What is the purpose of prayer? What can a finite being on Earth possibly tell an omnipotent, omniscient deity that he doesn't know already?
2006-07-21 11:48:30 · 24 answers · asked by IRunWithScissors 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
1.) Humans can’t change God’s mind for he has a divine plan and is unchangeable.
2.) Prayer can't change God's mind.
3.) Prayer doesn't change anything.
(Prayer may make you feel better emotionally, but it doesn`t change God`s mind.)
2006-07-21 11:48:47 · update #1
"For me, prayer is a surge of the heart; it is a simple look turned toward heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy." (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)
"Prayer is the raising of one's mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God." (St. John Damascene)
But when we pray, do we speak from the height of our pride and will, or "out of the depths" of a humble and contrite heart? (Psalm 130:1)
He who humbles himself will be exalted; humility is the foundation of prayer. Only when we humbly acknowledge that "we do not know how to pray as we ought," are we ready to receive freely the gift of prayer. "Man is a beggar before God."
With love in Christ.
2006-07-21 18:59:55 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For believers, prayer is the open life line to their Diety in which they can lay their hopes, fears, requests, and thanks and his feet. These people do not expect to change Gods mind, these people do not expect to inform God of things he does not know. These people show their honor and respect for the channel he set up for humans to communicate with their creator, so they do not feel like they are deserted and here by themselves.
For Zealots, they believe that not only do their prayers have power but change the outcome of a situation, for instance "I,ll pray for the cancer to leave your body". Some also feel they can reason with God as if a Divine Being is going to see things their way. They also attribute things that God didnt do to him. Like , "I survived that accident without a scratch, somebody must have been looking out for me." Like God actually picks and chooses who gets to survive auto accidents.
For non-believers, prayer is a waste of time talking to an object that doesn't exist or doesn't care, if he does exist
2006-07-21 12:51:08 · answer #2 · answered by peardietz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Koran many prophets prayed to God and recieved blessings.
I think it's about waiting good things to happen by the hand of God. By praying we show that God is the creator of all things and only he can bless us.
Of course it's not only about praying for lottery.It might be against an illness or preventing bad things to happen. It's showing God that you totally bow to his will.(look at how muslims perform the ritual prayer)
We believe (as muslims) that he accepts the prayers if there is a goodness in it.
2006-07-21 12:02:36 · answer #3 · answered by denizbt 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The purpose of prayer isn't to change God's will, that surely won't happen. The reason we pray is to review our thoughts and in expressing them, align our will with God's, instead of trying to convince Him that somehow our way is better.
It's also helpful for us to humble ourselves to realize that we are not as powerful as we may feel, and admit our dependence on the Lord. Prayer also strengthens us to feel secure in making correct choices.
2006-07-21 11:56:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has been said that the perfect prayer is one of gratitude. Even here on Earth, someone may know that you are thankful for something, but it still means something to hear them say it. Why would God not want you to tell him how thankful you are to be alive? And on the way, it helps you to remember that you are indeed grateful to be alive.
2006-07-21 11:58:58 · answer #5 · answered by rabid_scientist 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer isn't about 'telling' God anything...It's main purpose is to SPEND TIME WITH GOD.
duh!
contrary to many popular beliefs regarding prayer:
- It isn't presenting a "Wish List" to God...
- It isn't complaining about our life...
- It isn't us saying "I want" "I want" "I want"...
It's us spending time with God in communication. Prayer is more than just talking. It's listening as well...
And what's more: There are Christians who've been on the road for years, who still have not got this concept mastered.
Have a Great Day!
God Bless.
2006-07-21 11:54:16 · answer #6 · answered by redglory 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why should prayer change God's mind? Prayer is our time to speak with God. During Prayer we can ask for his help, for him to be with, to guide us, to forgive us. Why do we need to change his mind, he has a plan and it will work out.
2006-07-21 11:52:13 · answer #7 · answered by NASCAR_girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its just needed to let God know you love him and remember him every single day/week. After all wont you call your loved one frquently when you r away?
God loves you a lot and in turn does like it if we repond back to him.
If you pray very frequently you feel as though God is your best friend who is always there with you to guide you in the right direction, comfort your pains and help you be a better human being!
2006-07-21 11:55:29 · answer #8 · answered by Someday 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
But with prayer, u make yourself a better person. Try reading the Quran and see what it says about the prayer
2006-07-21 11:52:24 · answer #9 · answered by somepaliguy27 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is basically communication with God, and communication with us is something that God wants us to enjoy even if He Himself doesn't need it. It helps us to communicate our thoughts and feelings to God in prayer, and by spending time spiritually in the presence of God, we get to know the mind of God and be more like God ourselves in how we behave (just like being around a friend will cause you to, consciously or unconsciously, pick up attributes of your friend). Plus, when we enter into prayer, we also open our hearts to allow God to speak with us, sometimes softly and sometimes loudly.
2006-07-21 11:57:47 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋