Prayer Works, pt. 2

I realize that my previous post on prayer could be misconstrued as promoting a word-faith, name-it-and-claim-it theology. Let me set the records straight: I am no Kenneth Copeland.

Word-faith proponents claim that you can have any wish—financial or otherwise—if you only pray and believe. This idea is closely connected with the “prosperity gospel”, which teaches that God would like us all to be materially wealthy and healthy.

There is one significant difference between my recent revelation and the theology of the Word of Faith movement. I believe that with every prayer offered, there is a fine disclaimer stating that God reserves the right to say No, or Wait. I don’t believe that the results of my prayer are strictly based on me and my faith; after all, prayer is essentially a request to God. Word-faithers instead view prayers like demands.

Does this make sense? I want to make it clear that, even though I pray with expectation of an answer, I also understand that the answer I receive may not be exactly what I want. My prayers may not be aligned with God’s will for me at any given time. Even still, I can’t expect to receive something if I don’t ask for it (see James 4:2).

My goal here is to challenge the type of praying that seems to be more common among people I know: faithless praying. This type of praying is akin to making a Christmas-wish list and putting it in the mail addressed to Santa Claus at the North Pole—a pleasant idea, but fruitless. People don’t expect anything when they pray; or, they expect an inevitable No.

I am simply trying to achieve more “supernatural realism” (if I may propose such a term) in my prayer life. And it seems to be working.

Any thoughts? What is your experience on this?