Administrators Gail Posted September 21, 2011 Administrators Posted September 21, 2011 Tell me, What is the difference between this prayer: "Help me, God, not to lust today." and: "Dear Lord, please help keep my mind pure." ??? Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Outta Here Posted September 21, 2011 Posted September 21, 2011 I think there's a huge difference in those prayers. The first is one in which the person assumes they are going to sin that day and wants help in stopping that sin; the second prayer is one in which the person is asking for a change of heart and a change that will manifest itself into more godly actions. To say, "keep my mind pure" implies that the mind is already pure. My prayer of late is "to create a pure heart within me." Quote
Moderators John317 Posted September 21, 2011 Moderators Posted September 21, 2011 Yeah, the first one is like praying, "Lord, help me not to have sex with that woman or man..." Or "help me, Lord, not to get drunk on that good whiskey today." Quote John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. [17] For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Administrators Gail Posted September 21, 2011 Author Administrators Posted September 21, 2011 Point well taken, Aubrey! Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Overaged Posted September 22, 2011 Posted September 22, 2011 Tell me, What is the difference between this prayer: "Help me, God, not to lust today." and: "Dear Lord, please help keep my mind pure." ??? Well; it could be that the first one is not as specific as the second one. The first one might just mean the person is "lusting" after french fries, while the second one covers a much broader scope. Quote "People [rarely] see...the bright light which is in the clouds..." (Job 37:21)"I cannot know why suddenly the stormshould rage so fiercely round me in it's wrathBut this I know: God watches all my pathAnd I can trust""God helps us to draw strength from the storm" - OveragedFaith makes things possible; it does not make them easy, Steps To Christ
skyblue888 Posted September 22, 2011 Posted September 22, 2011 I too agree with Audrey. After appropriating to himself the merits of the Saviour by claiming them, the prayer of the suppliant should go along these lines: "Lord, take my heart for I cannot give it. It is Your property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for You. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere where the rich current of Your love can flow through my soul." C.O.L.159. Is that not more like the prayer of faith? Then "Christ's righteousness accomplishes everything." F.W.27. sky Quote "The merits of His sacrifice are sufficient to present to the Father in our behalf." S.C.36.
Administrators Gail Posted September 22, 2011 Author Administrators Posted September 22, 2011 Here is what I was getting at: Our minds will often follow our words, ie- if we vocalise that we have doubt or feel lousy, that will reinforce that feeling in our brain. Would it then be possible, by using words as "lust," that the idea of the lust will stick in the brain after the prayer is over? It might, depending on what that person visualizes when s/he hears the word. By simply exchanging the word for a different one, say, by praying (as Aubrey suggested) for a clean heart, the focus shifts to "clean". WDYT? Quote Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.
Overaged Posted September 22, 2011 Posted September 22, 2011 Here is what I was getting at: Our minds will often follow our words, ie- if we vocalise that we have doubt or feel lousy, that will reinforce that feeling in our brain. Would it then be possible, by using words as "lust," that the idea of the lust will stick in the brain after the prayer is over? It might, depending on what that person visualizes when s/he hears the word. By simply exchanging the word for a different one, say, by praying (as Aubrey suggested) for a clean heart, the focus shifts to "clean". WDYT? I agree; the more specific the prayer, the better. Good point Gail. Quote "People [rarely] see...the bright light which is in the clouds..." (Job 37:21)"I cannot know why suddenly the stormshould rage so fiercely round me in it's wrathBut this I know: God watches all my pathAnd I can trust""God helps us to draw strength from the storm" - OveragedFaith makes things possible; it does not make them easy, Steps To Christ
Outta Here Posted September 22, 2011 Posted September 22, 2011 I hear you, Gail. It's like the difference in positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement. A simplified version might be a mother telling her child to "be nice" instead of "don't hit". It changes the mind's focus. Good thought! Quote
12tribes Posted September 23, 2011 Posted September 23, 2011 Tell me, What is the difference between this prayer: "Help me, God, not to lust today." and: "Dear Lord, please help keep my mind pure." ??? The first looks like the person is thinking about it the 2nd looks like the person is focusing on being pure. Quote Galatians 3:29(29) And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Raphael Posted September 24, 2011 Posted September 24, 2011 How about trying it out and feeling the differences in its effects, then making changes, then finding out again its effects, till you find one that satisfies most? Help me God, not to lust today... could be... Help me God, not to sexually-lust, today. Dear Lord, please keep my mind pure.. is great enough.. could also say... sanctify all my thoughts and feelings (continually). Quote Test me with thy might but grant me safe passage. Now, who said that?
Members phkrause Posted September 24, 2011 Members Posted September 24, 2011 Tell me, What is the difference between this prayer: "Help me, God, not to lust today." and: "Dear Lord, please help keep my mind pure." ??? To me Gail, the first is very single minded, and nothing wrong with that. The second covers a wider spectrum. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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