The reason I ask is because I can't find Jesus using one. Why have we reduced the Gospel message to "repeat this prayer"?
2007-10-22 17:54:20 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The prayer can be appropriate to those who have come to the proper state of mind and heart to pray such a prayer. It can do little good to those are still rebellious and unrepentant.
2007-10-22 17:58:51 · answer #1 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm 100% confident using the "sinner's prayer." Jesus didn't use it because He didn't sin. When we tell someone about the sinner's prayer we are following Jesus' teachings and enabling that person to enter into an intimate one-on-one communion with God.
EDIT~
I see from other answers that there are some who would say the sinner's prayer as if it were a magic spell. One must be earnest and humble when approaching the Most High, but the Lord will never, ever turn away a sincerely repentant sinner!
2007-10-22 18:21:31 · answer #2 · answered by words for the birds 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't use a specific formula or prayer except for that laid out in Romans. I do think that too many people pray "the sinners prayer" like a magic incantation, continue to live their lives in sin and expect to go to heaven. That is NOT what the Bible teaches. Jesus is to be the LORD of our lives, not someone we prayed to once 20 years ago.
At the same time, some Christians who are just stepping out in sharing their faith need to use something like the sinners prayer to build their confidence in sharing Christ. So, I wouldn't say that it is wrong to use it. The important thing is that Gospel is effectively communicated and the person knows exactly what they are doing - making Jesus the Lord of their lives! But, you are right, the Gospel has been watered down and I believe many are going to end up in hell thinking they were going to heaven because they prayed that magic prayer!
2007-10-22 18:06:45 · answer #3 · answered by Mrs J 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't personally use the "sinners prayer" nor does my church (baptist) do an alter call. My thought is that I am supposed to share and witness. Sometimes just sharing what Christ has done in ones life and being armed with the Word draws people in and plants a seed. For me that is what it is all about: plant the seed and watch it grow. Every fire starts with a small flame.
2007-10-22 18:22:49 · answer #4 · answered by #1Realtor® 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the sinners prayer is not biblical and anyone who is relying on that might as well rely on a spaghetti noodle instead of a seat belt to save them in a car wreck!
edit: I once prayed the sinners prayer and was unsaved for many, many years after...hordes of people get caught up in an emotional moment and say a prayer not really understanding the gospel of salvation....
2007-10-22 18:12:48 · answer #5 · answered by rayneshowers 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I feel extremly confident in using the Salvation Prayer. I have seen many changed lives after people pray that prayer with me. I use it because prayer is the first step in turning to God. This prayer gives God the authority to come and manifest Himself to these people, even if they do not mean it when they are saying it. The Holy Spirit is the one who is drawing them with this prayer.
2007-10-22 18:06:40 · answer #6 · answered by Apostle Jeff 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't use the sinners prayer what ever that is. But this sinner sure prays earnestly to God in the Name of Jesus.
Praise and Glory to God He forgives my sins.
2007-10-22 17:59:10 · answer #7 · answered by airlines charge for the seat. 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The prayer goes on what the Bible tells us about becoming Christians. To be saved, you must confess your sins to Him (not a priest!), you must truly be sorry and turn away from sin, you must believe and confess (not be ashamed) that He is the savior and that you have accepted Him for who He is. I hate it when people repeat a generic prayer after someone else. It has to come from the heart or it isn't honored.
2007-10-22 18:03:55 · answer #8 · answered by Discerning 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I soooooooooooooooooooooo agree...... that is why I am NOT part of *religion* or any *tradition* which, the Bible states is a NO NO...... and repeated prayers are a *tradition* and NOT from the heart...... My heart has its own words and so should everyone elses'....... a sincere prayer is as sweet essence unto the throne....... go in peace..... God bless
2007-10-22 18:00:45 · answer #9 · answered by Annie 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Many church leaders have done so. Many more don't even get that far. Even more go no further and make no attempt to make disciples of believers.
2007-10-22 17:58:58 · answer #10 · answered by cheir 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋