I'm 17 and I'm a relatively new christian...I gave my life to Jesus just over a year ago. At church youth...we sometimes do group prayer and I can't bring myself to do it though other people do. I've never been asked personally to pray for anything so it's not like they're pressuring me to do it. I just want to be able to do this for myself. I know no-one will judge me for what I say and I know God loves me but I find it difficult to pray around other people. When I pray alone it takes me probably about an hour a night on average. I think it's just a personal barrier I need to get over really...I'm not sure though...is this normal?
Group prayer...
- Thread starter Kellywellydoodle
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It's perfectly fine. It's like speaking to a crowd. At first you're nervous but then you get use to it and it's like second nature to you.Remember, there is absolutely nothing you should be ashamed of.
tim_from_pa
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(Kellywellydoodle;51416)
I'm 17 and I'm a relatively new christian...I gave my life to Jesus just over a year ago. At church youth...we sometimes do group prayer and I can't bring myself to do it though other people do. I've never been asked personally to pray for anything so it's not like they're pressuring me to do it. I just want to be able to do this for myself. I know no-one will judge me for what I say and I know God loves me but I find it difficult to pray around other people. When I pray alone it takes me probably about an hour a night on average. I think it's just a personal barrier I need to get over really...I'm not sure though...is this normal?
Although group prayer is not condemned in the bible, it is not mandated, either. I'm 49 years old and I still hate group prayer. Whenever I taught our class at church, I never prayed with them, but said farewell for the week, and told them to pray in their closets.Truth is, I take spirituality intimately, like romantic love. There's just some things one does not do in groups.
I'm 17 and I'm a relatively new christian...I gave my life to Jesus just over a year ago. At church youth...we sometimes do group prayer and I can't bring myself to do it though other people do. I've never been asked personally to pray for anything so it's not like they're pressuring me to do it. I just want to be able to do this for myself. I know no-one will judge me for what I say and I know God loves me but I find it difficult to pray around other people. When I pray alone it takes me probably about an hour a night on average. I think it's just a personal barrier I need to get over really...I'm not sure though...is this normal?
Although group prayer is not condemned in the bible, it is not mandated, either. I'm 49 years old and I still hate group prayer. Whenever I taught our class at church, I never prayed with them, but said farewell for the week, and told them to pray in their closets.Truth is, I take spirituality intimately, like romantic love. There's just some things one does not do in groups.
(Kellywellydoodle;51416)
I'm 17 and I'm a relatively new christian...I gave my life to Jesus just over a year ago. At church youth...we sometimes do group prayer and I can't bring myself to do it though other people do. I've never been asked personally to pray for anything so it's not like they're pressuring me to do it. I just want to be able to do this for myself. I know no-one will judge me for what I say and I know God loves me but I find it difficult to pray around other people. When I pray alone it takes me probably about an hour a night on average. I think it's just a personal barrier I need to get over really...I'm not sure though...is this normal?
There is nothing wrong with you. I mean an hour a night. Your blowing me away, the best I do is 5 to 15 minutes a day ( and my hour on Sunday). Keep it up, I need to take lessons from you
.Just remember Jesus said that when 2 to 3 people are praying in my name, my spirit is among them. Tap into that spirit the next time you are in a meeting. That does not mean you have to stand up and announce your prayer intentions. by all means your prayer can have the same value as a silent prayer. God can hear it either way.and remember what jesus said "When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." What does this mean, If you decide to pray aloud just to fit in or impress your friends the prayer is useless. As you are now your prayer is a much more genuine prayer being silent. In fact I would even go as far as to say that in your case, do not pray aloud unless you feel that God has inspired you to do so.In final- you are doing great!!keep up the silent prayer.
I'm 17 and I'm a relatively new christian...I gave my life to Jesus just over a year ago. At church youth...we sometimes do group prayer and I can't bring myself to do it though other people do. I've never been asked personally to pray for anything so it's not like they're pressuring me to do it. I just want to be able to do this for myself. I know no-one will judge me for what I say and I know God loves me but I find it difficult to pray around other people. When I pray alone it takes me probably about an hour a night on average. I think it's just a personal barrier I need to get over really...I'm not sure though...is this normal?
There is nothing wrong with you. I mean an hour a night. Your blowing me away, the best I do is 5 to 15 minutes a day ( and my hour on Sunday). Keep it up, I need to take lessons from you
(Wakka;51417)
It's perfectly fine. It's like speaking to a crowd. At first you're nervous but then you get use to it and it's like second nature to you.Remember, there is absolutely nothing you should be ashamed of.
Thank you...someone on another forum started questioning whether I had received the holy spirit and whether I was actually a christian purely because I find praying with other people difficult. That is totally ridiculous, right? I am incredibly passionate about our Amazing God...I said the sinner's prayer and meant every word with all my heart...I've been baptised. Surely, that means I am a christian...not that I need anyone's approval! The person in question also said that one must speak in tongues to be a christian...which I can but I would say that I was a christian before then.I would say that in him taking that view...then he is actually taking away from the cross...He's making God give us something else before we actually become christians.When do you actually become a christian? I would say as soon as you've given your life to Jesus...seriously.
It's perfectly fine. It's like speaking to a crowd. At first you're nervous but then you get use to it and it's like second nature to you.Remember, there is absolutely nothing you should be ashamed of.
Thank you...someone on another forum started questioning whether I had received the holy spirit and whether I was actually a christian purely because I find praying with other people difficult. That is totally ridiculous, right? I am incredibly passionate about our Amazing God...I said the sinner's prayer and meant every word with all my heart...I've been baptised. Surely, that means I am a christian...not that I need anyone's approval! The person in question also said that one must speak in tongues to be a christian...which I can but I would say that I was a christian before then.I would say that in him taking that view...then he is actually taking away from the cross...He's making God give us something else before we actually become christians.When do you actually become a christian? I would say as soon as you've given your life to Jesus...seriously.
(Kellywellydoodle;51424)
Thank you...someone on another forum started questioning whether I had received the holy spirit and whether I was actually a christian purely because I find praying with other people difficult. That is totally ridiculous, right? I am incredibly passionate about our Amazing God...I said the sinner's prayer and meant every word with all my heart...I've been baptised. Surely, that means I am a christian...not that I need anyone's approval! The person in question also said that one must speak in tongues to be a christian...which I can but I would say that I was a christian before then.I would say that in him taking that view...then he is actually taking away from the cross...He's making God give us something else before we actually become christians.When do you actually become a christian? I would say as soon as you've given your life to Jesus...seriously.
Questioning whether you are really a Christian... yes, that is totally rediculous. Frankly, whoever said that is very ignorant. Just shrug it off, and learn from it. Keep your confidence in God alone, particularly in the area of salvation. You know what has occured between you and Him, nobody else does. Don't let anyone let your doubt the faith you have in Christ alone
.Being uncomfortable in group prayer settings is no reason for someone doubting you. There are many many reasons that this could be. For me it was that I just simply didn't want to sound dumb. I didn't want to say anything that would seem ignorant. The best advice I can offer is when you feel in your heart you have something to publically bring before the Lord, then do so. Don't pray out of obligation, and don't pray to impress anyone. Even when you are praying with others... try and concentrate on the our Father only... seek to impress Him, and speak to Him only. When you are so moved to speak... speak. If not ... do not.
Even the apostles, seeing the power of Jesus' prayer, asked Jesus how to pray.
Thank you...someone on another forum started questioning whether I had received the holy spirit and whether I was actually a christian purely because I find praying with other people difficult. That is totally ridiculous, right? I am incredibly passionate about our Amazing God...I said the sinner's prayer and meant every word with all my heart...I've been baptised. Surely, that means I am a christian...not that I need anyone's approval! The person in question also said that one must speak in tongues to be a christian...which I can but I would say that I was a christian before then.I would say that in him taking that view...then he is actually taking away from the cross...He's making God give us something else before we actually become christians.When do you actually become a christian? I would say as soon as you've given your life to Jesus...seriously.
Questioning whether you are really a Christian... yes, that is totally rediculous. Frankly, whoever said that is very ignorant. Just shrug it off, and learn from it. Keep your confidence in God alone, particularly in the area of salvation. You know what has occured between you and Him, nobody else does. Don't let anyone let your doubt the faith you have in Christ alone
Luke 11:1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples
Jesus then replied by giving them the model of how to pray, in the Lord's prayer (See the rest of Luke 11). It can be said, verbatim... and it's good to do so sometimes... but more importantly, it should be studied as a model for prayer I believe. Just study the Lord's prayer... it is what Jesus spoke to the disciples to teach them how to pray.(Kellywellydoodle;51424)
Thank you...someone on another forum started questioning whether I had received the holy spirit and whether I was actually a christian purely because I find praying with other people difficult. That is totally ridiculous, right? I am incredibly passionate about our Amazing God...I said the sinner's prayer and meant every word with all my heart...I've been baptised. Surely, that means I am a christian...not that I need anyone's approval! The person in question also said that one must speak in tongues to be a christian...which I can but I would say that I was a christian before then.I would say that in him taking that view...then he is actually taking away from the cross...He's making God give us something else before we actually become christians.When do you actually become a christian? I would say as soon as you've given your life to Jesus...seriously.
You are right. As soon as you give yourself to Jesus you are His. Don't let anyone tell you different. You don't need to speak in tongues to be a Christian. I speak in tongues but my husband doesn't and he still has a rich, full life with God - as rich and as full as mine. Jesus wants a personal relationship with you and you sound like you have a very good relationship with Him. Only God can see your heart so trust Him.
Thank you...someone on another forum started questioning whether I had received the holy spirit and whether I was actually a christian purely because I find praying with other people difficult. That is totally ridiculous, right? I am incredibly passionate about our Amazing God...I said the sinner's prayer and meant every word with all my heart...I've been baptised. Surely, that means I am a christian...not that I need anyone's approval! The person in question also said that one must speak in tongues to be a christian...which I can but I would say that I was a christian before then.I would say that in him taking that view...then he is actually taking away from the cross...He's making God give us something else before we actually become christians.When do you actually become a christian? I would say as soon as you've given your life to Jesus...seriously.
You are right. As soon as you give yourself to Jesus you are His. Don't let anyone tell you different. You don't need to speak in tongues to be a Christian. I speak in tongues but my husband doesn't and he still has a rich, full life with God - as rich and as full as mine. Jesus wants a personal relationship with you and you sound like you have a very good relationship with Him. Only God can see your heart so trust Him.
Thankyou all very much
It's difficult sometimes because I'm the only christian in my family so I don't really have anyone to talk to about problems like this...So when people say something silly like that it does get your mind going...You've all been really kind and sensitive and I appreciate that a lot! Thanks a lotGod bless xxx
(Kellywellydoodle;51665)
Thankyou all very much
It's difficult sometimes because I'm the only christian in my family so I don't really have anyone to talk to about problems like this...So when people say something silly like that it does get your mind going...You've all been really kind and sensitive and I appreciate that a lot! Thanks a lotGod bless xxx
I understand your situation fully. I am the only Christian in my family also. It isn't an easy situation to be in but know that you are not alone. God is in that situation right along with you. Cling to Him like glue and don't let anyone stop you. Only you and God know what is in your heart - not anyone else. God bless
ray3:
Thankyou all very much
I understand your situation fully. I am the only Christian in my family also. It isn't an easy situation to be in but know that you are not alone. God is in that situation right along with you. Cling to Him like glue and don't let anyone stop you. Only you and God know what is in your heart - not anyone else. God bless
ray3:It's not for man to judge each other...that's God's job! Anyone who questions your heart and beliefs, just because you have difficulty praying in public, is out of line. Each of us is in a different place in our personal relationship with God. I too have a problem praying in front of a group. I'm not an eloquent speaker, knowing just what to say. Actually, my prayers are rather childlike....more like a simple conversation with my Father. Everyone has been given different spiritual gifts; not all are eloquent with prayers or speak in tongues. God knows what's in your heart...just continue praising him in your own way!Bless you!
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