Fact: Prayer will never be answered. If God has spoken to you, chances are you have a mental disability or someone is playing a prank on you.
2006-12-29 08:51:59 · 24 answers · asked by melvinbenjamin 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dear Latter_Rain : Do you have any proof that prayer IS answered? Do you have ANY proof at all that the Bible is the word of God? I can answer both for you. No, and No.
2006-12-29 09:23:11 · update #1
I don't feel the least bit silly praying. Contrary to your "fact," I have seen the results of answered prayer in my life, and I will be happy to give you statistics on how well prayer works.
In the year 2000, I read a book on George Mueller who ran several orphanages in the United Kingdom. He never disclosed to anyone what financial or material needs he or the orphanages had. He merely prayed, and expected answers. He kept a running journal, noting the request on one side of the ledger, and a space for the answers on the other.
This inspired me to see what would happen in my own life, if I lifted up requests to God, and recorded the specific request and the specific answer.
These are the results to date:
In 2001, I had 65% answered "Yes," and 12% "No," and 19% carried over to the next year.
In 2002, I had 69% answered "Yes," and 11% "No," and 20% carried over to the next year.
In 2003, I had 80% answered "Yes," and 10% "No," and 10% carried over to the next year.
In 2004, I had 64% answered "Yes," and 16% "No," and 20% carried over to the next year.
In 2005, I had 72% answered "Yes," and 1% "No," and 27% carried over to the next year.
So far, in 2006, I have had 51% answered "Yes," and 7% "No," and 42% still pending.
These statistics are on specific prayer requests, with specific answers to them. As I pray more for others, I have a higher incidence of the prayer being answered with a "Yes."
Needless to say, I see that prayer works extremely well, and fulfills the Word of the Lord, "Therefore, make it your habit to confess your sins to one another and to pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16)
2006-12-29 08:57:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Dear Mel,
One that uses his opinions to answer Biblical questions is foolish. The Bible is the word of God and unless you find Scripture to support your conclusion, you have erred. The Bible tells us to "Pray without ceasing." I will follow what God states because He is faithful and true but you are not. By the way, do you have any proof, aside from your opinion, that God will not answer prayer?
2006-12-29 17:02:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they believe in prayer, then they won't feel silly. Only those on the outside who recognize the futility of prayer would consider the act silly.
It's easy for people to fail to see how silly it is, when they are encouraged by religious leaders to continue praying. If the prayer doesn't work, then it's not God's fault. There is a list of rationalization for why the prayer didn't work: It's not time for that yet, God has a plan for you, you aren't faithful enough, etc.
2006-12-29 16:53:56 · answer #3 · answered by Rev Kev 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
No when I pray. I don't feel silly. He does'nt always answer my prayers right then. But he answer them when he know it needs to be answered. Have you heard the song.
Thank god for unanswered prayers. I understand that
to be. We always don't know what is good for us at that time.
2006-12-29 17:01:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are patient and willing God will hear your prayer. But do not test the Lord. God answers the faithful and the unfaithful. God surrounds us all. Chances are God has answered your prayers but your to stubbern to hear his voice.
2006-12-29 16:59:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Fact:I've had many prayers answered.God has spoken to me and I hope that He will speak to you,I will pray for Him to show you He is God in some way. He is the great I AM!And no I do not feel silly and I am totally sane, please do not judge others.
2006-12-29 16:59:45 · answer #6 · answered by Jesus Freak 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think that when people pray, they are really talking to themselves, reassuring themselves that everything will be OK. Most people who are deeply religious have a deep fear of death....God makes them feel better about dying...Fear of eternal damnation is a motivator for the gullible and/or guilted. Good question.
2006-12-29 17:05:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, I don't feel silly. Medical science demonstrates that when one prays, blood pressure lowers and stress reactions decrease. Even if no one ever answered me, the medical benefits would be worth the act.
2006-12-29 16:57:58 · answer #8 · answered by cruztacean1964 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There is always hope. If you have hope you may become mentally disabled too....or just maybe you will get an answer.
2006-12-29 16:57:12 · answer #9 · answered by thisismypinkcloud 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't feel silly when I sing in the shower even though no one hears me.
It is an ok method of thinking about your life and what you would like to have happen.
2006-12-29 16:54:50 · answer #10 · answered by Sara 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋