Believe Like a Pentecostal, Trust Like a Monk

In Bible believing circles, there are two influential schools of thought regarding prayer.

1)  The Charismatic Claim it Boldly in Faith Circle

2)  The Contemplative Listen in Childlike Trust Circle.

Christians pray differently, when facing a challenging circumstance, physical illness, financial adversity, or perplexing dilemma, depending on which circle they’re in.

The “Charismatic Claim it Boldly in Faith Circle” people pray something like this:

“Lord, you said a grain of faith can move the mighty mountain!   You said a prayer of faith will heal the sick! We take you at your Word and claim your promise!  Mountain, MOVE in Jesus’ name!  By His stripes we are healed!  Your faith has made you whole!”

The “Contemplative LIsten in Childlike Trust Circle” people pray along these lines:

“Abba Father, I come to you as a hurting child.  I am broken, poor and needy.  Yet, I know your love and grace flow freely to the darkest place.  Lord have mercy.  Christ have mercy.  Please be near me as I walk this difficult valley, and help me not to struggle against it.  Teach me, from this experience, that I may be more like Jesus.”

So -- which way should we pray?

I propose that we approach the throne of grace with a blend of both!  Pray with the boldness of a pentecostal preacher and the trust of a contemplative monk!  Both perspectives are valid, yet both can lead to error.  Jesus blended the two approaches in the prayer he taught to his disciples: “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done.”

We must pray with forceful strength:  Thy Kingdom come!

We pray in faithful surrender:  Thy will be done.

Pray with Forceful Strength.  

God is bigger than any problem, and we need to pray in light of this greatness.  God is big enough for anything!  People who fail to pray boldly will see few miracles.  When we refuse to engage in the spiritual battle, we won’t experience the victory.  As Jesus said, “the Kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men take hold of it” (Matthew 11:12).

Yet, the “claim the promise” people can easily fall into arrogance, judging those suffering adversity as “lacking in faith”, and promoting their own agenda rather than Christ’s.  When prayers are not answered according to expectation, the great faith often evaporates into despair and disillusionment.  Genuine faith runs much deeper than bluster.

Pray in Faithful Surrender:

Our prayers should share the spirit of Jesus in Gethsemane, “Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42 KJV).  Step out in faith to pray boldly -- and then, in simple trust, leave the results to God.

He might work a mind blowing miracle and change the entire situation.  Or, he might perform a hidden work of the heart, and grow us in grace.  The way He chooses is always best, and it’s not our job to second guess Him.