Copyright https://www.christianity.com 2025, Christianity.com Mon, 27 Jan 2025 02:17:05 -0500 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/what-is-the-laud-prayer-and-can-all-christians-pray-it.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/what-is-the-laud-prayer-and-can-all-christians-pray-it.html G. Connor Salter https://www.christianity.com/author/connor-salter/ The Lauds prayer is meant to encourage thinking about God and meeting with one’s local Christian community regularly. Thu, 23 Jan 2025 09:45:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/why-do-catholics-pray-to-saints-is-it-biblical.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/why-do-catholics-pray-to-saints-is-it-biblical.html Veronica Olson Neffinger https://www.christianity.com/author/veronica-neffinger/ Concerns about praying to saints to intercede for us arise when we begin to over-emphasize the power of the saints—other humans who have faith in Christ—over Christ himself. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 16:05:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/4-conversations-you-need-to-have-before-your-christian-college-student-goes-back-to-campus.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/4-conversations-you-need-to-have-before-your-christian-college-student-goes-back-to-campus.html Cantice Greene https://www.christianity.com/author/cantice-greene/ The holidays bring with them so much family time. For many of us, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Easter and other holidays have become times you look forward to reconnecting with a son or daughter on break from college. As the break draws near, you may be growing both excited and anxious. Excited because you remember your own college experience—the fun, the friends, the fraternizing—and anxious because you’re hoping your child will avoid making the epic mistakes that nearly derailed your post-college goals. If you’ve kept up with the culture wars related to Christians in college, then you’re probably wondering whether your son or daughter will come back home with altered faith or as someone you have nothing in common with anymore. The truth is that Christian students in college tend to take a break from practicing Christianity. Less than 1.5 percent of college students are actively involved in campus ministry, and seven out of ten youths raised in church leave the church during the college-age years between eighteen and twenty-two. So your anxiousness is not unfounded, but you can do something with all that mental energy. Pray. Pray and do a few other things. Consider implementing these four DEEP conversation strategies aimed to keep your family from becoming part of the statistic of college student church drift. While I don’t pretend to have all the answers, I’ll share strategies that helped me feel more confident about our decision to send our Christian child back to a secular campus.1. Don’t Lose ContactOne of the greatest benefits of the current hyper-connected age is that communication lines are not what they were when we went to college years ago. You can now be connected to your child 24 hours a day by text and social media. I don’t recommend helicoptering this way! I also don’t agree that allowing your child to go off to college has to mean not seeing him for the next several months. Don’t lose contact. You can FaceTime, share videos, share reels, go live on social media, and more. If you’re not already connected to your child in these ways, now is your chance to advance more deeply into their world of interconnectedness. Here's the bad news: being connected to your child in these ways can be both a blessing and a curse. You’re going to see things you probably don’t want to see—not necessarily because your child is a party animal, but just because your child truly lives in a different dimension from you. If you’re like me, you think you’re pretty cool (for an old person), but you’re light years away from an eighteen or twenty-year-old. They talk differently, they think differently, and choose differently. That’s why being connected to your child means you’re going to see stuff you don’t agree with or like, but you’re going to need to keep those opinions to yourself. This does not include reserving your words when it comes to things that are non-negotiable convictions or truth. Concerning the truths of God, you can follow Moses’ great example of leadership. When he was presenting laws and judgments to the children of Israel in the wilderness, he reminded them in Deuteronomy chapter 4, verses 9-10, “Only take heed to yourself and diligently keep yourself…and teach them to your children and grandchildren, especially concerning the day you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb when the Lord said to me ‘Gather the people to me and I will let them hear my words that they will learn to fear me all the days they live on the earth and that they may teach their children’” (NKJV). If you see your child drifting away from the Lord, you’ll want to ponder, pray about, and ask God for an opportunity to talk with your child about it. Now that you’re connected, you’ll have several ways to initiate that talk. This D.E.E.P. conversation will set you up for what’s coming next. Photo Credit: © Getty Images/XiXinXing Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-reasons-we-avoid-prayer-and-4-prayers-that-will-change-your-life.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-reasons-we-avoid-prayer-and-4-prayers-that-will-change-your-life.html Dr. Kenneth Boa and Cameron McAllister https://www.christianity.com/author/dr-kenneth-boa/ Martin Luther once said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend three hours in prayer.” Prayer is often a tense subject among believers. For those of us who follow Jesus, we know we ought to be doing a lot more of it, but it never seems to make the list of top priorities. When our schedules are bulging with appointments and activities, prayer is often relegated to the back burner. However, if prayer truly involves communion with our Maker, our hearts will wither without it. Though we may give intellectual ascent to this conviction, in practice, few of us seem to believe it. Why is something so essential so easy to ignore? 5 Reasons We Avoid Prayer1. The Illusion of Control A significant part of the modern world revolves around control. In his massive survey of our contemporary world, A Secular Age, Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor points out that it’s difficult for most of us to see a world untouched by human ingenuity. Whether in our homes or out and about, a good deal of what we see are human artifacts—vehicles, power lines, buildings, and so on. For many, the night sky is filled with light pollution, not to mention airplanes, satellites, and drones, all of which compete with the stars. Taylor is no Luddite and he’s not railing against technology per se. What he is saying, however, is that it’s far from neutral. When our field of vision is largely filled with the scenery of our own making, it tends to mislead us into thinking that we’re in control.  It’s this default assumption of human control that leads many of us to see prayer as a last resort. We turn to it when we’ve run out of options. When all of the experts—doctors, lawyers, politicians, etc.—have failed us, we turn to the God we supposedly worship as Lord of all. It’s a sobering thought. 2. DistractionsBlaise Pascal warned that two of the most significant obstacles that we face are indifference and diversion. Pascal had in mind the world of gambling that was so rampant in his day, but it’s safe to say that our 21st-century world has only exacerbated the problem. From smartphones and similar devices to the increasingly customized nature of today’s entertainment, it’s hard to overstate just how distracted most of us are. Consequently, many of us miss out on our devotions for the same reason that we, say, ignore the people who are sitting right in front of us, whether friends or family. If we want to make a habit of prayer, we need to minimize distractions in our lives.Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Matheus Bertelli Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:10:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-emotions-that-weigh-you-downand-the-prayers-to-lift-you-up.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-emotions-that-weigh-you-downand-the-prayers-to-lift-you-up.html Rachel Wojo https://www.christianity.com/author/rachel-wojo/ Negative emotions can easily burden our hearts and threaten to stomp out our prayer lives. Have you been there? Guessing you have! Taking them to God at the first trigger is critical.2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us, "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ," empowering us to purposefully push back on the negativity that creeps into our lives. Prayer and Scripture equip us to stand firm in spiritual warfare, just as Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God. Prayer is both a defensive and offensive weapon. Communication with our heavenly Father provides exactly what we need to deal with the negativity in a positive, God-honoring way.A few weeks ago, I shared how to pray against anger, comparison, bitterness, envy, and pride. Let's explore how prayer can help us battle five more common negative emotions: anxiety, worry, fear, shame, and control.1. Anxiety: Praying for Calm and TrustReal-Life Scenario: You've been thinking about the future and overwhelming feelings rush over your heart and mind. Biblical Truths:"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." - Philippians 4:6"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7Prayer Pattern:Adoration: "Lord, You are worthy of my trust."Confession: "I confess that I'm overwhelmed with anxiety right now."Supplication: "Calm my anxious heart and bring me peace."Thanksgiving: "Thank You for Your love and care."Practical Steps: Push back on anxiety by shifting a single thought of worry to a note of gratitude. Start a simple gratitude journal to write one thing you're thankful for each morning.Reflection Question: What situations cause you the most anxiety, and how can prayer help you surrender them?Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Ahtziri Lagarde Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:00:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/do-we-have-to-close-our-eyes-when-we-pray.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/do-we-have-to-close-our-eyes-when-we-pray.html Britt Mooney https://www.christianity.com/author/britt-mooney/ Before the pastor begins to preach, he says, “Let’s pray.” And most people, without even being instructed, will close their eyes. Back in the days when we had the altar call at the end of a church service and most Christian special events, the speaker would make sure we had “all heads bowed, every eye closed,” to ensure that those who walked down the aisle had some measure of privacy. Closing our eyes when we pray has become common and almost universal across Christianity, especially among Protestants and Evangelicals. But where did this idea come from? Do we see it in the Bible?Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock Fri, 17 Jan 2025 07:35:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/a-prayer-for-the-california-wildfires.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/a-prayer-for-the-california-wildfires.html Sarah E Martin https://www.christianity.com/author/sarah-e-martin/ As you follow the news, lift up these prayers for the state of California, for the first responders with their lives on the lines, and for the victims experiencing such sudden loss. Thu, 09 Jan 2025 11:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/a-powerful-prayer-for-firefighters.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/a-powerful-prayer-for-firefighters.html Meg Bucher https://www.christianity.com/author/meg-bucher/ Firefighters accept the daily pursuit of walking into fires. They are heroes among us that face the shadow of death and great peril, voluntarily. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/5-prayers-for-firefighters-and-evacuees.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/prayer/5-prayers-for-firefighters-and-evacuees.html Candice Lucey https://www.christianity.com/author/candice-lucey/ In the midst of uncertainty, let these words remind you that you’re not alone, and God’s presence is near. Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:30:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00 https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-common-negative-emotions-and-the-prayers-to-overcome-them.html https://www.christianity.com/wiki/slideshows/5-common-negative-emotions-and-the-prayers-to-overcome-them.html Rachel Wojo https://www.christianity.com/author/rachel-wojo/ Negative emotions like anger, comparison, bitterness, and envy can easily weigh us down, cloud our minds, and disrupt our relationship with God. Have you been there? Yet, prayer offers a powerful weapon to combat these feelings and reclaim peace and joy. 2 Corinthians 10:5 reminds us, "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ," empowering us to actively address the negativity that creeps into our lives."Prayer and Scripture equip us to stand firm in spiritual warfare, just as Ephesians 6:10-18 describes the armor of God. Prayer serves as both our defense and offense. Communication with the headquarters of heaven provides the wisdom, knowledge, and guidance we need to endure life's battles. Using Prayer to Take Every Thought CaptiveStarve Self-Pity with Gratitude: “Why, my soul, are you downcast?...Put your hope in God.” (Psalm 42:11)Pray a gratitude-focused prayer when tempted by self-pity.Give Thanks in All Circumstances: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18Begin every prayer with thanksgiving, even in trials.Pull Weeds Before They Take Root: “I have hidden your word in my heart.” - Psalm 119:11 Use Scripture to replace negative thoughts with God’s truth.Water the Blooms with God’s Word: “Rivers of living water will flow from within them.”- John 7:38 Pray daily for spiritual renewal through the Word and worship.Prayer is your greatest weapon in the battle against negativity, equipping you to renew your mind and heart. Commit to one action step today: memorize a Scripture, begin a daily gratitude prayer, or share this message with someone who needs encouragement. What negative thoughts will you bring to God in prayer today?Let's explore how prayer can help us battle five common negative emotions: anger, comparison, bitterness, envy, and pride.Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/AntonioGuillem Sat, 04 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500 2025-01-27T02:17:05-05:00