(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.
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.