Posted on 11/03/2023 11:14:13 AM PDT by ViLaLuz
The neo-paganists are having a meltdown.
Nobody should pray to win
why not?
Matthew 7 7 “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.
“Matthew 7 7 “Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.”
From the sermon on the mount:
Jesus will continue, however, to clarify that these promises are not a means of manipulating God. Prayer is never presented in Scripture as a means to merely get our way, as if He were merely magic or a system for success. Instead, these verses are an invitation to interact with a generous Father who loves to hear the prayers of His people.
In James 4:3 it says,
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
Winning is the pleasure for these people.
wy69
Prayer is a personal conversation with God. There’s nothing wrong with expressing a hope to win with Him, as long as winning doesn’t become an obsession or idol. Win or lose it’s a great way to show trust in God and proclaim His Glory.
Sports and athletic competitions have been popular since ancient times. The Bible draws several analogies of the Christian life from the sports world: 1 Corinthians 9:26 contains a reference to shadowboxing; the author of Hebrews likens the Christian life to a race (Hebrews 12:1); and Paul admonishes us to “run in such a way to win the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24, CSB).
https://www.gotquestions.org/sports-Christian.html
There are great Christian athlete groups as well that walk the talk, like Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes“
They are good example. Their prayer does not ask for win or lose as stated. Just that they compete to stand for the cross. And they win at every determination of the contest.
“Lord, I compete for You alone. In every victory and every loss, I play for You. Every time I compete, I stand for the cross.”
From their site:
What are you praying for these days—a win in the big game or a win in the even bigger game according to God’s Kingdom? Are there prayers in your life that are going unanswered? If so, ask yourself these questions based on Mark 11: Is my faith in Jesus Christ or in my own ambitions? Am I praying with selfish motives or Kingdom motives? Is my prayer request for the good of God’s Kingdom or the good of my kingdom?
Notice each point is on the opposite polar from pray to win for God or for myself. Using God for personal gain is wrong. Even though there are many different reasons why someone could be driven by selfish gain, this trait is typically perceived negatively and may even be considered unethical by others.
Using the name of God carelessly or in an effort to control or deceive people is regarded in many religions as a type of blasphemy. According to some popular beliefs, using God’s name for one’s own benefit is contrary to the idea that God should be worshipped and honored. It is crucial to keep in mind that the gospel is not intended to be utilized as a means of acquiring money or other possessions.
wy69
Good one. Sometimes I think the only thing that is saving mankind from God’s fury at our failures to abide by his commands is “The Noahic Covenant.” Just my musings.
That’s good stuff from the FCA site. Thank you for sharing it.
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