SILENT PRAYER HAS NO PLACE FOR GOD’S WARRIORS

Dear Brian/Joe,   Deep concern   - silent prayer not in early church.

 I trust the Lord sustained you through the double ministration in the passing to glory of a mature saint and a wee child.  

 I present some observations re the night reserved for prayer.    The Communion service excelled: reading of Scripture, exposition, prayer by elders commending their Lord‘s substitutionary sacrifice.     A splendid preparation for calling on the name of the Lord.

However:   Silence followed.

 Silent prayer is not a Bible concept as practised in the last two occasions nominated for prayer.

Was prayer suppressed or silenced?   I was deeply distressed at non-participation of many.   How did the silent pray?   Did they get through?   How did defeated believers ( moral issues, substance abuse, internet pornography 30-50% in Barna reports ) claim hold on their Lord? Some told of subtle sexual temptations.     Joe’s letter records individual urgency.  

How was satan challenged and driven back?     Faith is only defined in language-

Returning home, I read the prayers of the bible- and found no silent, stifled prayer meetings.

Truly Hannah prayed speechless, in her yearning for a living child. Eli thought it alcoholic   babbling. Her real prayer followed in the following chapter, which incidentally was my choice of Great prayers of bible, now on MP 3 on our web site.  

Written of our Lord was   ‘Strong crying and tears.’   I heard no crying- nor saw weeping.

Prayer must be taught.   Very few attend PM each Lord’s Day morning   10-12 at most. ( 3-4% from   some hundreds: place of power is bypassed by 96-97%    Our preachers empowered by Holy Ghost, ought be supported by teamwork of those praying.   Our ethnic brethren   demand congregational or elder prayer pre-service.  

 Urgent Need of education of this bible potential.    A school of prayer could release many who are inhibited- home, alone and in company.

Value of experience- I heard spiritual leaders implore, plead with, pray- in   army and post-war. Men laid hold of God.   Older members would b e glad to take younger ones under their wing- and teach the practice of prayer, which may incredibly become obsolete.  

They prayed in scriptural language- faced circumstances; challenged God and defied the devil. Prayed out missionaries- prayed folk into bible college.

They prayed in urgent financial requests. They claimed simple promises God has made.

Familiarity in prayer acquired with the living God by being taught and regularly practiced.

Cricketers,   footballers practice- how can they become skilful play-ers except by such.

Older men/women have practised: for example,   we recall Louise’ infiltrating prayers.   She affirmed love for her Lord. Her intonation could not be mimicked.   Her voice is now silent.   She has qualified for Heaven’s intercessory team.   Who will replace her?   At EBC and other groups?

Christ prayed and His words were repeated. He prayed from the cross. 7 recorded prayers.  

Silent prayers stifle work of Holy Spirit.   I longed to cry out to God- unacceptable in company.

SBS Recent series of 9 bible studies EBC on prayers of the Bible - no silent prayer discussed.

Now in audio on web site        www.biblestories.stellaris.com.au

 No prayer for those of our people afflicted with terminal illness.  

What of the gift of healing in 1 Corinthians 12.   I write beyond normal therapeutic procedures in medicine.    Akeley family need to know whole church is interceding for them and Sarah.

We are acquainted with one with life-challenging condition.   I longed for someone to pray with.

Catastrophic situation in US 280 millions- greatest missionary nation.   Some of our members may lose fortunes- superannuation, investment, mortgage repayments.    Our prayer could have helped relieve situation.   His promised Word is sure.   Torture,   harassment and martyrdom with homes burnt in India/Indonesia.  Worst drought in living memory.  Ungodly legislation pending, euthanasia, same-sex partnership; opportunity to resist in His NAME: and win the day. .

Are our people equipped for crises: home with loved ones, children, or work?

Recommendations: established prayer leaders available to lead at each prayer point, who will encourage,  incite to lay hold of God: especially retiring, shy or unschooled in public prayer.

Carry over this practice into each worship service.   Our people should be skilled in prayer.  

Why not a prayer room after services, for enquirers?   Chuck Swindoll gently urges his people to drop by and pray.  

Oh, the blessing of the Lord waiting to be poured out on those on their knees

‘Call unto Me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you know not.’

Abiding in HIM      Harrold