Buyer Beware Of Prayer

Do your research, don't waste money on religious facilities or materials that are needless.

(LOS ANGELES) - There is no question that western religion and money go hand in hand. For many the church is represented by the passing of the plate; the expectation that you more or less have to pay to be there.

Of course there are reasons to support a religious institution that you know turns around and helps others with those funds. There are amazing programs that range from day care and special activities, to overseas outreach and relief.

But it doesn't cost money to have a relationship with God, that is extremely important to remember. In fact it completely misses the point. In the end donating to church is something people who have reserve funds should do, others should not feel pressured to do so.

Churches are certainly the best way for a person to learn more about the Bible and religion in general, but be sure the church you decide to spend time in, or the religious books or education you choose to buy is right for you.

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Buyer Beware Of Prayer

I like to watch The Word Channel a lot,
Preachers have their own thoughts on what to say,
Healing, prosperity, knowledge and wisdom,
It’s confusing but all say you have to pray.

How do you do it and ask for what?
Isn’t that the question we all want to know?
Lord please lead me, guide me, and tell me,
In what direction should I go?

Remember when asked, “teach us how to pray?”
Matthew 6: 9-13, Jesus told people this way,
I hear all these ministries day after day,
Each have something different to say.

Tapes, CD’s, & books have to be bought,
How else will you learn?
While you’re struggling to buy their wares,
It’s millions that they earn.

Less time preaching, more time hawking books?
Is their message in the bible? Well, take a look,
Do what you do when buying your dream house,
Would you move in “as is” after seeing a mouse?

We have to keep the ministry going,
Something like this takes a lot to run,
Why are there hundreds of items to purchase?
When with the bible there is only one?

God sent me to tell you this,
And to make sure you get it right,
For only an extra $19.95,
I’ll ship it to you overnight.

It’s amazing, they read the bible,
To get where they currently are,
Yet, without reading their books,
And you will not get that far?

Granted, not all are unscrupulous,
Carefully digest what you see,
More than three years later,
I’m still waiting for the miracle water to work for me.

Not everyone can read and understand the bible,
So ministers and pastors have to break it down,
I do believe there are some out there,
Whom God has chosen to help turn your life around.

Send now for this miracle revelation,
There is no cost it’s absolute free,
However, after it arrives in the mail,
$$$ is needed for prayer to be received.

Matthew chapter 18 verses 19 and 20,
Says whenever at least two gather and agree,
God in heaven will grant the prayer request,
For Jesus is there to make three.

I don’t recall reading anywhere in the bible,
God or Jesus charging a fee.
Luke chapter 8 verse 50 states,
“Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.”

There are many ministries, churches, preachers out there,
Decide for yourself, who spreads the word and really cares,
However, before spending your hard earned money on prayer,
Remember the ageless old saying, “buyer beware.”

By Luke Easter

Luke Easter is a poet who writes about things that are very close to the heart of Salem-News.com. Another former U.S. Marine, Luke explained what drives him to try to heal the world with an approach that reaches people on a different level, one known for centuries, yet too often forgotten in the one we live in.

We live in a world of social & economic injustice. The main reason for founding America in the first place was to relieve the oppression of the King of England. Patrick Henry said it best, “give me liberty or give me death.” And yet, all too often death seems to be the only way out. Why is there such a high suicide rate especially among teens, in the land of the free & the home of the brave? What makes headlines? Good news? Ha! More depressing stories than anything else. I feel poetry takes an edge off the hurt of bad news while still delivering it but in a, “glitzy” sort of way. Giving a different perspective. Kind of like slap in the face as opposed to a knife in the back. At least with the slap you’ll live to see another day and you will know whom it’s from. I wasn’t here for the beginning of the world but at 59, I just might be here for the end.

Even though it’s still a knife, rhyme poetry helps to dull the blade. And that’s my job. You can write to Luke Easter at: lyricsfromlucas@aol.com