I am a non-christian and don't believe our fates are predetermined, or that you go to "heaven" or "hell". I feel that we all control our own destiny and that God is our original creator. So, with that said, I have been told that prayer can be helpful. However, if I feel like God is a creator and does not determine what does and does not happen and he does not determine if we are heaven/hell bound, is there really any reason for me to pray to God. Do you know of a church or denomination that might match my beliefs?
2006-07-25 08:39:37 · 18 answers · asked by Bethie 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Try the belief-o-matic here:
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/76/story_7665_1.html
2006-07-25 08:43:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that prayer can change anyone. Look at the book of Jonah. The people of Nineveh were so corrupt but totally repented and God spared them.
I am not really sure why you would want to find a church or denomination that agrees with your beliefs. You could join a club for socialization. After all the Church is the body of believers (Christians) and you have already said that you aren't. I think if you want to join a church you should find a real Christian one (ie...Baptist, Methodist, etc...) and ask for prayer, wisdom, and discernment.
2006-07-25 15:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by Seeking answers in Him 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To me the problem with prayer is too much asking of God. God knows what you want and need. My approach to prayer is more like a conversation "Hey God I had a rough day today and I really appreciate the way you helped me stay on top of things" My God is My Friend.
2006-07-25 15:49:58 · answer #3 · answered by Eye of Innocence 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dr. Wayne Dyer wrote "You visualize... The universe responds. "
Prayer is multi cultural. It is timeless, boundless and it is a way to voice, to express, to get out your needs, to share your concerns and express your joy for the life and breath and power of your existence as a life force, substantial and relevent to everything around you a part of everything.
Prayer is fantastic and on the same level as a mantra, an affirmation, a positive word for someone you never met, a kindness, a hope... That is prayer. and yes, It does work, always for good and for bad. The universe responds to the desires of our hearts and the imaginations of our intellect and the needs of our spirits. Prayer is beautiful and horrible and it always works!
and as far as what religion you need? Why do you feel you need to organize and corall your spirituality? Look into all of them and see the beauty and the knowledge in all of them and be carefull for the traps and dogmatic pitfalls in all of them!
2006-07-25 15:50:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why are you afraid to pray? Perhaps the real question is what would you have to conclude if you prayed, and your prayer was answered in a fashion you recognized?
If you were being honest with yourself, you might have to conclude that God is something more than you originally thought.
2006-07-25 15:46:08 · answer #5 · answered by mlwasp 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course GOD exists, he loves you no matter what..you are his child. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't. Pray to him, or just talk to him, just hink about him (he's always thinking about you)! I understand that at times it doesn't seem so. But right know you are in a so called "storm" and miracles happen in the middle of storms. Really......what can you lose by saying a couple words to your creator that exists for you only?
If you want I'll pray for you, not even knowing you and he'll still listen to me and bless you.
Think about it...
2006-07-25 15:54:06 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I certainly don't believe prayer will affect anything on God's part. While I'm sure he can hear our prayers, I seriously doubt he'll act to intervene on our behalf simply because we asked him nicely. I'm quite sure God is out there, but he's so distant and removed from us that he may as well not exist.
2006-07-25 15:43:14 · answer #7 · answered by pandemoneus2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer changes things, so yes. Many of us can pray that you find salvation in Jesus Christ. God said to love and pray for all.
2006-07-25 15:44:43 · answer #8 · answered by Yoda Green's Hope 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't agree with your beliefs, but I do think it's always helpful to pray. You never know - maybe if your prayer is answered you might change your mind!
2006-07-25 15:43:58 · answer #9 · answered by christiliz17 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see no use for prayer regardless. If there were some "higher power" I'd think it would look more favorably anyway upon those who do as much as they can for themselves, than those who spend time asking for favors and things via 'prayer', with out putting forth any mundane effort.
2006-07-25 15:43:49 · answer #10 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im sorry that you dont 'believe it' but its the truth, there is a heaven and there is a hell, and by accepting Jesus in your heart you will have eternal life with the living God...
are you gonna really take a wager and bet that God doesnt exist? if he does exist and you have no faith in him, you will go to hell for ETERNITY! and thats a lonng time! are you willing to risk it??
2006-07-25 15:46:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋