Episode 9: The Prayer Vending Machine
When did prayer become a transaction? Insert faith-coin, press button, receive blessing. We explore Matthew 6:7-8 (βατταλογέω—don't babble), James 4:2-3 (asking amiss—unanswered prayer as God's mercy), Matthew 26:39 (Gethsemane—"state it and surrender it"), 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ἀδιαλείπτως—pray without ceasing), and Romans 8:26 (Spirit intercedes with groanings). The diagnostic: Are you praying or lobbying? Seeking His face or His hand? When's the last time you prayed without asking for anything? Relationships die when one person only shows up to ask for money. Episode 9 of 15, Phase 2: Systemic Idols.
