Changes

Prayer helps overcome [[addiction]], such as [[video game]] usage, [[gambling]], [[obesity]], [[alcoholism]], and football-watching.  For most people, overcoming addiction is impossible without prayer.   

Prayer helps overcome [[addiction]], such as [[video game]] usage, [[gambling]], [[obesity]], [[alcoholism]], and football-watching.  For most people, overcoming addiction is impossible without prayer.   

Prayer provides comfort in inevitable times of trouble.  It is a way to reach out for forgiveness, and develop the ability to forgive.  It also is a way to request God's help or provision.  Prayer is a powerful way to defeat anxiety.  Prayer taps into the [[infinity|infinite]]—time, strength, joy, peace, or whatever—in ways that ordinary activities cannot.  Prayer is also relaxing in a world of increasing stress.

Prayer provides comfort in inevitable times of trouble.  It is a way to reach out for [[forgiveness]], and develop the ability to forgive.  It also is a way to request God's help or provision.  Prayer is a powerful way to defeat anxiety.  Prayer taps into the [[infinity|infinite]]—time, strength, joy, peace, or whatever—in ways that ordinary activities cannot.  Prayer is also relaxing in a world of increasing stress.

Through prayer our thoughts and hopes are heard and understood. Oftentimes, prayer will result in feeling God's presence or feeling like one is touched by God. This feeling of a connection is cited by many theists as proof of God's existence. It is through prayer that man can understand God's will in his life and ask God for the courage and strength to carry his message to the world.  Prayer is common throughout the [[Bible]] in both the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]], and is mentioned 316 times in the [[Bible]] ([[ESV]]).

Through prayer, our thoughts and hopes are heard and understood. Oftentimes, prayer will result in feeling God's presence or feeling like one is touched by God. This feeling of a connection is cited by many theists as proof of God's existence. It is through prayer that man can understand God's will in his life and ask God for the courage and strength to carry his message to the world.  Prayer is common throughout the [[Bible]] in both the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]], and is mentioned 316 times in the [[Bible]] ([[ESV]]).

== Studies confirming the efficacy of prayer for Christians ==

== Studies confirming the efficacy of prayer for Christians ==

In Christianity, Jesus gives a guideline of how one should pray to God with The Lord's Prayer:<blockquote>"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, [[Amen]]."<ref>Matt 6:9-13</ref><ref>[http://www.lifeofchrist.com/teachings/sermons/mount/lordsprayer.asp Instructions for praying]</ref></blockquote>

In Christianity, Jesus gives a guideline of how one should pray to God with The Lord's Prayer:<blockquote>"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, they will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever, [[Amen]]."<ref>Matt 6:9-13</ref><ref>[http://www.lifeofchrist.com/teachings/sermons/mount/lordsprayer.asp Instructions for praying]</ref></blockquote>

God is the only heavenly object of prayer in the Bible

God is the only heavenly object of prayer in the [[Bible]]

One way that is a great way to pray when you are praying privately (i.e. talking to God as though he is a close friend)is to just thank Him, thank Him for creating you, the world you live on, the stars, the sun, the galaxy, and everything else. We rarely thank him, but more so we usually ask for help, but it is good to thank him whenever you can.

One great way to pray privately (i.e. talking to [[God]] as though he is a close friend) is merely to thank Him, thank Him for creating you, the world you live on, the stars, the sun, the galaxy, and everything else. We rarely thank him, but more so we usually ask for help, but it is good to thank him whenever you can.

==Private and public prayer==

==Private and public prayer==

* Jesus prayed in public, such as in {{Bible ref|Matthew|19|13-15}} when Jesus prayed for the children brought to him.

* Jesus prayed in public, such as in {{Bible ref|Matthew|19|13-15}} when Jesus prayed for the children brought to him.

Other religions, and even different traditions within Christianity have developed their own practices related to prayer.<ref>[http://www.thenazareneway.com/modes_of_prayer.htm "The Modes of Prayer," from the Nazerine Way of Essenic Study]</ref>

Other religions, and even different traditions within Christianity have developed their own practices related to prayer.<ref>[http://www.thenazareneway.com/modes_of_prayer.htm "The Modes of Prayer," from the Nazarene Way of Essenic Study]</ref>

Modern societies often oppose and discourage public prayer. For example, in the United States, government [[school]]s forbid [[classroom prayer]].

Modern societies often oppose and discourage public prayer. For example, in the United States, government [[school]]s forbid [[classroom prayer]].

Nearly six-in-ten adults in the U.S. say they pray at least once a day.<ref>[http://religions.pewforum.org/ The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life] U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, 2008</ref>

Nearly six in ten adults in the U.S. say they pray at least once a day.<ref>[http://religions.pewforum.org/ The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life] U.S. Religious Landscape Survey, 2008</ref>

== George Müller: A Man of Prayer ==

== George Müller: A Man of Prayer ==

enlighten the darkness of our minds.

enlighten the darkness of our minds.

Give us a right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity,

Give us the right faith, a firm hope and a perfect charity,

so that we may always and in all things  

so that we may always and in all things  

==Different types of prayer in the Bible==

==Different types of prayer in the Bible==

The Bible is much a book or prayer, containing about 650 different prayers,<ref>http://www.bible.ca/ntx-prayer.htm</ref> and consisting of various types. Some types that are categorized are,

The Bible is much like a book or prayer, containing about 650 different prayers,<ref>http://www.bible.ca/ntx-prayer.htm</ref> and consisting of various types. Some types that are categorized are,

*1. Prayer of supplication. (1&nbsp;kg. 8: 37-40; 54-55; Lk. 11: 9-13; Ja. 5: 17-18)

*1. Prayer of supplication. (1&nbsp;kg. 8: 37-40; 54-55; Lk. 11: 9-13; Ja. 5: 17-18)

*Pray, always pray; when sickness wastes thy frame, Prayer brings the healing power of Jesus' name. - A. B. Simpson

*Pray, always pray; when sickness wastes thy frame, Prayer brings the healing power of Jesus' name. - A. B. Simpson

*Prayer is the force as real as terrestrial gravity. As a physician, I have seen men, after all other therapy had failed, lifted out of disease and melancholy by the serene effort of prayer. Only in prayer do we achieve that complete and harmonious assembly of body, mind and spirit which gives the frail human reed its unshakable strength. - Dr. Alexis Carrel

*Prayer is a force as real as terrestrial gravity. As a physician, I have seen men, after all other therapy had failed, lifted out of disease and melancholy by the serene effort of prayer. Only in prayer do we achieve that complete and harmonious assembly of body, mind and spirit which gives the frail human reed its unshakable strength. - Dr. Alexis Carrel

*Every time we pray our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don't pray more. - Oswald Chambers

*Every time we pray our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don't pray more. - Oswald Chambers

==Prayer in government==

==Prayer in government==

Prayer is a mandated part of governmental affairs within a [[theocracy]] such as [[Islam]], while voluntary prayer may play a part within governments which recognize [[separation of church and state]]. In contrast, refusal to acknowledge God is seen as practically conveying atheism, with prayer being excluded as part of [[atheistic]] systems such as [[Communism]].  

Prayer is a mandated part of governmental affairs within a [[theocracy]] such as [[Islam]], while voluntary prayer may play a part within governments that recognize [[separation of church and state]]. In contrast, refusal to acknowledge God is seen as practically conveying atheism, with prayer being excluded as part of [[atheistic]] systems such as [[Communism]].  

In America, upon landing the pilgrims  "Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they  fell upon their knees, and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof…" <ref>William Bradford

In America, upon landing the pilgrims  "Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they  fell upon their knees, and blessed the God of heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof…" <ref>William Bradford

To [[intercede]] is to speak on behalf of another, to defend their cause, and to seek for favor or forgiveness from an estranged or hostile party (see 2 Samuel 14). In some situations, the intercessor seeks the decision of a judge to render a favorable decision or verdict.  

To [[intercede]] is to speak on behalf of another, to defend their cause, and to seek for favor or forgiveness from an estranged or hostile party (see 2 Samuel 14). In some situations, the intercessor seeks the decision of a judge to render a favorable decision or verdict.  

To mediate is to bring together two parties at odds and estranged from one another by favorably representing the interests of both to each other by intercession, and then actively assisting them to completely remove actual barriers to their unity, by providing when necessary all the means of substantial reparation for all damage done by one party to the other or done mutually by each to the other. The mediator seeks to avoid having any recourse to a judge, and in principle will not himself or herself make a judgment either for or against either party involved in the dispute. In very extreme cases, the mediator, to avoid having the matter brought before a judge and to bring about actual peace, has personally arranged to make the absolutely necessary reparation required to remove the offense, and at great personal cost, solely to bring both parties together totally reconciled. Once this necessary reparation has been made, both of them afterward are able (if they will) to acknowledge that the very cause of what divided them has been completely removed. It no longer exists, and because it is gone there is no longer any substantial reason for their avoidance of each other and for acts of war, the one against the other, and the shutting out of the offending party. The compassionate act of the mediator has made this agreeable union possible. (U.S. law prohibits an authorized mediator acting directly to personally remove the cause of the dispute in order to resolve the conflict. See [[Conflict of interest]].)  

To mediate is to bring together two parties at odds and estranged from one another by favorably representing the interests of both to each other by intercession, and then actively assisting them to completely remove actual barriers to their unity, by providing when necessary all the means of substantial reparation for all damage done by one party to the other or done mutually by each to the other. The mediator seeks to avoid having any recourse to a judge, and in principle will not himself or herself make a judgment either for or against either party involved in the dispute. In very extreme cases, the mediator, to avoid having the matter brought before a judge and to bring about actual peace, has personally arranged to make the absolutely necessary reparation required to remove the offense, and at great personal cost, solely to bring both parties together totally reconciled. Once this necessary reparation has been made, both of them afterward are able (if they will) to acknowledge that the very cause of what divided them has been completely removed. It no longer exists, and because it is gone there is no longer any substantial reason for their avoidance of each other and for acts of war, the one against the other, and the shutting out of the offending party. The compassionate act of the mediator has made this agreeable union possible. (U.S. law prohibits an authorized mediator from acting directly to personally remove the cause of the dispute in order to resolve the conflict. See [[Conflict of interest]].)  

====in summary====

====in summary====

An ''intercessor'' pleads the case, seeking a favorable judgment or at best a total dismissal of the charge brought against the [[Defendant|accused]] by the [[plaintiff]]. <br>A ''mediator'' arranges for a full reconciliation through resolution of the conflict by proposing a just reparation or settlement agreeable to both parties, without pronouncing judgment in the matter, and without recourse to a judge. The case has been "settled out of court". See Matthew 5:25-26; Luke 12:57-59.

An ''intercessor'' pleads the case, seeking a favorable judgment or at best a total dismissal of the charge brought against the [[Defendant|accused]] by the [[plaintiff]]. <br>A ''mediator'' arranges for a full reconciliation through resolution of the conflict by proposing a just reparation or settlement agreeable to both parties, without pronouncing judgment in the matter, and without recourse to a judge. The case has been "settled out of court". See Matthew 5:25-26; Luke 12:57-59.

Petitions to the governing authorities of a nation or people were usually introduced with the phrase, "''we pray you to'' [do this or that]". [[Attorney]]s for the prosecution and the defense even today frequently address the court (the bar), in words spoken or written, with the word "pray": for example, "''Your Honor, the defense prays the court to ...''". Formal petitions by governors to the king or queen anciently addressed that sovereign lord or lady first with a preamble acknowledgement of their authority, followed by the words: "''The people pray Your Majesty'' [to do this or that, ''or'' to cause to cease this or that] ''for the benefit of the realm''".  

Petitions to the governing authorities of a nation or people were usually introduced with the phrase, "''we pray you to'' [do this or that]". [[Attorney]]s for the prosecution and the defense even today frequently address the court (the bar), in words spoken or written, with the word "pray": for example, "''Your Honor, the defense prays the court to ...''". Formal petitions by governors to the king or queen anciently addressed that sovereign lord or lady first with a preamble acknowledgement of their authority, followed by the words: "''The people pray Your Majesty'' [to do this or that, ''or'' to cause to cease this or that] ''for the benefit of the realm''".  

In ordinary society individuals often begged other individuals for a favor or benefit by praying them to consider some factor in their favor or some distress that needs to be addressed; for example a mother praying her husband, the father of their daughter or son, to forgive what the son or daughter has done.  

In ordinary society individuals often beg other individuals for a favor or benefit by praying for them to consider some factor in their favor or some distress that needs to be addressed; for example, a mother praying for her husband, the father of their daughter or son, to forgive what the son or daughter has done.  

Those who were not members of the court of the emperor or sovereign, nor members of the legislative body of the nation, but who wished to appeal for some relief or benefit for themselves or on behalf of another, normally petitioned a member of the court in favor with the ruler or governing council to favorably represent them and to personally present the petition or prayer on their behalf for due consideration, and request the sovereign or ruling body to render a favorable decision. This is the proper form. An individual with no official standing in the administration of the nation who entered and approached to represent himself or herself as having a legitimate petition would be held in contempt as [[Presumption|presumptuous and bold]], as having no respect for the authority of the court by going over their heads. In the military they would be guilty of circumventing the "appropriate chain of command". In none of these instances is divine worship meant by a prayer of petition to authority.  

Those who were not members of the court of the emperor or sovereign, nor members of the legislative body of the nation, but who wished to appeal for some relief or benefit for themselves or on behalf of another, normally petitioned a member of the court in favor with the ruler or governing council to favorably represent them and to personally present the petition or prayer on their behalf for due consideration, and request the sovereign or ruling body to render a favorable decision. This is the proper form. An individual with no official standing in the administration of the nation who entered and approached to represent himself or herself as having a legitimate petition would be held in contempt as [[Presumption|presumptuous and bold]], as having no respect for the authority of the court by going over their heads. In the military, they would be guilty of circumventing the "appropriate chain of command". In none of these instances is divine worship meant by a prayer of petition to authority.  

===narrowing the definition of prayer===

===narrowing the definition of prayer===

When the word prayer is narrowly defined and understood to mean '''''only''''' speaking to God, then its fuller meaning has been stripped away and its language has been abused and violated. Most often this occurs unconsciously, because of how the word is normally used in [[American]] culture. Many are surprised to discover its broader legitimate meaning as found in authoritative dictionaries of the English language.

When the word prayer is narrowly defined and understood to mean '''''only''''' speaking to God, then its fuller meaning has been stripped away and its language has been abused and violated. Most often this occurs unconsciously, because of how the word is normally used in [[American]] culture. Many are surprised to discover its broader legitimate meaning as found in authoritative dictionaries of the English language.

===Reformation teaching: restricting the meaning of "pray"===

===Reformation teaching: restricting the meaning of "pray"===

The Protestant Reformers in their struggle against the Catholic Church sought to promote pure piety and worship of God by eliminating the practice of prayers for the intercession of the saints in God's court of heaven by strictly defining prayer as meaning only petition to God. From this came the understanding that prayers to the saints to pray for us to God is a form of pagan idolatry, with the worship of saints taking the place of the worship of God (Colossians 2;18-19). They represented the intercession of the saints as the placing of a barrier between the Christian and the Savior, and as a disguised form of the pagan doctrine of the lesser and greater ascending levels of gods and goddesses who alone had right of access to the throne of God the Unknown. The Reformers sought to emphasize the sovereign dignity of each individual Christian as having a right to bypass the saints with direct access to the Majesty on High through Jesus Christ alone, as having the right to approach "''boldly''" the throne of grace without any necessity for intercession by any other being in heaven or on earth to support their prayers. ([http://biblehub.com/multi/hebrews/10-19.htm Hebrews 10:19]; [http://biblehub.com/multi/ephesians/3-12.htm Ephesians 3:12]; [http://biblehub.com/multi/1_john/4-17.htm 1 John 4:17]).  

The Protestant Reformers in their struggle against the Catholic Church sought to promote pure piety and worship of God by eliminating the practice of prayers for the intercession of the saints in God's court of heaven by strictly defining prayer as meaning only petition to God. From this came the understanding that prayers to the saints to pray for us to God is a form of pagan idolatry, with the worship of saints taking the place of the worship of God (Colossians 2;18-19). They represented the intercession of the saints as the placing of a barrier between the Christian and the [[Savior]], and as a disguised form of the pagan doctrine of the lesser and greater ascending levels of gods and goddesses who alone had a right of access to the throne of God the Unknown. The Reformers sought to emphasize the sovereign dignity of each individual Christian as having a right to bypass the saints with direct access to the Majesty on High through Jesus Christ alone, as having the right to approach "''boldly''" the throne of grace without any necessity for intercession by any other being in heaven or on earth to support their prayers. ([http://biblehub.com/multi/hebrews/10-19.htm Hebrews 10:19]; [http://biblehub.com/multi/ephesians/3-12.htm Ephesians 3:12]; [http://biblehub.com/multi/1_john/4-17.htm 1 John 4:17]).  

In the civil sphere of human activity the Reformers also objected to the distance that [[Monarchy|autocratic]] rulers maintained between themselves and their subjects by the bureaucratic structure of levels of administrators and ministers, governors and officials, officers and clerks, often perceived as interfering and obstructing the petitions of the people and as refusing to reasonably submit them to the ruler.

In the civil sphere of human activity, the Reformers also objected to the distance that [[Monarchy|autocratic]] rulers maintained between themselves and their subjects by the bureaucratic structure of levels of administrators and ministers, governors and officials, officers and clerks, often perceived as interfering and obstructing the petitions of the people and as refusing to reasonably submit them to the ruler.

However, many regarded the Protestant interpretation of scripture in support of the dignity of individual human autonomy under Christ before God's Throne as an expression of [[Anarchism|philosophical anarchy]], and as subversively dangerous to the stability of Christian society; and also as being at its core strongly opposed to the virtue of [[humility]] (Romans 13:1-7). See [[Individualism]]. The Reformers were regarded as confusing "''arrogance''" and "''insulting effrontery''" with godly "''confidence''", and as regarding arrogant behavior on behalf of the Gospel as confident assurance in the face of ungodly opposition (Acts 4:13). The Catholic [http://reign.wikia.com/wiki/Charles_V,_Holy_Roman_Emperor Holy Roman Emperor Charles V] saw the Reformation movement as subversive to his reign, and an attack on Christianity through rejection of the established authority of the Catholic Church, and on this basis persecuted Protestants as fomenters of [[Revolution|insurrection]] and as anarchists.  

However, many regarded the Protestant interpretation of scripture in support of the dignity of individual human autonomy under Christ before God's Throne as an expression of [[Anarchism|philosophical anarchy]], and as subversively dangerous to the stability of Christian society; and also as being at its core strongly opposed to the virtue of [[humility]] (Romans 13:1-7). See [[Individualism]]. The Reformers were regarded as confusing "''arrogance''" and "''insulting effrontery''" with godly "''confidence''", and as regarding arrogant behavior on behalf of the Gospel as confident assurance in the face of ungodly opposition (Acts 4:13). The Catholic [http://reign.wikia.com/wiki/Charles_V,_Holy_Roman_Emperor Holy Roman Emperor Charles V] saw the Reformation movement as subversive to his reign, and an attack on Christianity through rejection of the established authority of the Catholic Church, and on this basis persecuted Protestants as fomenters of [[Revolution|insurrection]] and as anarchists.  

[[Anarchism|Anarchy]] as a political philosophy is based on the individualist position that '''''no''''' human authority over individuals is '''''ever''''' legitimate and must be either passively disregarded (ignored, the KJV "''despised''") or actively resisted and overthrown. Thus no visible ruling authority or government on earth has been authorized or established by God. The Reformers saw proof of this in the suppression of the Reformation by Sovereigns, Popes and Patriarchs, who saw the leaders of the Reformation as rebelliously resisting what God has appointed (Romans 13:1-4).  

[[Anarchism|Anarchy]] as a political philosophy is based on the individualist position that '''''no''''' human authority over individuals is '''''ever''''' legitimate and must be either passively disregarded (ignored, the KJV "''despised''") or actively resisted and overthrown. Thus no visible ruling authority or government on earth has been authorized or established by God. The Reformers saw proof of this in the suppression of the Reformation by Sovereigns, Popes and Patriarchs, who saw the leaders of the Reformation as rebelliously resisting what God has appointed (Romans 13:1-4).  

The Reformation saw the established authorities of Church and State in their day as entrenched and stubborn ungodly evils to be rejected and finally eliminated before the Kingdom of God could be established on earth. They represented the corruption and abuse of authority by particular self-serving leaders in the Church in violation of the [[doctrine]] of the Church as evident proof that the whole of the doctrine of the Church itself was corrupted by the Devil. By the same reasoning the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, is representative of Christ's teaching. But even in our own day the corrupt practices of many politicians is not proof that the [[Constitution]] is the primary foundation of their corrupt betrayal of the ideals of the American Republic. The Reformers condemned those who said the emperor, the pope and the Church should be obeyed in accordance with what Paul had written in Romans 13:1-4. The Prophet [[Jeremiah]] was condemned by Judean false prophets and influential politicians as a traitor for declaring God's command to submit to the ungodly pagan rule of [[Nebuchadnezzar]] of [[Babylonian Empire|Babylon]] ([http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/11-21.htm Jeremiah 11:21][http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/29-27.htm Jeremiah 29:27] and [http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/38-4.htm Jeremiah 38:4]), but that is what God had commanded.

The Reformation saw the established authorities of Church and State in their day as entrenched and stubborn ungodly evils to be rejected and finally eliminated before the Kingdom of God could be established on earth. They represented the corruption and abuse of authority by particular self-serving leaders in the Church in violation of the [[doctrine]] of the Church as evident proof that the whole of the doctrine of the Church itself was corrupted by the Devil. By the same reasoning the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, is representative of Christ's teaching. But even in our own day, the corrupt practices of many politicians are not proof that the [[Constitution]] is the primary foundation of their corrupt betrayal of the ideals of the American Republic. The Reformers condemned those who said the emperor, the pope and the Church should be obeyed in accordance with what Paul had written in Romans 13:1-4. The Prophet [[Jeremiah]] was condemned by Judean false prophets and influential politicians as a traitor for declaring God's command to submit to the ungodly pagan rule of [[Nebuchadnezzar]] of [[Babylonian Empire|Babylon]] ([http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/11-21.htm Jeremiah 11:21][http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/29-27.htm Jeremiah 29:27] and [http://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/38-4.htm Jeremiah 38:4]), but that is what God had commanded.

During the original [[Communist Revolution]] in the early 20th century, revolutionary elements were called [[Anarchist]]s. The anarchist position is represented today in the United States by the [[Libertarian|Libertarian Party]] whose members use much milder methods of political persuasion, and in every election for president the Libertarian Party presents a Libertarian candidate.

During the original [[Communist Revolution]] in the early 20th century, revolutionary elements were called [[Anarchist]]s. The anarchist position is represented today in the United States by the [[Libertarian|Libertarian Party]] whose members use much milder methods of political persuasion, and in every election for president the Libertarian Party presents a Libertarian candidate.

As applied to both sides of the controversy see the counsel of [[Gamaliel]] in '''Acts 5:38-39''' and the word of the angel in '''Revelation 22:10-11'''. See especially '''2&nbsp;Timothy 2:23-26'''. These verses express the guiding principle of [[Ecumenical Movement|Ecumenism]].

As applied to both sides of the controversy see the counsel of [[Gamaliel]] in '''Acts 5:38-39''' and the word of the angel in '''Revelation 22:10-11'''. See especially '''2&nbsp;Timothy 2:23-26'''. These verses express the guiding principle of [[Ecumenical Movement|Ecumenism]].

Generally, abuse of language by changing or narrowing the meanings of key words in the culture of a whole people or within a particular subculture of the population is a strategy of cults and anti-Christian interests as a way to promote their ideas. [[George Orwell]] illustrated this in his novel '''''[[1984]]'''''. This has more recently been seen in attempts to redefine the meanings of [[marriage]] and [[Sex#Norms of social conduct|gender]], and the promotion of murder as compassionate medical care and as preventive medicine. <br>See [[Eugenics]] and [[Planned Parenthood]].

Generally, abuse of language by changing or narrowing the meanings of keywords in the culture of a whole people or within a particular subculture of the population is a strategy of cults and anti-Christian interests as a way to promote their ideas. [[George Orwell]] illustrated this in his novel '''''[[1984]]'''''. This has more recently been seen in attempts to redefine the meanings of [[marriage]] and [[Sex#Norms of social conduct|gender]], and the promotion of murder as compassionate medical care and as preventive medicine. <br>See [[Eugenics]] and [[Planned Parenthood]].

The Protestant Evangelical and Fundamentalist churches have redefined the word "prayer" to mean '''''only''''' petition to God so that any kind of prayer addressed to any other person on earth or in heaven is a sin of idolatry offensive to God. But they do not hesitate to ask (request, petition) the police and fire rescue teams for help. They do not hesitate to ask (request, petition) their pastors and prayer groups and friends for help to join them in prayer and to pray for them and intercede with them to God on behalf of those who have need of prayer.  

The Protestant Evangelical and Fundamentalist churches have redefined the word "prayer" to mean '''''only''''' petition to God so that any kind of prayer addressed to any other person on earth or in heaven is a sin of idolatry offensive to God. But they do not hesitate to ask (request, petition) the police and fire rescue teams for help. They do not hesitate to ask (request, petition) their pastors and prayer groups and friends for help to join them in prayer and to pray for them and intercede with them to God on behalf of those who have need of prayer.