In a discussion on 1 Corinthians the topic of gifts was being explored. Most people felt that prayer isn’t a sprirtual gift. But most people don’t pray much and have difficulty praying. There are a few who have no difficulty and pray a lot for others. Would you consider this to be in one of the categories of spiritual gifts or just something that some people have any easier time with, like Bible reading?
Jeff, it’s a great question! Is prayer on any list of spiritual gifts? I look at it this way: since it is so hard for so many of us to pray (we don’t even know how we should pray), and since our salvation is wholly a work of God, I think anybody who can pray (whether publicly or privately) can only pray honestly and properly through the working of the Holy Spirit within that person. In that way, it could be said that it is a spiritual gift.
i think there are those gifted to do it more than others – sure. But in general i dont know that I’d call it a gift any more than reading the bible is a gift. We’re all supposed to do them both and they become easier with practice… i think…i dunno.. this isn’t particular well thought out.
Prayer, especially Intercessory Prayer, is often thought of and taught as a “spiritual gift” or “gifting.” However, no where in Scripture is this concept supported. Talking with our Lord is neither hard nor difficult — as the brother is correct who quotes the fact that the Lord knew we could not do it right — so He does it for us. When we participate, it is simply enjoy Him and thinking with Him. We make it too hard and make a big deal out of it, when it is one of those “already done’s” you Calvinist are so good at understanding. Just join and enjoy.
Thanks for the comments. I usually keep it to myself, but praying has always been easy for me. I don’t have any advice for people who have difficulty with it.
So I was wondering what it might be classified as. As Gary said, it’s still wholly a work of God of course and there are a multitude of weaknesses.
After writing the post and reading your comments I was reminded of Colossians 4:2 which is for everyone.
Jeff
In all the lists of spiritual gifts, prayer is never mentioned as a spiritual gift. Everyone can and ought to pray.
The believer already has the Holy Spirit as a prayer partner, no special fit needed (Rom 8:26).
I had difficulties in praying….but very active in reading the Bible. I decided to pray and ask Jesus to give me the power to make prayers…..I see that there is a big improvement on my side!…..so whether it is a gift or not the only thing i know is that if you pray for it you will be granted as we can not do anything without Him (Jn.15:5)
Good point Deodath. We often forget to pray for things we would like to improve on that are things that God would like us to do in the first place.
Jeff
Luke 11:1-4
“Jesus’ disciples had undoubtedly logged many hours in prayer by the time this exchange occurred. But after watching Jesus pray, they were keenly aware that something was different about the way He prayed. There was such a stark contrast that asking specific questions in an attempt to fine–tune their skills wasn’t adequate. They needed a complete overhaul. So they said to Him, “Teach us to pray.” In other words, “Let’s start from the very beginning.”
Jesus’ response is somewhat surprising. The typical response to such a question today is, “It’s easy. Prayer is just talking to God.” Or you might hear someone say, “You don’t learn to pray. You just pray. No one can teach another person to pray. It must come from the heart.”
Jesus didn’t trivialize their question. He took it seriously. His answer gives us the impression that He was waiting for them to ask. It was a lesson He had been looking forward to teaching for some time. And much to our surprise, He began by giving them the exact words to say, “When you pray, say …”
Stanley, C. F. (1996). The glorious journey. Nashville, Tenn.: T. Nelson Publishers.
Nice quote Andy. That makes me think.
Jeff
You’re welcome Jeff
It’s hurts. Our church had a dispute about this and it looks like some members may end up leaving the church.
One believes that prayer is a spiritual gift
and the other doesn’t believe it because there is no scripture to back it up.
I believe that intercessory prayer is a gift because it takes a special impartation from God and all gifts are imparted from God. And that person can stand in the gap for others that are weaker and unsaved that don’t even know how to pray even as Jesus tought how to pray.
Prayer in general I believe is our comunication with God and must be developed and is enhanced through our devotion and relationship to Christ.
Someone email me if you can support general prayer as being a gift with scripture verses please!
Blessings to all. From what i gather, praying has to be a spiritual gift. Praying to God is about a relationship with him and we are encourage to speak as talking regularly to a friend. This is true however when interceding on behalf of others or just praying with someone we must understand 2 things:1. Prayer is about speech. Which not many have the wisdom of wording that persuades or converts. 2. These words should be from the Holy Spirit which gives us that gift of speaking. What makes someone feel the power of Christ in a prayer just as they can see the power of Christ when someone teaches them from the Bible? (remember teaching is a gift according to the Bible). Praying is a gift given us by the Father in which can be used to minister to others and from experience used to turn hearts to Jesus.
Thanks for the comment and stopping by.
Jeff