It is so surreptitious that it requires a disciplined disposition to ensure we do not slip away. Prayer should and can be performed as frequently as possible and for all things as can pass through our minds. Prayerlessness is associated with sinfulness and a malnourished spirit. However, there are times when prayer is not what is required. Additionally, Satan can attack us through “prayer”.
Text: Ezek 14:1-4
Discussions:
When does prayer cease to become useful?
·         When we pray for the sake of it; Ezek 14:1-4; Mat 6:5
·         When action is required instead of prayer; James 2:16, Exod 14:15
·         When an answer has been given to your request
·         When we are boastful towards God; Luke 18:11,12
·         When we pray to intimidate others
When does prayer become sin?
·         When prayer is full of self (social praying); Mat 6:5
·         When there are vain repetitions; Mat 6:7, 1Kings 18:28
·         When we pray hypocritically: Mat 6:2
·         When we pray selfishly; James 4:3
·         When prayer is made by an unrighteous person; Ps 109:7
Summary: There are more reasons for prayers than there are to refrain from praying. However, when we pray, we must remember that its main goal is to produce a change in us rather than to change God. If however, we appear before God with haughty minds, we could create a sound footing for sin to thread through our lives.

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