If we assume according to what the three mainstream monotheistic religions believe about god, that he is all knowing and all powerful, why do we bother to pray? Wouldn't he already know that we are thankful for our food? or that we wish him to make a miracle for our sick aunt? or to the student, help him get an A in his lliterature class? In my opinion, it seems rather rude to keep reminding a person, in this case god, of things that he already knows. If he wanted to answer your prayer, he would.
2006-09-02 22:41:20 · 18 answers · asked by Alucard 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Selly-Silly wrote: "He knows alright but if you had a sick aunt he wouldnt make her well unless you wanted her to be well and pray to thy lord thy companion "
God knows that you want her to be well if he's all knowing. It is not about him knowing she's sick.
Suhaan wrote: "well its like this...if u do a favor to someone...and that person doesnt say thanks to u verbally...how will u ever know that he or she is thankful..."
I would know because I'm not all knowing, I'm a human. God is supposed to know everything. He is all knowing and what not, so he knows you are thankful.
Atheists: Can you please stay away from this question? I'm an atheist myself and am asking this to see theist logic.
2006-09-02 22:56:15 · update #1
I am a Christian and I know God already knows my needs and desires. I also know he knows what is in my heart and what troubles me. In answer to your question though. I pray because I am human and it is human nature to want to communicate. I tell God thanks for answering prayers, because that is polite. I speak to God a lot during the day becaue it makes me feel like I am in some way connected to my maker and that he will help direct me in the path I need to be taking. If I am unsure of something, I ask Him to help make it clear. I do not expect an atheist to believe me since it makes no logical sence to them. However, it makes me feel better and I think you should be able to pray whenever you want wherever you want without getting bashed by non believers. God gives me comfort in much the same way your science and tangible answers for things give you comfort. In response to whether or not God would answer a prayer or not. I think you should know there are no unanswered prayers. Every heartfelt question or request from one of his children is always answered. If it seems unanswered then the asker either did not listen close enough or got an answer he or she did not like.
2006-09-03 05:05:31 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not actually that G-d needs our prayers, but more that we need to pray to G-d.
The prayer helps us to focus on what we actually want and need - it's a kind of soul searching and deep introspection with our best friend, G-d.
There is a very old saying that G-d helps those that help themselves. So, when we pray we are asking for G-d's help and also trying to help ourselves by learning and concentrating on what our truest needs and desires are and G-d answers our prayers. However, G-d may answer no because what we think we want, may not really be what is best for us.
2006-09-03 09:05:14 · answer #2 · answered by happy inside 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God created us to have a personal relationship. When man stumbled and sinned, He never forgot this relationship. Thus He offered His life on the cross to save us all, for the wages of sin is death, according to St. Paul(Rom 6:23).
For a relationship to last, it needs 2 way communications. Yes, in His goodness, He can give us all we want. But will it bring to us good virtues that God wants us to develop? God knows what is in our minds, but He still want more for us to tell Him. Everything from what we need, to what we think of Him. God bless you!
2006-09-03 06:58:51 · answer #3 · answered by Marriage Counselor 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He knows alright but if you had a sick aunt he wouldnt make her well unless you wanted her to be well and pray to thy lord thy companion
2006-09-03 05:46:21 · answer #4 · answered by Selly-Silly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well its like this...if u do a favor to someone...and that person doesnt say thanks to u verbally...how will u ever know that he or she is thankful...I mean even if u can see it in that person's eyes..but still...if someone says thanks to u...u will feel good abt that person...and help them more often...
I guess thats the same thing...when we pray and thank god for our all the blessings...we r expressing our love for him...
Expression of love needs words or actions...dont u think
and abt our prayers being answered...most of the time...what we want or think is in our best interest may not b that way...
so God knows whats best and whats the right time
2006-09-03 05:48:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is a way for you to communicate with God on a personal level.
2006-09-03 05:46:09 · answer #6 · answered by Big E 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you want to talk to someone on the phone. You have to pick it up. Prayer keeps the line of communication open between you
and your Creator.
2006-09-03 06:01:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no need for prayer. You are just talking to yourself anyway.
If you are looking for a biblical answer then you pray because your god and his son tell you too.
2006-09-03 05:44:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
one came to your house and gave you a gift .. something very special .. do not tell me that you will not thank him ..
similarly .. god gave us gifts like eyes ears brains .. and this life .. and the gift of gifts is that he created us ..
does not these require us to be thankful to him .. pray is thanking GOD ..
and .. if you pray to GOD , for someone sick to get his healthy .. then GOD may say yes , may say no .. because death must be there .. and GOD has free will ..
2006-09-03 06:16:38 · answer #9 · answered by u&me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your mother gave you dinner, and you ate it, unthankfully, but she knows you need it, is that right?
God wants you to realize what he has done for you, so you can be thankful and lead a new life.
2006-09-03 06:07:17 · answer #10 · answered by Sky_blue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋