Why do church people pray for materialistic things?

Question

I mean, they pray to God for a nice car, money, good food, a house, or any physical thngs. What kind of stuff is that? Why can't people just pray every day that He puts his spirit in them? I mean, like why do they pray for physical things, instead of spiritual things? If you didn't know, the church pastor is spending your tithes & offerings on his pimp suit & Cadillac Escalade with spinning wheels.

Answer 1

"Church people" are human and have the same weaknesses as everyone else.

Answer 2

Hi Krizzle,

i don't think all Christians pray in the manner that you suggest. There is nothing wrong with asking and acknowledging God for a need (ie: Food- we give him thanks everyday for providing). Prayer is great in that you can express to God the honest desires of your heart- but you also trust that He knows best with a yes or a no.

Definitely there are those who have abused the church and misrepresented God (those who have "pimp suits" and Caddie Escalades "funded by the church".

But when a person comes to prayer- they are surrendering their will for God's will. God is not going to get "jacked" or fooled.

In churches (esp. i guess like TV Evangelists) there is a lack of integrity in how they handle money.

In my church (i'm a youth pastor) after the youth group takes a tithe- i've the ushers bring the funds to our treasurers and we have monthly budget meetings so that the congregation knows where every cent is being spent. In that way there is accountability and integrity and people know that their tithes are truly being used to help people and the community (as well as pay the utilities, etc. for the church). I guess what i'm saying is that most churches do run themselves in this way- and those which do not will have to answer to God one day for that.

In terms of God putting His Spirit in us- when we receive Christ we do receive His Spirit- but praying to conduct ourselves is in a Spirit filled manner is wonderful- and very Biblical.

Lastly- i think prayer is a very personal thing- and it's hard for us to know what people are praying or not praying. Definitely if someone is praying at church- and asking for material and never spiritual things- it might be something to kindly point out to them. But the Bible also teaches us to pray privately- meaning it's between us and our Heavenly Father and if people are asking for wrong things- the Father will not answer their prayers (you ask and do not receive because you ask amiss- or with wrong motives the Bible says), and will correct them.

Hope that helps. And i hope that you have faith that there are those who do believe and practice what God teaches to the best of their ability,

Nickster =)

Answer 3

Not all pastors do that. My pastor lives a nice frugal life with his wife and adopted son.
Most everything they have, including the house are gifts or provided by members of our church.
I do not personally ask My Lord for such extravagant things. But, I do ask him to solve the things I cannot. Like homelessness, busted car, employment, etc.
My kids are not allowed to even consider making out their list to Santa Claus without using their own shopping money to help buy presents to donate to Salvation Army for less fortunate children.
It is sad that even someone in a church can be so greedy. But, let God take care of them.
Do not judge, lest ye be judged.

Answer 4

There is a movement in some Christian churches that promote health, wealth and prosperity. They are becoming ever popular. I was associated with a church that did this but while studying the Word of God I did not find any support for this message. I also fell under conviction to oppose this form of "worship". I am no longer associated with that particular church. It changed so drastically that there was a mass exodus from it and it is now a much smaller congregation and they also moved to a different location and changed their name.

Answer 5

Well first of all, its not "Church People" not every " church person" prays for material or physical things like you say.

Prayers for healing is acceptable, and prayer for a car, becuase i need to get to work, or back and forth to church is also acceptable. God will not give you anything that will make you lose your spiritual health.

and about the pimped suit. My pastor does not get a salary for the work he does for Christ. The church gives him $50 bucks a week for gas, because he drives accross town to prayer services. and he is using his brother in law's car, his first car was just a bad deal, his second car was stolen and his third car was completely destroyed in a wreck. and The church decided to purhcase a car for him, becuase he is a very devoted man, he never asked for anything, he never told us anything about his car accidents, we noticed his need, and care about him.

My pastor does not wear suits, he wears his normal long sleeved shirts, and regular docker pants, my next project is to get him a gift card to Mens warehouse from the congregation.

so please do not think every "church person" is the same way.

We are supposed to have humility and sanctity as Christians, and many of us do try.

Answer 6

Ha ha ha..that's funny! I have no idea why people go to church! what is it that they get out of going to church? why can't people just realise they are wasting their time when you can go and help at a soup kitchen or volunteer at the nursing home or spend time with a child who is an orphan?

Btw..has anyone got anything from praying? it's the dummest thing i have ever heard. There is no one there people! You have to work hard to get those material things. God does not provide it for you. Ha ha ha.....

Answer 7

You know, I asked a question similar to this a couple of days ago, and people told me that everything you do is through Him. In my question, I said that there was a friend of mine (who has girl troubles) who told me "It's all in God's hands. He'll send me a woman I'll love." I thought it was pathetic, because I believe there are things much more pray-worthy. But girls? I don't think that everything you do is God's responsiblity. Some things you MUST do on your own. What's the point of life if God made it that easy for you?

Answer 8

Why are you so negative? Not all "church people" pray for materialistic things. I pray to be more like god, in my walk and talk. I pray for my family and my faith, peace and joy. You seem to be really opinionated about "church people". You should ask yourself WHY? Because not all church people are the same and its wrong for you to make it seem as if they are. I'm sure what ever your faith is there are a few bad ones in the bunch too.
be blessed

Answer 9

When I prayed, I tended to pray for my family, my health, stuff like that. I don't pray anymore now that I'm an atheist, but I never used to beg for sports cars or jewelry or a neverending supply of cheeseburgers. I prayed for love, peace, health, protection and serenity for my family and friends, etc.

People who pray for material possessions don't really get the point of prayer. You can be selfish any old day of the week. Praying is supposed to be selfless. It's supposed to transcend the superficial. People pray for wealth and power because... well... I suppose they're just too self absorbed to "get it".

Answer 10

Delight in his will, delight in his service, and he will give you the desires in your heart. He who put them there will give them to you.All you have to do is ask that it be his will. People in church pray for material things because they have a father who loves to gives. Don't compare all pastors wtih a few ,that is like comparing apples there are no two the same. Haven't you heard contented cows give better milk. God wants his children to be content because they do better work for him.

Answer 11

Jesus said pray. We have not because we ask not. I believe we should pray for others and spiritual things, but it is ok to let our desires be known to God.