I know that during the course of writing his latest article on prayer, Arsin Delve has come up against some thorny issues and difficult concepts so we're going to see what we can do to examine those issues in this discussion.

7/4/2007 9:44:21 AM by marklang, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/3/2007

Thanks, Mark. Let's start with the main issue. Why should we pray for anything? It makes sense to pray to give thanks, praise and to ask for forgiveness. But why should we ask for anything? Why ask "please do this" or "please give me that"? God has a plan and God has a will. Why not simply ask, "Thy will be done?" Whatever God wants to give us he will. Whatever is not in his plans, we should not desire nor ask for. For the record, I am pretty sure I have the answer to this dilemma, but I would like to know your thoughts on it.

7/4/2007 9:22:01 PM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Seriously? The bible is FULL of examples of people praying for things. Jesus told us to ask for things. Paul prays for deliverance from the "thorn in the flesh." David prays for victory in battle. I could likely come up with 50 examples. God wants us to ask for things, there's no doubt about it.

7/4/2007 9:58:53 PM by tom, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2007

Tom - no question, you are correct and I've said almost the same thing in my article. That must be the clear message of the article. However, at the same time, I can't help thinking "why", and I know that Mark is a big believer in answering that for people. In the Garden of Gethsemane before his arrest, Jesus prays that this cup would be take from Him but nevertheless, that the Father's will be done. Why does Jesus ask this? Why do any of us ask this? The Father's plan WILL be done for He is all powerful. We could not stop Him if we wanted to, and so why pray for something when our prayers could not possibly help nor hinder God in the least? This is the item I am struggling most with.

7/8/2007 3:58:59 AM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

I think you should pray for God's will in stuff and leave the rest to God unless it is urgent or something. Just my take on it all.

7/11/2007 6:52:25 AM by Corey, Member of Delve into Jesus since 7/11/2007

I'm sorry I abandoned this discussion. I got wrapped up in other things, and then I was suddenly overcome with the answer and so I went ahead and finished the article. I hope you enjoy it. Perhaps we can continue the discussion after you read the article?

7/23/2007 8:02:14 PM by arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries

Arsin - I think you nailed it perfectly. I really enjoyed the article and could not find anything to disagree with.

7/24/2007 8:44:34 AM by marklang, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/3/2007

ok i joined new here .....well i think God wants us to ask because he delights in his cihldren asking him ..he delights in us coming to him for our needs..in us communicating our needs and desires to him...i think that is why we should ask because if we as children can ask our dads and moms for stuff even thouhg sometimes they would say no...we still ask ......may sound dumb net to all the serious answers but htis is what i feel

1/9/2008 1:08:28 AM by sekir, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/9/2008

Welcome sekir. It's great to have you on Delve Into Jesus. Not dumb at all, you are exactly right.

1/9/2008 8:12:30 PM by marklang, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/3/2007

I think we are all united in thought here :)...Maybe this is God's prayer to Himself! :) ;) Hi Sekir my pal, my pal!

1/10/2008 6:48:22 AM by Sandya, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/7/2008

This website is still new to me. I've been bouncing around for the last two days reading everything and commenting on some. What I noticed is "God's Will" a lot. Yes, God's will be done, but people we are not puppets. God has made His will very clear to all who have read His Word. His Will is that we be in agreement with Him and not lean on our on understanding. He wants us to pray because that's how we talk to him and he wants us to ask him for things. You have not because you ask not. What father whose child ask for bread would give him a stone? there are numerous passages that are written which implies God's will is for us to ask him. I am not a Bible scolar, but I read and pray mostly for understanding. Why? Because the Word says I should ask for understanding. So, that must be in God's will. Yes, the all-knowing Father knows what we have need of and He wants us to ask Him. Why? Because He wants us to know that He and He alone is the Source.

Now, that's my two cents worth. Be blessed.

1/20/2008 4:12:42 PM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

In The Message, there is a verse that I draw strength from regarding prayer - Matthew 7:7 states, "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need." This is repeated again in the gospel of Luke 11:10. I draw supplication from this verse - and yes, I do pray for God's will - not only in my life, but in my daughter's life as well - but I also ask Him for what I need or want and have learned to be direct about it instead of beating around the bush, as Psalm 139 shows us that God truly knows us all, inside and out. He works His will in our lives, but I believe that He allows us to make choices, according to His will for us... I also draw strength from Romans 8:26-28, knowing that when I don't know how to pray or what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes for me and helps me to pray, interceding for me on my behalf with God. Once again, just my two cents. ;)

4/5/2008 1:39:59 PM by txhoneydarlin, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/5/2008