I discovered that there are times when God does not want us to pray. Lest anyone think that I am against prayer, I have not forgotten passages like Luke 18:1 where Jesus said that “men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1). The early Church was said to be “continually devoting themselves . . . to prayer” (Acts 2:42). Paul noted that we also should be “devoted to prayer” (Romans 12:12). He wrote,
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
These passages and many others stress the value of prayer. God desires us to pray, so why — and when — would he tell us not to?
The Lord told Moses not to enter the promised land because of his disobedience as a leader. Moses prayed to the Lord, saying, “Let me, I pray, cross over and see the fair land that is beyond the Jordan, that good hill country and Lebanon. But the LORD was angry with me on your account, and would not listen to me; and the LORD said to me, ‘Enough! Speak to Me no more of this matter’” (Deut. 3:25–26).
God told the prophet Jeremiah to not pray for his fellow Israelites. Three times God told Jeremiah, “do not pray for this people, and do not lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with Me; for I do not hear you” (Jer. 7:16; cf. 11:14; 14:11). God had decided to judge and punish His people (Jer. 7:20). Though Jeremiah had consistently preached God’s Word to them for years, the people openly defied His message, telling him, “As for the message that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we are not going to listen to you!” (Jer. 44:16).
For me, the most striking example is in Exodus. I’m sure you know the story of Israel crossing the Red Sea. You remember how Pharaoh had a what-have-I-done moment about letting Israel go and pursued them into the desert.
We’re told, “As Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the Lord” (Ex. 14:12).
At first blush, that seems reasonable; however, earlier in the book, God had promised the people His protection and that He would specifically take care of Pharaoh and his army. Israel already had God’s promises and everything they needed, so they should have acted instead of praying.
This is why we read, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward” (Ex. 14:15). In other words, “Get up and do what you’re supposed to.”
When a tragedy occurs today, it’s common for people to say that those affected are “in their thoughts and prayers.” As Christians, we know how effective prayer can be, but to those outside the Church, such a declaration is increasingly being viewed as meaningless where practical help is concerned.
The book of James says, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?” (James 2:14–16).
In his first epistle, John says, “Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth” (3:18).
Don’t misunderstand — I’m not suggesting we don’t pray for others. Instead, I’m saying we don’t stop at prayer if it is within our power to assist as well. “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.”
Please Thank God For: Amanda Garces and her 5th grade students at Sunshine Elementary. We will be assisting Ms. Garces’ classroom for the school year. Pray also that we would be faithful throughout the school year in our support and encouragement to teachers, aides, students, and families.
Please Thank God For: Leah’s upcoming quinceñera.
Please Pray: for Kathy, who is waiting for an organ donation
Please Thank God For: That Keith has found a new job
Please Pray: for Melissa Davis and her two young children, who were recently evicted from their apartment.
Please Pray: for Joey Diaz, whose home caught fire recently. We thank God that no lives were lost.
Please Pray: for Sandy, and a quick recovery from surgery.
Please Pray: All those who have been in the path of fires and storms on the west coast and in Hawaii. May God grant safety and peace.
Please Pray For: Chris, and all those who struggle to forgive someone.
Please Pray For: all the kids and teachers who are returning to school
Please Pray For: the lost who are near us
Please Pray For: Kathy Duitsman, who has breast cancer.
Please Pray For: Lela Izzo, who has a broken hip.
Please Pray For: those who serve in this place as they enthusiastically tackle diverse ministries such as the altar guild, food pantry, and serving our local school.
Please Pray For: Julie, who is battling brain cancer and 4 additional tumors.
Please Pray For: Joy, who is receiving chemo treatments
Please Pray For: for those who are facing financial difficulties. Father, guide them in their search for employment and grant them the wisdom and resources they need to overcome their challenges.”
Please Pray For: Keith and Kim, as they continue to seek God’s will
Please Pray For: for William Izzo, that God would Strengthen him.
Please Thank God For: The health of all the other congregations that worship in our facilities.
Please Pray For: Tom Sheba, who is on a ventilator.
Please Pray For: Joe and his struggles with addiction
Please Pray For: Those who struggle with housing needs.
Please pray For: all those who are out of work.
Please Pray For: Joshua, who has been moved to palliative care. Pray for peace and a knowledge of God’s mercy for him and those gathered around him in these final days.