Unchained Prayer

Q: I searched for chain prayers with no luck. I sometimes get text messages from fellow brethren asking us to join them in a chain prayer from midnight for an hour. My question is, is this Biblical or are these people believing that God will answer prayers just because we should pray at midnight. What`s the relevance here?

A: There is no relevance to praying at midnight or forming prayer chains. Just the thought alone gives the impression of a disinterested God who needs multitudes of His children all praying together in order for Him to respond. Often times it never works and the only outcome is to believe God doesn't care or someone expected to pray with the group is at fault for God's "lack of response." Prayer chains may make us feel good to be involved in because we get the sensation that we are doing something for God. However, it also unintentionally makes it look as if God is supposed to respond to us, as if He is obligated to grant the prayers of those in the chain. That also is not supported by the Bible. There have even been events like the National Day of Prayer which are designed to try and heal the United States and the world. This is the ultimate "prayer chain." Yet, after nearly 60 years of this observance this country and the world seems to only be getting worse. Does anybody ask why their prayers don't seem to be getting answered?

Prayer is nothing more, and nothing less, than personal and intelligent conversation with our God. Prayer, or to pray, means many different things. It can mean "to ask" for something (i.e. Why?), to express a "need or desire," a "wish," to "call to one's aid," to make a "vow," to "intercede" and many other meanings. When you think of all the ways in which prayer is used it makes it clear why Jesus said, "when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Mat 6:6)." I believe He said this because it is only when we are alone, in secret, that we are open and honest with our prayers. It is no different than going to your earthly father and saying "Can I speak with you in private?" Or when you go up to someone and say, "I need to get something off my chest." These are phrases that immediately signal that something personal and unfiltered is about to be spoken. And that is how God wants it with us. In other words, be honest. Often times in a prayer chain we are expected to pray about specific things, at specific times, in specific order and for specific reasons, regardless of whether or not our hearts are in it or not. In many instances coercion is used to gather support for a prayer chain because we don't want to be singled out as not wanting God's assistance in something or be subject to some sort of discipline for not participating.

Prayer is important because it brings us into a deeper understanding of our God and who we are in Christ. It would not surprise me if that knowledge is what was behind the Apostle Paul encouraging believers to "pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)." That means pray when you wake up, pray in the shower, pray at breakfast, pray on your way to work, pray at work, pray on your way home, pray at dinner and pray before bed. If it is on your mind to speak to the Lord, then do it. Nobody even has to know you are praying. Remember, we "do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express (Rom 8:26)." It is not about our use of fancy words, being seen my men when we pray or being part of prayer chain. It is simply a time of focusing on the Lord in order to be comforted by Him and seeking His guidance. And, honestly, it can also be a time to just vent, cry or throw our hands up in frustration and scream "Help!" It is all good and God doesn't mind. Parents often remind their children that they can come to them with anything and be accepted. It is not any different with our Father in Heaven.

You are free to participate in a prayer chain. However, be aware of why you are being asked to be involved in it and if you are even interested in the reasons for the prayer chain. Also, don't allow yourself to be coerced into praying for fear that lack of doing so will result in God cursing you in some way. And, finally, whether you get involved or not, pay attention to the results of the prayer chain. Did what was prayed for come to pass? If it did, thank God, but don't expect that a prayer chain is some formula to be used in order to get prayers answered. If the prayer did not come to pass, take note of that and ask God what it is you can learn about Him, prayer and what to pray for in the future. Remember, as a Christian, you have a personal relationship with God. Your prayers should be directed at getting to reveal all God has given to you through your faith in Jesus Christ. "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11)."