The Prayer Thread
Hello 👋
Let me start by saying I know religion has played a negative role in some peoples lives. If thats you, this thread may not be a good fit for you, although you may want to involve yourself to explore your feelings a little more. I just ask that you do so respectfully - all are welcome.
I often notice comments around faith, God and prayers in the daily check ins, and I wonder if theres a need for a prayer thread where people can come together and seek comfort in a quiet corner of 7 cups. So here goes ...... a brand spanking new thread for all things prayer related.
I confess Im not the most devout of Christians, so please dont look to me to find the right words all the time. But if you just want to sit a while, connect with God, and share that need with another human being, Im here to sit with you. I hope others will add to this thread and it becomes a place for mutual support.
And as for other faiths, oh gosh. Im a complete ignoramus. But I hope this can be an inclusive and respectful thread, so please dont feel excluded, whatever your beliefs ❤️
This is a one time tag. My apologies if youd rather not be tagged for this thread, but I wont do it again. Im just trying to highlight its here for those who may benefit.
@Rain45 @Avaray @Shadeshack @BeeLeigh @Faeryschild @Lavendermoonlight @KLM3278 @jr50 @agreeableKite4304 @PhoenixPatronus @Morfo66 @raychascotch @KatieMoon1 @Tamba @Jenna0903 @melliotm @PanamaBanana @inventiveOrange1 @HearingYourHeart @TreesandWine @guyb @Sharkradio @MKjart @Lilyflower0817 @caterpillargirl @Survivetoalive @exuberantTriangle2562 @coraline23 @Ivorycat5573 @fearlessPear8268 @SemicolonSurvivor @weare1 @weareall1 @Annaka1 @moonchild95 @summernight69 @sheaintgotnoshoes @rationalWillow8882 @DeborahUK @AMusicalSilence @catsith @energeticPenny8 @Rebekahwriter13 @behindhazeleyes @sensitiveShade5337 @singercrystalspirit @wittyTree8219 @Ocendade @Rpjrx @Brooke12 @tenacity37 @Raveninthelabrynth @Axeman53 @kkSp3nc3 @blissedNblessed @Softforesthsp77 @AriannaPink @sereneSoul23 @promisemehope @IPreferWinter @Zombii @Godborned @Jessica86 @resourcefulPond1641 @Lilibuth12 @Tir @Michelle0608 @The_Final_Chapter @Halogen @BubblegumPuppy68 @ScarletPear1945 @CaloenasNicobarica @Hoxenos @Christine1980 @TheresaWilliams @Compassionatelistener108 @LovelyChantel @Pureriver56 @unassumingSummer6022 @Reedrainshimmer @resourcefulPond1642 @Kuma0187 @NonHoPaura @courageousNorth9872 @NacienteLuz @Waterlily16 @Helpfulsoul64 @TheHoneyDoll @Saif1for1Resilience @butters45 @purpleWest8143 @silverIceCream21 @Dandelionmoon @Bumblebee16 @consciousawakening @Shaiya365 @archerzvy @JJi @CopingwithTrauma @musicheals61 @disneynerd23 @ScarletPear1945 @Longday08 @sittinginahoneymoon @Quietbeach @loyalYard9488 @thatdramaticsoprano @understandingJackfruit9057 @amiableZebra3993 @Waterstreams057 @placidFriend3007 @AndreT @orchard9786 @sociableSailboat9634 @Calmlake1999 @emotionalMaple9419 @calmballoon3183 @disneynerd23 @MomRNFNP @Pdanziger @easymap6620 @MoreThanAConqueror18 @candyhaunt @namelessgirl99 @plumLake851 @streamoftears @quixoticRaven @Redhawk6547 @Sk1ttles @Shayc1 @Samdoc99 @Mikathewolfdog @Tacomytaco @stella17 @blinkk @PaperCrane1123 @Equalnotabove @felicia96 @CartoonDarling @Tayboi @Compassion21 @lilblackcat89 @ashes @selfdisciplinedTriangle5384 @amiableSummer3420 @FangsInsanity @Anj0806 @Spoonog @rissadawn @brokenflutterby @g00dwitch @No715 @SpruceRaven @tidyMoon3222 @helpfulHuman4992 @Djs3 @dynamicHemlock1736 @Hope3729 @hardworkingStrawberries3477 @courageousCake401 @humorousBeing8966 @NancySV1 @mysticPhoenix883 @oceanmom @gymnast9460 @Nonbinarywaffle7706 @Tbeth @felixfriend @Chels @8883ef @DaisyLion @forcefulSkies @spotthedot @courteousNorth5140 @Alcynically @ArianaMay @SB @affectionateNorth4018 @J12g34 @FloweringBunny @loyalDrum2337 @nolongerafraid
@DeborahUK What a great idea!
@nolongerafraid
Thank you :)
And good to have you here.
Do you find prayer helpful to you Mas? Or is it Nola now?
@DeborahUK
It is still Mas, thanks!
I don't know really. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with God lately.
I pray sometimes.
@nolongerafraid
Maybe were at a similar place. I have a lot of questions, but I also feel a tremendous peace when I can just let my doubt go and be loved. And we are all worthy and deserving of Gods love.
@DeborahUK
Yes, we are. I do believe God is love. That He died for us because He loved us so much and He found us worthy to die for.
I think part of me really enjoys and loves God. On the other hand I have been extermely hurt by religion and religious people and that is not helping. I have some very scared parts. It is a struggle.
What kind of questions do you have?
@nolongerafraid
My questions are largely around inclusiveness. Put simply, religion and biblical references can be used in quite a divisive manner cant they? I hope that wasnt the original intent. I dont believe it was, but it still hurts me at times. I dont want to muddy the waters too much here by expressing my doubts too openly. But Im hoping to get some reassurances from others views and beliefs.
Again, you saying youve been hurt by religious people, or at least people purporting to have religious views, sounds similar to me. I just question their interpretation and put faith in the God I know. All loving, non divisive, non judgemental.
@DeborahUK I know what you are saying.
I think Jesus said that He was a perfect representation of the Father. When you look at the life of Jesus it was all love and inclusiveness. He did not reject anyone, did not shut anyone out. To me it seems He had more problems with the Pharisees and Scribes than with the prostitutes and the sick.
That is kinda comforting
@nolongerafraid
I love that we have this thread! ❤️ We all struggle and have questions. It's nice to have others to walk this road with. ❤️ One thing I wonder about, is that how Jesus dealt with people who sinned. I read in the Bible that Jesus would forgive them but that that He didn't want them to stay in their sin. That's incredible! To read that and know that! God's love is amazing! Oh, "Amazing Grace!" I love that song!
@KLM3278
That is what grace is for. You can't so it in your own strength, it is impossible.
Because of trauma and healing I have been questioning God a lot and been stuborn. But I do know what it is like to feel holy and cleansed. When you experience that forgiveness and acceptance, you don't want to sin. You just can't.
The apostle Paul said, Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8).
When we are focussed on our sin and the sin of others, we become selfrighteous and frustrated. I think it is key to keep thinking on what is good to stay in that place of peace.
@nolongerafraid
Same for me. I talk to my counselor about all that. He is so patient. Just like God is. He says we can ask the hard questions. Trauma confuses people and we blame God. I was reminded a lot about how people have free will. God allows us to have free will. Free will to choose. Free will to love or harm others. But He is a righteous judge! He will not allow the evil people do to go unpunished. I find hope and healing in this knowledge. ❤️
@KLM3278
No, I find that really hard.
If God is righteous He will not choose sights. He is not on my sight because I believe in Him and against someone who is not. That would not be righteous.
What if the other person also believes? Now God will need to make a choice, who is more righteous? You know what, none of us is.
I can be really resentful to some people but I have a very hard time condeming them. I can't.
God asks me to forgive so He can forgive.
Just as I have been forgiven, I need to forgive.
That is f***ing hard to do.
I have hurt people. Really badly too. Why would I be the one forgiven?
And someone else that has hurt me deserve eternal condemnation? I can't live myself if I think that.
I am sorry, I can't agree with you there.
There is a lot I need to forgive myself for. I think that is where my struggle comes from.
@nolongerafraid
I really do understand ❤️ The Bible actaully teaches we stand before God alone. So God does not compare us to only people. Because as you said, we all sin. And that's where the grace of God comes in. Jesus did for us what we could not do. And forgiveness is available for anyone who believes. Also, if you think about justice. God loves but true love has boundaries. We love litlte children. We give boundaries of not running into a street where cars are. Not out of meanness but out of love. I really do understand your struggles and questions. We all have them. I guess another thing to think about is what the Bible says about evil. I believe in satan and how he causes a lot of horrible things. God will punish him. And because of free will, people will choose to refuse God. So it is a rejection of His love and His grace and His forgiveness. God is love and wants no one to reject Him. But He is Holy and Just and Righteous and will not force anyone. I don't know if maybe this helps? ❤️ And forgiveness of ourselves is feels hard. But God has forgiven if you have asked. Now its learning to believe God's promsie and ❤️ Love!
@KLM3278
I am really happy for you, I mean that.
I am sorry if I am coming across angry and bitter.
You don't have to convince me. Really, you don't.
@nolongerafraid
Oh no, no. I'm not trying to convince you. I'm just talking and sharing. I don't think anyone can convince another person when it comes to God ❤️ I just care and you ask good questions. I have all the same ones. No one convinces me of anything I believe. I listen to others, good teaches, I studied the Bible (on my own and in school), I lived through very very hard things (as have you) and at the end of the day, I believe what I believe and I share only because I care ❤️❤️❤️ I was very angry at God for along time. My counselor siad God and I wrestled! Hee hee. Imagine that! Any way, I love talking about faith. I love praying for people. And I help ALL people because I accept them - not because they agree with me. ❤️❤️☃️
@KLM3278
Thanks Klm, I know. You were not doing that at all. I am sorry.
@nolongerafraid
Did you like the snowman! Haha! We are have way to Christmas you know!! 🎄☃️❤️
@KLM3278
hahaha, now that you mention it. It is incredebly hot here now, Christmas seems veeeeeeery far away.
@nolongerafraid
Same here!! UGH! But, tomorrow starts Christmas in July "Christmas movies" on the Hallmark channel. I am SNOW excited!!!! ☃️☃️☃️
@DeborahUK
☺️
@singercrystalspirit
Welcome Singer :)
Where are you at with faith? Devout? Questioning? Angry? Anything in between?
@DeborahUK
For me, faith is a state of mind and being. I am learning more and more about it. I believe there is truth behind all religion, the same spiritual truths, so my personal journey is in finding and connecting with those truths in non attached ways and enjoying elements from any religion 😊 Ive been hurt by religion in the past so part of my journey is also separating the people who hurt me from their thinking they had ownership of Who Or What God Is. Cause they dont. ♥️ What about you?
@singercrystalspirit
I could easily fall in love with that philosophy :)
I find myself attending a church because its a simple way of discovering more, but then it can be quite a narrow view. Im not sure if youve seen the film ‘Gods not dead? Apologies to anyone who likes it, but I thought it was dire! Because it peddles the view that atheists are all deeply unpleasant and angry. Muslims are, well Im not sure what they were trying to say about Muslims, but they were certainly painting them as less valid in their beliefs than Christians. In fact it poo pooed every character except the Christian ones. And they of course were eloquent, charming, generally perfect. I dont buy into that.
So yes, spirituality seems to me a far more rounded approach. Find the best of all faiths, live your life in a meaningful way, accept all comers. Sounds infinitely wise to me.
@DeborahUK
Well, for me I am really really drawn to the idea that "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." As I figure out what I believe and why, I'm curious about that. I also love how simple Christianity is. It's not about anything I did or can do, it's all about what Jesus did for us. Other religions are merit based it seems. I find Jesus' grace extending to everyone very non-exclusive. Other religions seem exclusive. Jesus welcomes everyone! All we have to do is believe and trust in Him. That's called being in a relationship with God. And then growth happens. This is my belief and my heart. ❤️
@KLM3278
Oh, Im not so sure on this one KLM. The impression I get from some Christians is they dont believe were all equal, and they certainly dont believe were loved equally. However, my relationship with God is between me and Him. Not to be waylaid by others. But it certainly gives me the odd wobble, no question there.
@DeborahUK
If people are saying they are better than you, or other people, that's their sin struggle. Even Christians aren't perfect. Just forgiven. ❤️ I know I mess up all the time ☹️ My youth pastor told me that some of the biggest jerks he has ever met are Christians. I just remember the Bible tells us to "take up our cross daily and follow Jesus." Bu the way, I think you're pretty amazing 🤗
@DeborahUK
Hehe 😁 Thank you. And sincerely, thank you for creating this discussion prayer corner. I highly value faith and spirituality, whatever religion or world tradition they are from.
@DeborahUK
Yes, I agree. ❤️God does love us all inspite of how unworthy we are because of sin. His love is for everyone everywhere ❤️❤️❤️
@DeborahUK
Id like to feel that peace a whole lot more often. I worry so much. I know what you mean.
@singercrystalspirit
Hopefully God will lead you to that peace, and you
@DeborahUK
Thank you Deb 💞💞 Hug. Today I am feeling lost.
@singercrystalspirit
@DeborahUK
Yikes... hits close to home in a way that doesn
When I was in England I saw this tree. It was really intriguing. It had fallen to the ground, as you can see. Out of the stem or trunk or whatever that part is called, trees had sprout again
It reminded me of verses in Job 14: 7-9
7 At least there is hope for a tree:
If it is cut down, it will sprout again,
and its new shoots will not fail.
8 Its roots may grow old in the ground
and its stump die in the soil,
9 yet at the scent of water it will bud
and put forth shoots like a plant.
This became a hope for me. I feel like a dead tree most of the time to be honest. But He promised new life to come forth. I am trying to hold on to that promise.
@nolongerafraid
Thank you for sharing this 😊 That
@singercrystalspirit Thanks
I almost forgot and this thread brought it back into my memory and gave me a bit of hope again!
I am glad it is encouraging to you too <3
@nolongerafraid
This is so beautiful ❤️ Wow! Thank you for shating this. I feel like a broken tree a lot. I get what you're saying ❤️
I like when people give others space to have a faith. Nothing worse than people thinking that to have faith is to be an ignorant sheeple. I find great consolation in having faith, especially when I go through things like this.
I'm happy to see this thread here, and to see Christians come together like this. :) I'll have to remember this thread for when I need some extra prayers, and to see who else needs them. :)
@DeborahUK
I love this idea!
It personally really helps if someone offers to pray with me instead of for me. I think only 1 person has outside of communion service
💓💓💓🍀⚘🌹🌲🏵💐🌸💜♥️🎄
L'chaim sisters and brothers!
Also there's a Messianic song that I like to meditate to called Kadosh the links not working but it's really beautiful
is it this one @wittySpruce8187? I love this song.
I am not raised Jewish but I have a Jewish heritage.
@nolongerafraid
ohmygod YES same!! thats such a relief.
my mom and i are both very Christian, i chose to worship Jesus but we are ethnically Jewish and i dont see that as a problem if anything it just makes us have a more powerful story and I think its cool i get to appreciate aspects of both sides.
and yes this is the song! it calms me down so much. i had a very special moment meditating to it where i think God may have talked to me and was like 'its ok,you're safe now' so its very close to my heart.
@wittySpruce8187 
That sounds like the voice and heart of God speaking 💖 Yes, you are safe in Him.
That song is awesome!
@DeborahUK
I love this idea!
It personally really helps if someone offers to pray with me instead of for me. I think only 1 person has outside of communion service
💓💓💓🍀⚘🌹🌲🏵💐🌸💜♥️🎄
L'chaim sisters and brothers!
Also there's a Messianic song that I like to meditate to called Kadosh the links not working but it's really beautiful
@DeborahUK
I love this idea!
It personally really helps if someone offers to pray with me instead of for me. I think only 1 person has outside of communion service
💓💓💓🍀⚘🌹🌲🏵💐🌸💜♥️🎄
L'chaim sisters and brothers!
Also there's a Messianic song that I like to meditate to called Kadosh the links not working but it's really beautiful
@DeborahUK
other faiths can start their own threads, keep this just for Christians
There are a lot of people on here that need to know about their saviour Jesus Christ, with out him we can
@Longlegs
Interesting. So do you see other faiths as less valid? Or just that they differ to your beliefs and you dont think they can sit together?
@Longlegs
Hi Longlegs. It's very nice to meet you. ❤️
@Longlegs
It says in the Bible that God created the earth for us. Not heaven. The earth.
Life seems to be meaningless to me if our only goal and purpose in life would be to die so we could go to heaven. And the worse part is that we can't even enjoy life because we can't do anything fun. Heaven forbid we would sin.
I am sorry, but this upsets me.
I am sorry Longlegs, that came out all wrong.
I do believe what I said but I did not mean to burn you.
I do believe, like you, that Jesus is the answer. But it is so much more.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus teaches us to pray "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Or why He prayed: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one"
Life has meaning. It is such a shame if you would waste it waiting to die to leave this 'forsaken' world.
The world is ours, and we are called to rule and reign in it not leave it behind. That is why He made us stewards.
He came to give us life. The enemy came to kill and destroy. We are called to live. Not die.
Don't be afraid to listen to others. God is creator. The enemy is just a copycat. Trust God that He will keep you. And God is also perfectly capable of defending Himself, you don't need to do that.
God bless you. And again, I am sorry if I have hurt you in any way.
@nolongerafraid
You have such a sweet heart ❤️
Just to add to the conversation, the Bible says very different things about "this world." Have you read the book of Revelation? Jesus is returning, this time not as a baby. But to judge and seperate "His sheep" from the those who follow the evil one. This world is His creation, but his creation is goaning. He is coming to make all things new!!!! Praise God!! ❤️
@KLM3278 
Creation is groaning, I agree. Do you know what it groans for? Us. The sons (and daughters) of God.
Rom 8:19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
Yes I have read revelations. 
@nolongerafraid
Yes. 😃