I used to be an Atheist! Guess what changed my mind?

Question

Until one day something changed my mind. I thought: What if I'm wrong. What if there is a god? I got down on my knees and prayed. After I prayed I felt a peace come over me like nothing I have ever felt before. It was better than any drug or alcoholic drink. It was something that seemed to satisfy me on the inside. Like a void being filled. After that experience I was never the same. I cannot deny there is a God because I have experienced what it is like in his presence. No! I didn't "SEE" anything! No! I didn't "HEAR" Voices. I didn't have to. What I experienced was spiritual. It had nothing to do with "Evidence" Or "Proof". If someone wanted evidence of God's existance, all they have to do is: Pray!

Answer 1

Praise God!!! God Bless

Answer 2

Dear Guitarman

Your experience is not unique but it is wonderful.

Two stories:

My wife Barbara's first marriage was abusive. Her husband was from the middle East and told her if she ever left him, he would get the two girls, take them "Home" and she would never see them again.

She was a prof at the local University.

One time was extremely abusive, and she needed to leave. But where could she go where her husband did not know? In addition he took care of all finances. There was an older lady in one of her classes. She asked if she could stay for a while. The answer was "Of course!" Barbara and the girls moved in while she started divorce proceedings.

Then it Happened. On a visitation, her husband took the girsl to the middle east. (She had tried to get the government to take his Passport but they had not, and in those days, small children did not need passports.) Barbara was frantic.

The lady who had shown so much kindness told Barbara that her church would pray. Being an Atheist Barbara's reaction was "Thanks but it will not help. You don't know the culture. There the father owns the children." It didn't matter, the church prayed.

Two weeks later she got a call. If she wanted to pick up the girls they were at the Airport. (Later Barbara found out the the oldest sister told her brother that unless Barbara was there he was not welcome, the six other siblings agreed. unheard of!!!)

Barbara was an emotional wreck. As she was driving to the airport she uttered her first prayer. "God, if you exist, tell me what to do." An abloute calmness and feeling of peace came over her. She could sense God with her. It was unlike anything she had experienced before. The next few hours were very difficult, but that sense of God's presence was there. Has it lasted these past 30 years? Barbara will tell you. "I feel it more deeply now than ever."

Last Century one of the leading intellectuals in England was C.S. Lewis. He was an avowed atheist. However there was something that continually bothered him. He called it "The Hound of Heaven". He decided to give in to this "Hound" and became what he called himself "The most reluctant convert in Britain."

It was then that he had this overwhelming sense of sheer Joy.

He wrote a book about his experiences. It is called "Surprised by Joy" Although it was written more than 50 years ago it is still in print

No matter what anybody else tells you, what you experienced is real. Blessings in your new life of faith.

God bless

Bryan

Answer 3

Hearty Congratulations. There is no human language to describe how you felt as you were reconnected to God because that is not a human experience. Jesus calls it peace and differentiates it from the earthly peace (which means the absence of war). Even in war, the Godly is at peace. You are absolutely correct that there is no 'proof' or 'evidence' that will convince an atheist except he/she begins to fall from the highplace of 'know it all' and begin to wonder 'what if'. A child with outstretched hands gets carried. God draws a searching heart. May God bless and keep you

Answer 4

Religion is a touchy subject. One can believe but if you believe incorrectly bad things can come your way or others. Look for instance Al Queda, David Korsh in Waco TX, Jim Jones In South American and so forth. Or those followers in California that were believing that a Mother ship was just on the other side of the Hale Bop Comet, Those poor fellas casterated themselves then killed themselves. We may never know in our lifetime what form if any the Higher Power will take. But it is interesting to think about and ponder over.

Answer 5

Im an Atheist, but completly open to the idea of God. I know that statement may contradict itself but its more or less the case.
I have heard this before about the "power of prayer" and having it "turn" people to god. Honestly speaking, i believe it. Although i think that what is 'Actually' happening is like you said, "filling a void". Anyone can "pray" (meaning asking for forgiveness, or wishing, etc), i think the act of doing this "praying" works phsycologically. I just dont beleive it is god your finding, i think its your "third eye", but thats a whole nother rant :)
If you want to think like me, take acid a few times. Im serious.
It WILL open your third eye. Dont take too much though, youll just be a druggie then :).

Answer 6

I'm glad you made a choice that you can be happy with. But I have prayed in the past, to test the idea of divine revelation, and admit that I experienced nothing of the sort. No altered state or euphoria. Heck, working out on the elliptical gives me a better sense of well being. And even if I did feel something, it would not be proof of anything beyond my senses.

But hey, if it works for you, go for it. :-)

Answer 7

if that's what gives you pleasure go for it. But the fact that something is pleasurable means just that it's pleasurable to you. I guess that's why the Egyptians worshipped the Sun and the Moon they appeal to our senses and imagination but any story behind all that is simply just a story not truth or The Truth.
If there was a God he would not have sent a "prophet" with a story to the Jews and another to the Muslims, and so on and so forth. A true God would have SHOCKED AND AWED THE WHOLE WORLD SENDING SIMULTANEOUS AND EXACT MESSAGES TO ALL PEOPLE'S OF THE EARTH. That has never happened and NEVER WILL. So I am sure that in all probability there is no God.

Answer 8

Strangely, I had such a feeling many years ago. I felt connected to everything in the universe and a sense of peace and joy. But it didn't make me believe in God.

So much as I sympathise with your enthusiasm to allow others to share this experience, I suspect you're on to a loser here. Because everyone is different. You have faith. However, many do not. And if my experience didn't do it for me, how much less likely is your encouragement to pray going to do it for them?

Just be pleased that it worked for you. Others will have to find their own ways I'm afraid. Which is exactly as it should be.
.

Answer 9

Praise God, I know you are telling the truth because the Holy Spirit is confirming the truth to me. Continue to seek God, the more you seek him the more you find him. I promise you God will show you more and more of him as you seek more. The things God has shown me in the past couple years since I got saved has been enough that I would die before denying him. I am so happy for you and proud of you to be able to lay down your pride and ask God if he is real. God Bless You and Keep You.

Answer 10

"It was better than any drug or alcoholic drink"

I take it you have tried alcohol and drugs. You would have had to in order to make the comparison. Were you doing any of these in your moment of religious lucidity?

If it works for you then great. However, do not expect others to follow you.

Added:
Here is another thought I just had. How do we know you were atheist? That is a funny thing about atheists, they like to see proof of something before they believe in it.

Answer 11

NO GUESSWORK
You're right, it's not about "Proof" even though the evidence is all around us. Many people demand proof or simply opt for nothing. They deny themselves.
You opened yourself to a possibility - "What if I'm wrong...?" and then you made a choice to pray. That was remarkable.
You are truly blessed. Thanks for sharing your experience.

P.S. The film Jesus Christ Superstar (1973) opens with guitar riffs and is a great flik! (I enjoy it anyway) Check out the DVD.