It’s true: there are plenty of examples of God’s people praying together, rallied by social media, and miracles have followed. In a world of a billion-plus Facebook users, this should not surprise us. But daily, and in ways uncounted, we have turned to social media because we are sure of [getting] some answer—any answer—which we can see and hear.
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Even more frightening than not getting an answer from God is the possibility that the Father would respond, and focus us on the real problems of our lives. Imagine what would happen if God responded to your cyberprayer:
ACTUAL PRAYER: Father, I’m going in for a job interview today. Please help me get this job because I really need it.
POSSIBLE RESPONSES FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT:
- What happened to the last job you had?
- Are you afraid I will not provide?
- Are you so desperate for money you would debase yourself by working for a company that exploits the poor and abuses its own employees?
The gospels are filled with stories of people who brought their requests to Jesus only to receive challenging “answers” to their prayers:
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
How to ask for prayers on social media? We post our social media prayer because the social media space filled with people like us, and when people like us respond we can be sure to get the answer we are looking for. If we complain about other drivers, people like us will respond with more of the same. If we post angry words about a political party, we can be sure others will join our anger. If we post the latest warning about the dangers of modern life, we will soon read fearful words from others who feel powerless against big business or Big Brother.
Here are the challenges of How to Ask for Prayers on Social Media:
Can we wait on God?
Can we sit in the silence without trying to fill the void?
Can we bear the possibility that the Spirit will change the subject, and ask about the condition of our souls?
This article on how to ask for prayers on social media originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
