I myself have to admit that I am going through some tough times right now. I have thought about PRAYING but since I am very confused spiritually about whether there's a God, how he manifests himself, whether or not Christ is the son of God etc.... I feel kinda funny praying.
After all, how can someone who is agnostic and confused expect a God who you basically are saying "well, if you're there, I hope you hear my prayers" to be there for you?
This whole thing is driving me nuts. I mean, I spend most of my waking hours in a state of confusion over issues like this. Sure... I'm probably suffering from depression and maybe a little SAD (seasonal affective disorder) because of the short winter days but believe me, I have had these issues for a long time and am reaching out for help.
Is it OK for an agnostic to pray to God even if he's not sure he's there? Would it be wrong for me to even try unless I just wake up one day, and through blind faith say... "OK, I guess I'll believe" ... and then start praying?
In closing... I am looking to find if there's a God and try and develop some kind of relationship with him and just wanted to know if there are any prayers for people in the same boat as myself.
Thank You
DAVID
2007-01-18 20:11:02 · 9 answers · asked by David S 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, God definitely loves you and desires a relationship with you! But, contrary to what others have said, there are certain types of prayers that are displeasing to God - like praying to the universe, for instance. God wants you to recognize Him for who He is according to what He has revealed about Himself in the Bible, not what others falsely imagine Him to be. If your name is David, and I call out, "Hey Bob, do me a favor, will ya?", will you answer? No, because Bob is not who you are. Also, it's important for you to admit that if there is a God, then you have violated His rules. We all have! For an agnostic, this is a good prayer to ask God to reveal Himself to you. Just pray in your own words, something like this:
"God, you know my doubts, but you also know my heart and that I want to believe. If you are real, please reveal yourself to me. I recognize that according to the Bible, all need Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour to receive eternal life. If you're real, I don't want to miss out on eternity. If you are real, then I'm sorry for my sins, I give you my life, and I ask you to save me. Please reveal Yourself and Your love to me. Thank you, in Jesus name, Amen."
If you pray that prayer sincerely, I have NO doubt God will answer. He has promised, "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:13
And, I'll be praying for you also!
2007-01-18 21:16:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
As an agnostic, I occasionally pray. I'll admit, it can be a little weird.
If God is real, and God is listening, and God actually cares about this physical world, then God might answer those prayers. God isn't going to be some petty wanker who only helps some kind of "chosen people." All humans get equal time.
I find it has benefits, if not because God is answering them, then because I've acknowledged my problems, and turned them over to a higher power, even if that higher power is nothing more than the workings of the Universe.
If the name "God" has negative connotations for you (it did for me, until I was able to separate it from the Christian boogeyman), feel free to use any other name. Universe, Supreme Intelligence, Odin, Skippy - it all works.
2007-01-18 20:25:41 · answer #2 · answered by Lee Harvey Wallbanger 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not in the same boat as you, but it sounds like the Holy Spirit is convicting you. It doesn't matter who you are, when it all comes right down to it, we're all looking for something. The Good Lord has put that in us. God wants us to look to Him. If you want to pray, then you go right ahead and pray, the Good Lord will listen to you. The only thing you have to do is God's Will and not your own. He has a purpose for you and need to pray and ask God what that purpose is, He will let you know.
2007-01-18 20:20:47 · answer #3 · answered by tracy211968 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'm not in much of a spiritual position to help you, really, but as far as I can say, really, since you're entertaining the idea that such a being MIGHT exist, you're issuing a polite statement of doubt while still leaving the possibility open and being open to communication with a deity if it does exist. I couldn't speculate on whether or not a hypothetical god would consider such behavior rude or presumptious, but it's not at all philosophically inconsistent for an agnostic to do something like that, I think.
2007-01-18 20:15:00 · answer #4 · answered by gomez_leovinus 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think you should learn how to meditate. You can learn the techniques from teachers from just about any religious tradition or none. The Buddhists are pretty good at it, but so are many Christian orders too. Many secular psychologists can teach you, too. Meditation is very similar to prayer, only with less ego - sometimes.
If praying is "driving you nuts" then you are doing something wrong. My guess is you're trying too hard. Seek some guidance, but do it with an open and critical mind.
2007-01-18 20:34:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you are truly agnostic, you are "unsure". This doesn't disqualify you from finding God. If you are not sure if there is a God, of course one of the easiest ways to find Him is to pray and reach out!
Ignore those who mock you for seeking the answers to your questions.
(If you were asking for a formulaic prayer, you can use this; but your own words are fine, too):
"God, I don't know if you are real, and genuinely want to know. Reveal yourself to me, and show me how to have a relationship with you. Help me to understand who and what you are. Strengthen me please in my circumstances and lead me to the truth. Amen"
Pray, ask God to reveal himself to you, become sure!
2007-01-18 20:22:21 · answer #6 · answered by Julia A 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
jusy pray
no harm done
pray to a friend , pray to a name you feel comfortable with
some people pray to the cosmos
when i pray .. i use the words
to all that is love
it is the focus and intent of the prayer that matters
a name doesnt matter .... an image in your head doesnt matter
i do hope you find some answers and feel better soon though
much love to you xx
2007-01-18 20:19:25 · answer #7 · answered by Peace 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Not much point really. I'm agnostic although I don't believe that god exists. I just don't KNOW that he does
Whatever your problem is, you will have to fix it yourself
2007-01-18 20:17:47 · answer #8 · answered by Nemesis 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
no. there are no prayers for non believers. who will be the object?
2007-01-18 20:33:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋