BETWEEN SUPPLICATION AND DECREE: Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal Perspectives on Prayer in Contemporary Times

PERSPECTIVAS PENTECOSTAIS E NEOPENTECOSTAIS SOBRE A ORAÇÃO NA CONTEMPORANEIDADE

Abstract

This article examines prayer as a theological, phenomenological, and linguistic phenomenon within the Christian tradition, articulating three interpretive axes: Brandt and Bicket's biblical theology of prayer, Jesus' teachings in the Gospels, and Kenneth E. Hagin's doctrine of positive confession. The study acknowledges the rich plurality of Pentecostalism and Neopentecostalism, highlighting that the understanding of prayer and 'confession' transcends Hagin's systematisation, with approaches emphasising divine sovereignty (Gordon Fee) or experiential worship (Hillsong). The initial analysis unfolds prayer as a universal practice and symbolic structure, with its constituent elements. However, it notes that the 'loss of meaning' in worship within some Neopentecostal circles is counterbalanced by currents that maintain worship as an intense and transformative experience. Next, the article discusses Jesus' guidelines on prayer as a filial relationship. By contrasting the classical devotional model with Hagin's instructions on 'power language' and the infallibility of his 'seven steps', the text introduces counterpoints. Other Pentecostal strands (Cecil M. Robeck Jr.) emphasise dependence on divine sovereignty, while faith is viewed (Walter Hollenweger) as not negating suffering. Hagin's rigid 'refusal to doubt' is nuanced by the idea that uncertainty can deepen faith (Amos Yong). The investigation concludes that, despite a common quest for the Mystery, the alleged 'convergence' between perspectives is complex, revealing significant theological and phenomenological tensions regarding divine sovereignty, human agency, suffering, and the nature of 'answer' to prayer, thus enriching the understanding of contemporary charismatic faith.