praying works so well...?

Question

Matthew 17:20
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."

ok so how come we never see anything happen that cant occur naturally? for the record, birth is natural its not a miracle. its nice u pray that your broken bone will mend or that you will get over the common cold. sadly prayer doesnt help with that.

so is it that people lack faith today? or is it simply that prayer does not work and this is false?

(for those that say "out of context" please put it in context and explain it, or dont bother.)

douglas, there are thousands of accounts of babies who shouldnt have lived, but lived.

will to survive is greater then will to die. has nothing to do with prayer.

Answer 1

Prayer works about as often as flipping a coin. And when the prayer doesn't happen some christian nut bag will make up some story that it is not in god's will. That is BS. Matthew 17:20 doesn't say that it has to be in god's will. It says have faith. You don't even have to pray, just have faith.

Further proof that xianity is a bunch of bull.

Answer 2

I know I don't have enough faith to move a mustard seed, let alone a mountain.

I think that bible scholars will say that it is a metaphors, meaning that with faith you can accomplish the impossible. Like JFK's faith in the American spirit got mankind to the moon.

Southern literalists will say that there is no need to move a mountain at this time, but if it comes up they will make it happen. My guess is that the mountain will probably be placed on San Francisco or Providence RI.

Answer 3

People still have faith and prayer does work; just because we don't hear about large miracles doesn't mean they aren't happening. That being said, I also believe that God works within the laws of nature, so you will be able to dismiss many of the miracles if you lack faith. Religion is faith based and without faith you will not know or see the truth.

I have witnessed many miracles, most of which I don't discuss because they are sacred. What I have seen is undeniable, just as the answers I receive to my prayers. Good luck.

Answer 4

Faithful prayer helped my mom survive as a 2 lb baby.

There are many reasons for unanswered prayer:

Lack of faith
Unforgiveness
We don't pray together
We don't get the answer we expect/want
We quit praying (that's a big one)

etc

If you would like to know more, James 6 and 1 Peter talk about prayer a lot.

Answer 5

Firstly, prayer is a psychological tool. Secondly - it's not a quick and easy way to "get stuff". The realistic theist doesn't ask deity for stuff like fixing broken bones, getting a new car, or winning the lottery. Prayer, IMO, is a tool to help the individual find strength and wisdom within him/herself, as well as a way to remind himself of what he's thankful for. Praying for others helps the individual who is doing the praying far more than it helps the person they're praying for. A lot of Christians and other theists will disagree with me, but that's okay. Just because atheists don't agree with prayer, doesn't mean it isn't beneficial to those who practice it.

Answer 6

They lack faith - they don't believe it can be done.
For nothing to be impossible for you...you have to believe all things are possible. Not intellectually, but feel it deep within.

For those with less faith, more natural means are easier.

~ Eric Putkonen

Answer 7

God answers those who love and serve Him. Maybe you don't know anyone like that. He answers my prayers so maybe you should look for friends that do love and serve Him.

Answer 8

You're right, it doesn't work. Prayer is just a silly fantasy like Heaven and immortality.