The so-called "Faith Movement" and Prosperity Gospel is really just an exercise in magical thinking.

Faith vs. Magic:

Faith is firmly fixed on God and Jesus Christ, and not a desired result. If the desired result does not occur, the person of faith is secure in the knowledge that it was not God's will. Nevertheless, God is still in charge and is faithful to keep his promises.

Magic is fixed on the desired result, without reference to God or Jesus Christ. If the desired result does not occur, then it is our fault, because we have not "exhibited enough faith," "made the correct confessions," or "prayed the right prayers."

Faith is of the spirit and not the flesh, and therefore it can only be understood by the spirit. It is not connected to the right technique or phraseology.

Magic is of the flesh and not the spirit. Therefore, it is obsessed with the right technique and phraseology. In essence, you don't get what you want because you didn't use the right incantations or wave your wand in exactly the right way.

For example, many preachers have claimed that Jesus had to say, "Lazarus, come forth!" and not "Come forth!" because if he had merely said "Come forth!" all the dead of heaven and hell would have been raised back to life.

This is exactly wrong. The phrasing Jesus used was completely irrelevant. As a spiritual act, it was understood correctly according by the Holy Spirit as something only addressed to Lazarus.

This is an important point, as it means we can rest secure that our prayers are translated and understood by the Holy Spirit not according to how they are ineptly or incorrectly phrased, but according to meaning and intent.

Though we may pray wrongly or for the wrong thing, the Holy Spirit searches our hearts and finds a solution that meets our spiritual needs.

Finally, faith is a walk where we follow after God and his will, regardless of what happens, in sickness and health, lack and abundance, even unto death on the cross.

Magic on the other hand, is a search for success, prosperity, and power. While some may claim that it is a walk of faith, ultimately, it is only a quest to get what we want, regardless of God's will.