Quote:
Originally Posted by JOwen  Here is the context of the statement I made this morning on the first service. It was after the administration of baptism to a new baby. I said the following, and a few eyebrows were raised to it. Looking for feedback. Quote: Sub-point #3. Train Them in the Duty of Prayer
Some will shirk from this because they cannot believe that one unconverted might offer prayer to God. And while it is true, that God does not hear the prayer of the unconverted in a favorable way (unless it is the prayer of faith), it so lowers our children before the Creator that they might very well be taught of God in their prayers. Pray often in their midst. One Puritan said that "A home without prayer is like a home without a roof, open and exposed to all the storms of heaven".
Parents, if you love your children, do all that lies in your power to train them in the discipline of prayer. Show them how to start. Tell them what to say. Encourage them to persevere, to beg for a new heart. This, remember, is the first step in religion which a child is able to take. Long before she can read, you can teach her to kneel by her mother’s side, and repeat the simple words of prayer and praise which she puts in hers mouth.
| The contention was that I said, "And while it is true, that God does not hear the prayer of the unconverted in a favorable way (unless it is the prayer of faith), it so lowers our children before the Creator that they might very well be taught of God in their prayers."
Thoughts? |
The nature of this question seems completely different to me. I agree wholeheartedly above with Adam that the difference between unconverted and reprobate is an important one.
I have argued vehemently in another thread that disciples are baptized not simply that they might begin a process of sanctification after definitive conversion but that baptism is also for the training in the fear and admonition toward the end of conversion: both adult and child.
I actually don't have a problem with the above.