Jesus Freaks: How NOT to Pray

Each month VOM produces "The Jesus Freaks Minute," a daily radio-PSA that shares the stories of the persecuted church with Christian radio listeners all over the United States and around the world. Here's the script for one of the spots that aired this month, a spot entitled DON'T PRAY:

[LYRICS:]  What will people think when they hear that I’m a Jesus Freak?  What will people do when they find that it’s true?

[TOBYMAC:]  Hey, this is TobyMac with  truth every Jesus Freak should hear from the Voice of the Martyrs.

[VOM:]  Jesus taught us to pray.  But he also taught us how not to pray.  In Matthew, Jesus said, “don’t pray on street corners so you can be seen by others.”  And also, “do not use meaningless repetition” as the heathen do.

The Voice of the Martyrs has also heard from persecuted pastors around the world of ways not to pray.  A pastor in Israel said, “Don’t pray for my protection; [instead] pray that I will understand what God is trying to teach me.”

A Vietnamese pastor said, “Don’t pray that our border will be opened.  Pray that heaven will be opened.”  For more on making your prayers powerful, go online to persecution.com.

Please share in the comments where you've heard the Jesus Freaks Minute radio broadcasts.

Comments

[Loretta]

I like Mr. Johnson's comment.That would be extremely helpful. I have been following VOM/Jesus Freaks for several years now and I am always amazed at our brothers and sisters responses to persecution and their prayer requests.

[Peter Johnson]

VOM, I would really like to be further advised how TO pray, and how NOT TO pray.

Has VOM produced a succinct article in this regard, which covers the issues involved.

It is difficult being an arm-chair, online pray-er for family and friends generally (e.g. what constitutes an effective prayer?), but doubly-difficult in praying for the persecuted Church.

I really need your guidance here, if you have the time. I also want to make sure I don't miss it, so can you send me a response via email if there is any doubt I could miss your response.

I remain eternally grateful, in Jesus' name.

[Linda]

These are powerful words from folks who going through something I can only imagine. This is helpful in my prayers for them.