Experiential Christianity | Prayer Declarations

2025-02-13

There is a growing trend where sensational spiritual experiences are seen as proof that the Lord is actively using someone or that they are in a "right" relationship with Jesus. Equating spiritual experiences with growing in your relationship with Jesus can be problematic. For anyone seeking to grow in their spiritual maturity, it’s confusing to chase after ambiguity and situations that are left open to interpretation. However, I believe as you grow in your relationship with the Lord, your sanctification is challenged and flourishes in the ordinary. In Galatians, Paul didn’t pray for the believers to have a spiritual experience. Instead, he prayed that ...

There is a growing trend where sensational spiritual experiences are seen as proof that the Lord is actively using someone or that they are in a "right" relationship with Jesus.

Equating spiritual experiences with growing in your relationship with Jesus can be problematic. For anyone seeking to grow in their spiritual maturity, it’s confusing to chase after ambiguity and situations that are left open to interpretation.

However, I believe as you grow in your relationship with the Lord, your sanctification is challenged and flourishes in the ordinary.

In Galatians, Paul didn’t pray for the believers to have a spiritual experience. Instead, he prayed that they would grow in knowledge through Scripture. Even though Paul himself had a profound encounter with God, his focus was on seeking understanding, not on chasing spiritual experiences.

Colossians 1:9 (ESV), Paul prays, "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding."

In the New Testament, the churches were urged to remain sober-minded, avoiding the intoxication of worldly desires or expectations.

1 Peter 4:7 says, "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."
1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert."

I’m no scholar—just a girl with a MacBook, her Bible, and a few internet commentaries. But I feel compelled to dive into some of these topics to encourage women who are seeking to grow in Christ-likeness but often feel very ordinary. Let’s roll up our sleeves and explore what Scripture has to say about these hyper-spiritual expectations and discover our true spiritual foundation.

"For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life" (Proverbs 6:23).

1 Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

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