How the World Around You Influences Your Prayer Life and Relationship with God
A Personal Encounter With the Cry of Our People
During my time in Nigeria and other neigboring countries in africa, I had the privilege of visiting numerous churches across different denominations, from bustling megachurches to humble local congregations and vibrant church campgrounds. I didn’t just attend services; I listened. I sat quietly among worshippers, opened my heart, and paid close attention to how millions of Nigerian believers speak to God.
What I heard broke my heart.
Most prayers were filled with pain, anger, vengeance, and desperation. They sounded more like cries of survival than songs of faith. Phrases like “O Lord, kill my enemies,”“Break every blood covenant,” or “Prosper me, God, no matter what it takes” echoed through the halls of many churches.
I couldn’t help but ask myself: Has this become the new normal for our prayers? What is really shaping the way we talk to God?
As I reflected on these moments, I was reminded of Scriptures:
For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.(Luke 6:45;Matthew 12:34)
Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.(Proverbs 4:23)
Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing.(James 3:10-12)
Peters said, “Our culture has shaped our Christianity, but the cross should shape our culture. Let the gospel-with its message of love, forgiveness, and repentance-reset your prayer language and redefine your faith.”
The environment we live in, marked by corruption, injustice, poverty, betrayal, and brokenness, can shape not only our lives but also our prayers. If we’re not careful, it will shape our faith too and the way we relate to GOD.
We cry out to God because we’ve been hurt. We call for justice because we’ve seen too much evil. We ask for favors because we feel forgotten. But do these repeated ritual prayers truly reflect the heart of God?
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
It’s time to examine our prayers. Not just what we say, but why we say it, and whether our words are drawing us closer to God or pushing us deeper into fear.
So, lets explore how our environment shapes not only our mindset but also our spirit and the way we pray. And more importantly, how we as Christians can reclaim a healthier, more Christ-centered prayer life that brings glory to God and healing to our souls.
The Environment Shapes Our Faith, And Our Prayers
Faith doesn’t grow in a vacuum. It’s deeply influenced by what we see, hear, and experience daily.
In many African nations, especially Nigeria, corruption, injustice, poverty, and spiritual warfare are not just headlines, they’re lived realities. For many, the church has become a battleground, and prayer a weapon.
This is why so many African Christians have become masters of violent prayers, prayers filled with vengeance, destruction, and deliverance.
Examples:
- “Let every weapon formed against me perish!”
- “Break every blood covenant, Lord!”
- “Send fire upon my enemies!”
These aren’t just phrases, they reflect a deep cry from people who’ve experienced betrayal, oppression, and disappointment.
But when fear becomes the foundation of our faith, our prayers begin to mirror our pain rather than reflect the peace of Christ.
Why Do We Pray Violent Prayers?
In Nigeria or Across Africa, prayer is passionate and fervent, but much of it has been shaped by:
- Trauma (injustice, oppression, poverty)
- Fear (witchcraft, spiritual attacks, betrayal)
- Survival mentality (scarcity, corruption, hypocracy, instability)
As a result, many believers have become experts in violent prayers, cursing enemies, binding demons with militant language, and demanding God’s vengeance.
“We pray for fire to consume our adversaries, yet forget that ‘vengeance is mine, says the Lord’ (Romans 12:19). We bind ‘generational curses’ with fury, yet Christ has already ‘redeemed us from the curse of the law’ (Galatians 3:13).”
The Danger of Fear-Driven Prayer
There’s nothing wrong with bringing our pain to God. In fact, He invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7). However, there’s a difference between crying out in pain and living in pain. When we allow our circumstances to define our relationship with God, we risk seeing Him only as an angry, wrathful Commander, demanding constant battle cries instead of the loving Father who has already secured our victory at Calvary.
Jesus warned against “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7). Some prayers lack power not because God ignores them, but because they flow from fear, not faith.
- Fear distorts God’s nature – Viewing Him solely as a warrior obscures His compassion (Exodus 34:6).
- Anger masquerades as authority – True power rests in Christ’s triumph (Colossians 2:15), not our volume.
- Survival prayers limit our faith – When we only pray against problems, we miss praying for God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:10).
Here’s what happens when our prayers are driven by fear:
- They become reactive rather than relational.
- They focus on cursing enemies instead of blessing others.
- They seek vengeance instead of forgiveness.
- They emphasize deliverance more than discipleship.
Where is the forgiveness in our prayers today?
The Shift:
Pray from victory, not anxiety. Trade battle cries for bold faith, and curses for Christlike love.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Let your prayers reflect it.
How to Shift from Fear to Faith-Filled Prayers
1. Guard Your Spiritual Environment (Proverbs 4:23)
What you feed your spirit shapes your prayers. Limit:
- Fear-based preaching
- Conspiracy-driven testimonies
- Toxic conversations
Instead, fill your heart with Scripture (Psalm 119:105) and worship.
2. Pray from Victory, Not Fear (1 John 4:4)
You’re not begging God for deliverance, you’re enforcing Christ’s triumph.
- “Greater is He in me than he in the world.”
- “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).
3. Replace Curses With Blessings (Matthew 5:44)
Violent prayers against people chain you to bitterness. Jesus said:
- “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you.”
- “Overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
4. Pray With Kingdom Focus: From Survival to Transformation
Move from:
- “God, kill my enemies” → “Use me to change my nation.”
- “Destroy every witch” → “Let Your light shine in my community.”
A Call to Biblical Prayer
Our environment may scream chaos, but we serve the God who calms storms (Mark 4:39). Let’s pray:
- With authority, not anger
- In faith, not fear
- For God’s kingdom, not just our survival
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
Practical Steps to Transform Your Prayer Life
Here are actionable ways to begin changing how you pray:
- Start with worship , not warfare.
- Thank God first , before making requests.
- Pray for your enemies , not destruction.
- Replace curses with blessings .
- Use scripture to shape your prayers , not social media trends.
Let your prayers rise from a place of intimacy, not intimidation.
Conclusion: Let Us Pray Out of Victory, Not Victimhood
We serve a God who calms storms (Mark 4:39). He is not moved by loud voices or aggressive demands. He is moved by faith, humility, and hearts that seek His kingdom above all else.
Reflection Questions:
- Do my prayers sound like panic, fear or faith?
- How can I shift from reactive to kingdom-focused prayers?
- Who is one person I can bless instead of curse today?
- Do my prayers focus more on vengeance instead of forgiveness?
Let’s discuss! How has your environment shaped your prayers? Share your thoughts below.
