People tell me to pray. But you know what good does it do? If god has a plan my prayers arent really gonna change it are they?
Someone said prayer does NOT change god's mind. It changes US? so why pray..things are gonna happen.they are gonna happen any way...
2006-09-07 17:36:05 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
praying is seeking help from god. im sorry but if you don't believe in praying, you don't believe in god.
2006-09-07 17:40:16 · answer #1 · answered by mee 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
When I pray, I pray for God to give me His wisdom and understanding in a situation. I also pray for God's perfect will instead of his permissive will. Perfect will means that I follow God's plan and ultimately that turns out better than my own plans. In contrast, God's permissive will is kind of like the kid that nags the parent, the parent is gonna get tired of it and finally give in, but it becomes kind of a "you made your bed, you lie in it" kind of thing (don't blame God when you get what you want in that case, especially if you are asking for something contrary to his will).
For me, prayer is where I communicate with my heavenly father. But prayer is often misunderstood. You have to have that relationship with God to get answers. A good analogy would be, you want some money or a job from Bill Gates. If you are not on a personal relationship with him, would he help you? But if you were a true (from the heart) personal friend, would Bill be more willing to help you out? Probably (I don't know him so I'm not sure). The principle is the same with God. If we only go to him when we want something instead of going to him because we love him, he's not very likely to give us what we need.
But God says he wants to grant you the desires of your heart. That may sound like a contradiction, but if you are in a relationship with God, where he is your father, you will learn how to walk closer to God, and when you start to follow his principles (particularly walking in love and in the fruit of the spirit), you will start to align your mind with his word and then you have that relationship.
So in a nutshell, prayer does not necessarily change God's mind, but I do find that God will guide me to what is the right thing for my life, as long as I trust in Him.
2006-09-08 00:50:30 · answer #2 · answered by Searcher 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you do not have God in your life each and everyday, why would God answer you. To hear from God you must believe in him 100%. You must be saved and Baptized.
You must follow his teaching and live day to day through him. Prayer is important. God wants to hear from us everyday not just when we feel we need him. This is where you have a true relationship with your Lord. You talk he listens and if you are serious about him, he will answer. He knows if you are honest and sincere about him.. You must understand God will answer in his own time.
2006-09-08 00:43:59 · answer #3 · answered by Lore 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yah, prayer assumes that God is not perfect, since if he was perfect, why would he need to change his mind based on your prayer? It's kind of a contradiction in Christianity.
2006-09-08 00:40:18 · answer #4 · answered by Paul J 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Prayer is the elevation of the mind and heart to God:
+ In praise of his glory
+ In petition for some desired good
+ In thanksgiving for a good received
+ In intercession for others before God
Through prayer the Christian experiences a communion with God through Christ in the Church.
"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? (Ps 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.
2006-09-08 00:47:13 · answer #5 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it's prayer to become closer to God it's all go(o)d.
But, if it's from the ego's point of view (e.g. "Please God, let me win the lottery), it's a waste of time.
2006-09-08 00:40:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it makes you feel good...
Then it works...
Do it...
2006-09-08 00:39:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋