God already has a master plan so technically prayer doesnt do anything.
2007-01-14 23:50:16 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, we are called to pray at all times.
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.
2007-01-17 17:16:15 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your claim is unfounded, as Christians are required to have an ongoing relationship with their Creator ...
"Pray incessantly." -- (1 Th 5:17)
"Persevere in prayer ... " -- (Ro 12:12)
"Be vigilant with a view to prayer ... " -- (1 Pe 4:7)
"True friends do not communicate only when they need something. They are interested in each other, and their friendship grows when they express their feelings. Similarly, prayer has a greater purpose than merely asking for necessities. It affords opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah by expressing our heartfelt devotion to him." ***
"Pray for one another..." -- (James 5:16)
"Pray that you do not enter into temptation" -- (Mt 26:41)
"Pray for those persecuting you... " -- (Mt 5:44)
"By prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; ... " -- (Php 4:6)
"The prayer of the upright is a pleasure ...
the prayer of the righteous he hears ... " -- (Pr 15:8,29)
Does Praying Do Any Good? :
- Why do People Pray?
- Does Anyone Hear Prayers?
- Are All Prayers Heard
WHY Should You Pray? ***
- Prayer Can Solve Problems
- When All Prayers Will Be Answered
http://watchtower.org/e/20001115/article_01.htm
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2007-01-16 19:15:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is a way for Christians and any person of any faith, to speak to God. It is not a "requirement" but something that should feel natural and good if the person has a relationship with God. Depending on your belief system, you don't necessarily pray for outcomes, although you can. I think mostly people pray to feel closer to God and to have communication. Think of God as the ultimate parent. Every child wants to communicate with their parent, even though they often times do not understand everything their parent says or does. Prayer is a way for anyone to voice their feelings, hopes, dreams, fears and thoughts to God.
2007-01-15 07:55:41 · answer #3 · answered by Alexandriagal 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
prayer is a part of all religions...it is the communication line between God and you. that's why Jesus commanded his apostles to pray the model prayer in Matthew. Prayer shows God that you want a relationship with him and really trust and rely on him. For example..a baby cries to let it's mother know when something is wrong..just b/c she is the mother or planner of that baby's life doesn't mean she knows and can determine everything about him..crying let's her know the baby needs her..regardless of how well plan she hass her baby life organized as far as school ect. Likewise prayer is our cry to God.
2007-01-15 07:56:42 · answer #4 · answered by christile21 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, its not actually a requirement. Jesus' explanation is that IF a follower has a need of something, then a quiet prayer done in the solitude of one's room is sufficient. The importance is on sincerity, not repetition or public display.
Its actually kinda funny, now that I think about it. Jesus actually said that those people who made loud public displays of their piety when they pray 'have already been paid'. I wonder how many Christians actually think about that when trying to promote public prayer in schools and whatnot.
2007-01-15 08:24:38 · answer #5 · answered by Khnopff71 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer does not bring the Almighty down to us, it brings us up to Him. So YES prayer is a requirement. He has a master plan, but we must be responsive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, (and prayerful) in order to participate in that plan.
2007-01-15 07:55:13 · answer #6 · answered by hasse_john 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason I accept my christian religion is that there are not anny "requirements" or conditions to fullfil to be consider christian like there are on some other religions, but only free acceptance of the way you will choose; so the accent is puted in our choice, not in rulles.
About the masterplan, only God know. To pray make sense in the same way that the meditation or soul has needs to become pure.
We normally pray for forgivenes, because sometimes we are dooing things that we can regrete later, so we are trayng to eliberate our conscience and make peace with ourselfs.
2007-01-15 07:59:01 · answer #7 · answered by Nicolaie S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prayer reminds one of the existence of a higher being. It is a required activity.
2007-01-15 07:53:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a requirement, but just a way to communicate with Jesus and God.
2007-01-15 08:00:21 · answer #9 · answered by sweetsista4u2006 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think for most christians its more of getting closer to their god but i also think there is a bible verse that god tells them to do it (for the same reason) but i don't know what it is. to me, everyone should believe what they want or don't want to believe....the word of god is out there all over the world so theres really no need to actively 'evangelize' any more. plus i really don't get all this bashing of christians, jews, muslims, atheists, agnostics do to each other...who cares what they believe...whats more important is what you believe and how you live your life.
2007-01-15 07:55:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋