Defending the Bible’s Position on Prayer Answering the Atheist and Skeptic

Attack on Prayer In efforts to discredit the Bible, atheists and skeptics often attack the Bible’s teaching concerning prayer. Enemies of the Bible quote John 14:14 and Matthew 18:19; 21:22 and argue that God is a liar when he doesn’t grant what we ask. They say prayer is useless and at odds with reality. We must consider all the Bible says on the subject of prayer, not just a few verses taken out of context.

Attack on Prayer ( Losing Faith in Faith: From Preacher to Atheist, Dan Barker, 1992 ) “No one can tell you what to think. Not your teachers. Not your parents. Not your minister, priest, or rabbi. Not your friends or relatives. Not this book. You are the boss of your own mind. If you have used your own mind to find out what is true, then you should be proud! Your thoughts are free!” (page 47). “Don’t ask Christians if they think prayer is effective. They will think up some kind of answer that makes sense to them only. Don’t ask them, tell them: ‘You know that prayer doesn’t work. You know you are fooling yourself with magical conceit.’ No matter how they reply, they will know in their heart of hearts that you are right” (page 109).

Attack on Prayer ( The God Delusion, Richard Dawkins, 2006 ) Richard Dawkins writes about a “prayer experiment” in which 1,800 heart patients were divided into three groups: Group 1 received prayers and didn’t know it; Group 2 received no prayers and didn’t know it; and Group 3 received prayers and did know it Prayers offered for Groups 1 and 3 did not favorably affect the results of their surgery or recovery Dawkins insinuates that the results of such an experiment proves that prayer is useless

Prayer Is Conditional Statements in the Bible about prayer contain promises and qualifying statements First, prayer is to be “in my name” - according to Jesus’ authority and teaching (Jn. 14:14) [Note: Prayer ending “in Jesus’ name” is not a guarantee. Acts 19:13-16 illustrates that one may use certain words without any effect.]

Prayer Is Conditional Second, prayer “in Jesus’ name” must not contradict other scriptural teaching (Mt. 6:14-15) Third, prayer must be according to God’s will (Mt. 6:10; 1 Jn. 5:14-15) – God’s will must prevail over our own (Mt. 16:23; 26:29; Jas. 4:3) – God’s will includes negative circumstances (Gen. 50:20)

Prayer Is Conditional Third, prayer must be according to God’s will (Mt. 6:10; 1 Jn. 5:14-15) – God’s will includes his (1) expressed and revealed will in scripture (Eph. 3:4; 5:17); and his (2) unrevealed permissive will in his mind (1 Cor. 4:19; Jas. 4:15)

Prayer Is Conditional Fourth, prayer must be believable and without doubt (Mt. 21:21-22; Jas. 1:5-8; 5:15) Fifth, prayer must proceed from those who are penitent, obedient followers of God (Psa. 66:16-18; Prov. 15:29; 21:13; 28:9; Zech. 7:12-13; Jn. 15:7; Jas. 5:16; 1 Pet. 3:10-12; 1 Jn. 3:22) Sixth, prayer must not be for show (Mt. 6:5) Seventh, prayer must be persistent (Lk. 2:37; 11:5- 13; 18:1-8; Phil. 1:4; 1 Thess. 5:17; Eph. 6:18)

Prayer Is Conditional Eighth, prayer must proceed from humility (Lk. 18:9ff) Ninth, prayer may be answered but in a way that we do not expect (Job 30:20; Rom. 1:9ff; 2 Cor. 12:8-9) Tenth, prayers may be hindered (1 Pet. 3:7)

Answered Prayer Three factors determining whether a prayer will be answered or not: 1) whether it is God’s will to answer to it; 2) whether it is God’s time to answer it; and 3) whether it is appropriate for God to answer it based upon the life of the petitioner