The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1358, titled "How to Pray."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. Copyright 2001 by John MacArthur Jr., All Rights Reserved.

Question

When you were talking about prayer, you made the comment that it was wrong for us to ask for more love or more peace because we already have this. And I assume that you were referring to us positionally--we have it all. But then there's the other side and don't you think that often when people pray for more love or more peace or any of these things that are ours positionally, that they're actually asking that it would be more of a part of their experience without denying the fact that it is their position? And in that it wouldn't be irrelevant to pray that way.

Answer

Yes, the only thing that I'm saying is that kind of prayer often assumes that you need something that you don't have. When all you're really talking about is appropriation, that the prayer should be framed, "Lord, help me to exercise that which You have given me." You know, I just react negatively to the idea that a Christian is incapable of anything and that he has to say, "God, I can't do this until You do this for me." He's done it all for you. It's a question of your willingness to appropriate what is yours.

The average Christian thinks that there are things that he still needs. But there aren't really. They're all ours if we will only be obedient to appropriate them. You know, it's just like going to your closet and have an unending supply of everything you need. There's no sense in sitting in the living room praying about it, you might as well go to the closet and use it. It's that kind of idea. "Lord, help me to appropriate what You've given me." Just the recognition that you have everything.

Question (continued)

But it's not wrong to ask Him for the strength to do that?

Answer (continued)

To use it. Right.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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