2006-10-12 03:02:33 · 17 answers · asked by summer_bloom 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
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? (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.
2006-10-12 17:56:13 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Let me put it in human terms. If you were married to someone, would communicating with them be an obligation or an inspiration. God wants us to have a relationship with Him and we should want the same. A relationship isn't just sitting around waiting for someone to do great things for you. It requires participation on both parts. In my opinion, prayer is definitely a requirement.
2006-10-12 10:07:50 · answer #2 · answered by BigRichGuy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is a necessary part of one's relationship with God. I don't consider prayer to be an obligation or an inspiration, although God may inspire you (as you pray or after you pray) to do or say a particular thing.
2006-10-12 10:07:19 · answer #3 · answered by Iamnotarobot (former believer) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is both. It is an obligation because God provides us with many things in life, and we are obligated to thank Him for His gifts. It is also an inspiration.
2006-10-12 10:07:26 · answer #4 · answered by ItsJustMe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Assuming we're referring to Christians:
Since prayer is a valid response to the grace of God, it is an inspiration.
Since it would be disrespectful to totally abandon or ignore one's own father, it is also an obligation.
2006-10-12 10:49:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it shoudnt be obligated because then ur not doing b/c your heard desires. You should do it when you truly feel like it and pretty soon youll see your self enyoing speeking to the lord and his pressence. And youll do it more often. Now for me is a neccesity or else the day wont feel the same, Ill feel worried and full of bags that I cant carry.
2006-10-12 10:17:31 · answer #6 · answered by chinaz777 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an obligation in the sense that if you want to maintain a relationsip with God, then prayer is essential.
How can you have a relationship with God if you never talk to Him or listen to Him?
2006-10-12 10:05:27 · answer #7 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you obligated or inspired to talk to your parents? Same thing.
2006-10-12 10:07:13 · answer #8 · answered by Red neck 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is inspiration. If you oblige yourself to pray, it kinda like doing a chore that you really do not want to do.
2006-10-12 10:05:44 · answer #9 · answered by danicolegirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think about it, He obliged us to do NO-Thing, it is our choice. Our free will to choose Him, and to pray to Him. He didn't MAKE us do anything, but look up the definition of inspiration, that may help:o]
2006-10-12 11:11:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋