"As soon as possible prayer" versus "As long as it
takes prayer." This is the two forms of prayer we as human beings
who have religion do in times of trouble, when we are week, and when we wish to
help others. But which is the correct way? Let's discuss.
As soon as possible prayer: As soon as possible prayer (ASAP-P) is the
prayer we say when we want something done immediately. It is all about
seeing it done right away because we demand that God exercises his power on our
behalf. But, it is selfish for this to occur. Or at least I think
it is selfish. God works when the time is right, not when we wish him
too. So no, God will not get you a girlfriend, or a new car or any of the
like. Then in times of hardship we ask God to save us or others, but God
only helps those who help themselves. So if you just want God to solve
all your problems, then it probably will not happen. This is at least how
I see it.
As long as it takes prayer: For the "as long as it takes
prayer", it seems to me that this is the correct way to pray. It
essentially is asking God for guidance to achieve the goals you wish. God
does want us to be happy, but his job is not providing the happiness to us.
Instead he whispers in our ear and our heart to make the right choices to
make ourselves happy through our own effort and strength. Sure God is
helping in this scenario, but he is not doing the task for you. Then
there are those emergency situations like a loved one’s life is in danger.
This is where things get hairy. Yes God probably can simply mend
all the wounds, broken bones, and the trauma, but why doesn't he? My
guess is that it becomes a test. A test on one’s faith, hope and love.
That the people injured need time to heal for a reason, and thus cannot
be healed right away, while at the same time you the person praying is healing
in a different way. This is my guess as to why this form of prayer is the
right way.
Conclusion: Truth is, I do not know which form
of prayer is right or wrong. I just have a feeling that between these
two, the "As long as it takes prayer" makes the most sense and fits
with what I have learned in my own faith. So what do you think? Do
you do the ASAP-P type? Do you think you are being selfish if you do?
Or are there situations that justify selfishness (if it is selfish in the
first place)? I cannot answer these questions for you. I personally
think I would be selfish if I did the ASAP-P type and thus violate all I
believe with respect to my faith. So I will learn to be patient and continue
to be patient for the goals I myself have in mind. I believe God is
within us all, whispering to us to go down the right path. Being patient
and earning everything is just some of those whispers. It just takes some
effort for us to listen.
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