The practice of manifesting may be taught in some schools of thought. However, manifesting should not be confused with prayer. Prayer is taught in the Bible and is an essential part of life for every follower of God. The practice of manifesting is not taught in the Bible. In fact, many of the concepts and motives are actually taught as things that God’s followers should avoid.
The Bible assures us that God’s followers should pray to God for the things they need. The key to prayer is understanding the difference between those things that we may want or desire for ourselves, and those things that we need to be pleasing to God. If we pray for things that are not granted, no matter how heartfelt and fervent our prayers are, perhaps the thing we are praying for is not in line with God’s will for us. This thought is very plainly taught in James 4:3.
Jesus gave a series of directions on how to pray and what types of things are appropriate to pray for in Matthew 6. He taught that his followers should pray for spiritual blessings, not earthly things (Matthew 6:19). He taught the importance of praying for forgiveness for the sins we may commit, and for help forgiving the sins that others may commit against us (Matthew 6:12). He taught the need to pray for help avoiding the temptations of the world that may lead us away from God (Matthew 6:13). Moreover, he taught that the main drive in the lives of his followers should be seeking the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
“Seeking the kingdom of God” means setting aside the pursuits, dreams and ambitions of the world and focusing on developing a heart and mind that are in tune with serving God. The Apostle Paul referred to this as “the one thing I do” in life and counted all other things in his life as such little importance as to be “left behind” him (Philippians 3:7-8, 13-14). In fact, as a result of the spiritual vision that served to turn his heart to God, Paul was struck blind (Acts 9:3-9). His sight was later healed, but evidently only partially so. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul refers to praying for the removal of something physical that he felt was preventing him from doing God’s will in the best way possible. It is generally assumed to be the restoration of his sight. His intentions were pure, in that he may have felt that the full restoration of his sight would help him serve God more effectively. However, when God did not answer his prayer, Paul readily accepted the outcome, understanding that God had a reason for keeping him in whatever state he was in.
Christians can have no greater example to pattern their lives after than Jesus himself. Jesus prayed constantly to God, and although he performed miracles, he never used his power to “manifest” things for his own personal needs (Matthew 4:1-11). When he knew the time of his death was approaching, he prayed to God that God’s will alone would be done in his life (Luke 22:41-42). He could have prayed for anything. He could have used his power to manifest a way of escape from his enemies. Instead, he remained obedient to God’s will and sought only to please him until his very death (Philippians 2:8). Because he proved his obedience to God, he was rewarded and greatly glorified by God (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus’ followers have the opportunity for a grand reward as well, but they must demonstrate the same level of obedience and devotion to God (Revelation 2:10).
Consider the things that you are praying for, especially when those prayers do not appear to be answered. Are the things prayed for in line with the types of things Jesus taught his followers to pray for, or are they more in line with the things that you may feel you want or need in this present life? If you have prayed and have not received what you have prayed for, like Paul did, reflect on what you have prayed for. As with Paul, God may have reason not to answer your prayers or may actually be answering your prayers in a manner different than you were expecting.
Consider Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6. His instructions contradict the teachings of manifesting, where if we think hard enough about something we want and devote energy to that want, the desire will happen. Jesus taught to approach God through prayer. He taught to not pray for worldly wants (that God already has knowledge of), but spiritual needs.
The best course of action for any Christian is to allow the teachings of the Bible and Jesus to guide one’s life and not be influenced by non-scriptural belief systems such as manifesting, no matter how appealing or more widely accepted they may be.
Matthew 6:31-34: Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1360: “What Is God’s Will, and How Do I Make It My Will?”
Deciphering the scriptural guidance needed to determine God’s will
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: Why can’t we have everything we want?
