People pray for healings, new jobs, a husband, or money. Do you believe this may be the reason many prayers go unanswered? That praying amiss means not considering God's will?
2007-09-11 09:01:43 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sincere prayer is easier done for others in love. God hears us, and does his will, but you are in possession of an important fact.
Often what we want and God wants are 2 different things.
A prayer is often answered YES, NO, or NOT YET.
2007-09-11 09:10:11 · answer #1 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
This is an excellent question, and I am not sure how to answer it. As far as I understand, this brings up the issue of our will and God's will. Some philosophers, notably Asian ones, would say that we want our will to become God's will. They don't put it just that way, but that's what they mean. I think there's value to this notion, but if the Lord is going to do His will anyway, then why do we pray? Perhaps most people need to re-learn the purpose of prayer. I think I could certainly benefit from such a study.
Nevertheless, I also believe that just as Jacob wrestled the angel for his blessing, we can pray actively, not just passively. To expect things from God also shows faith. Unfortunately, it has gained a bad rap because folks always go for the material, and it becomes like the expectation of magic. Folks want to turn God into their personal servant, which of course doesn't work.
I've prayed for things and gotten them. They were things I needed and was desperate for! Spiritual things. Praise God, the Lord has been good to me! Sometimes a person's gotta say, "Lord I need help," and it comes--it really does!
It seems to me that prayer is about faith. We cannot earnestly pray for something if it does not look good to us. I never read in the Bible of someone praying for riches and getting it.
2007-09-11 16:51:12 · answer #2 · answered by Israel M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To be honest, I pray for the people I love and for everyone who needs help. Especially women in bad relationships and homeless people. I feel like it could help someone out there even if I dont know how or when. I never once prayed about money or meeting the ''right guy''. Theres issues that are far more important that those. However, I do pray for guidance if Im stuck in a certain situation. I put the outcome in God's hands and trusts that He knows what best.
2007-09-11 16:04:58 · answer #3 · answered by Fearfully & wonderfully made 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I agree with your sentiment, but would like you to consider the following. God does indeed have a plan for each of us. He wants us to believe in Him. The Lord's prayer says "thy will be done." This should be the underlying idea, that we are willing to submit to God's will. However, there is nothing wrong with praying for self-blessing (a good job, financial stability, a mate). The thing that we have to remember is that all things belong to Him. He can give, he can take away just as easily. The bottom line is to worship God, not the money or possession. You can desire things, but not fixate on them, or put them before God.
He is like a father that wants his children to be happy. The child just needs to believe and thank the father for His gifts.
2007-09-11 16:11:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Good Question, I like it!
I think everything happens for a reason. Just because you think something is in your best interest, doesn't mean it is.
That unanswered prayer may be because the lord has better things lined up for you somewhere else!
I also don't think it's wrong to pray for things even though they may not uphold certain beliefs.
If the lord feels it is your destiny, good or bad, it will happen. Praying in my opinion is a way to stay connected & hope.
Good luck to you. =)
2007-09-11 16:06:54 · answer #5 · answered by Heather 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
I think I do, or try to. God know my needs, so if am really in need of money, I don't pray for God to give it to me, I pray that He can guide me to a better job or way to make ends meet. When praying for healing I pray that if it his will to please put His healing hands on that person, but also to comfort them and ease their pain. As I said I never pray for God to give, but to guide me, can He help me with the strength I need, or help me to have patience. And I always say I know You know what is best for me, and I'm so thankful. That is what I was taught.
2007-09-11 18:06:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I pray "They Kingdom come and be established; Thy will be done and accomplished" as I pray for missionaries, those who minister in the church, the staff at our local Teen Challenge ministry, and for my own family. ESPECIALLY for my family, I want God's will!
I think you're right about your premise, that people pray amiss, not taking into accouht God's purposes.
2007-09-11 16:10:33 · answer #7 · answered by no1home2day 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do NOT know the answer to that.
But what I do know, is that all things are
possible with Prayer...I pray here for people that need help, and I pray I will
be heard...these people need help and they
are reaching out for that help.
How could anyone here deny them
this peace prayer brings them!?!?
2007-09-11 16:13:48 · answer #8 · answered by Kerilyn 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it has to, otherwise I would be praying for my will!
I don't pray for "things", most of my prayers as focused on understanding...that I see the bigger picture....that I know His will in the particular situation........and that my reaction is accordance with His plan.....
2007-09-11 16:21:07 · answer #9 · answered by †LifeOnLoan† 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
God the Father is not the God of earthly things He is the God who art in heaven, of heavenly things, the "promised land".
The serpent is the prince (god) of earthy things, and once you believe in him as Moses did, he will kill both body and soul.
2007-09-11 16:07:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋