Does praying work ?

Question

i am a deep believer in God but i believe that prayer is for spiritual goals than getting answers to mundane problems like cure my cancer or pay my credit card debts or make me pass with a B in this math exam please kind of prayers .
however as i am growing older ( i am 37 years and 4 months ) i am getting the feeling that when the exuberance and optimism of youth fade away and we have rubbed our idealistic shins on the rough concrete of reality we need some support some hope that things will be better . that the situation will be saved ; that as long as i have good intentions God is watching over me and that he is a benevolent God ...
so should i change my tack about God and start praying to him to answer my prayers as long as i promise the goodness of my soul shall always grow stronger till i die ?
opinion please ... i am feeling confused .( i am not a Christian or i could ask my pastor for help ; and anyone of any religious denomination is free to answer candidly )

Answer 1

In 2003, 25,000 children died of poverty and starvation. That many died each and every day -- the math is mind boggling. They died despite the prayers that took place for them around the world and by religious people. They died a horrible and painful death. Prayer did not save the most recent Pope. And prayer did not save Mother Teresa.

No, prayer does not work.

Answer 2

Try looking at the seven deadly delusions as an attempt to help, not an attack on anyone's values. These delusions keep people fettered to frustrations and endless doubt.

1) Don't rely on external powers. You must do it for yourself.
2) Don't explain things on the basis of external judgment. This saps your determination.
3) Understand that the universe does not operate in a binary fashion just because your planet has a day-night cycle.
4) Understand that all of life is inexorably interconnected and don't be fooled by the visual input that creates the false impression of separateness.
5) Get rid of those who seek to ensnare you in guilt and unhappiness. They are serving their own purposes, not your life.
6) Understand that all of life, including the tiniest particle of dust, is continually changing. Do not get attached to circumstances.
7) Do not complain if you don't always find the going easy. Enjoy what there is to enjoy, and suffer what there is to suffer and never forget that your beliefs determine your environment.

Answer 3

God has answered many if not all of my prayers.
Now for the measured revision. when I pray to GOD, I do it in Christs name. why, because it was his act of sacrifice that opened the life for GOD to hear my prayer.
When I look for GODs response, I remember that he will glorify himself, and that he will answer prayers that are in his interest. and only in the way that he is inclined to do.
Is this a cop out? no. He has outlined exactly what he thinks, and how he reacts to things, already. I have found that his answers to my prayers have NEVER deviated from what scriptures say he is about.
So yes he answers my prayers, and in a reasonably predictable pattern, but not always to my liking.

Answer 4

so you don't need to be that's what they are there for is to help people. and yes praying does work I believe that God answers every ones prayers in his own way. but you got to have a little of faith or you would not asked this question. just keep praying and your prayers will come true for you some day. mine did and I thank God for answering my prayers. I'm merring a wonderful guy in nov. and God is the one that maid it happen for him & I.

Answer 5

There is a practical aspect in praying. Praying is also a way of reflecting and processing our thoughts and ideas. Although, our prayers may not seem to work at all times in ways that are visible and big-- big miracles and the like, it sort of brings enlightenment in one person's mind. It can be compared to the computers' defragmenting capability that sorts the files in such a way that it will be able to function efficiently.

Prayers can unload a person of its problems. Brings confidence in oneself.

Answer 6

I pray in my heart, I don't pray in the preasance of others. I usually pray to thank god for what he has given me in the day to day things that I do. I don't pray for something such as asking for better grade... better pay or cure my disease...

All the other things that happen to me I consider it to be my doing and not Gods.

As for "Does praying work?"...

Yes, praying works. Sometimes when you really pray for something good, it happens the next day.

Sometimes I pray that I could see what will happen to me in the future. Then Somedays I would dream of something that happen to me, Later in my days I happen to be in the same situation as that I have dreamt of. Then I would thank God for the beautiful dream.

Answer 7

Prayer is a personal thing between each human and his/her creator. If you think something is wrong & YOU do it, well that's on you. If you're worried about what someone else prays for then I'll pray for you.

Answer 8

praying works..everything happens for a reason..dont pray asking God to answer your prayer..but let him be the one in charge of your life..only ask of his guidance and goodness in your life.

hope that helps!Godbless!

Answer 9

praying is your communion with God...
If you are expecting miracles to happen just cus you're praying...don't you think that is unfair, selfish and insincere?
how would you feel if you were God and people will only communicate with you when they want something from you?

does communication help? ofcourse it does...
but it has to be two way...right?

Answer 10

Prayer works, but God only hears His children. Many people believe that they are His children, but are not. Read your Bible. That's how God talks to you. Email me if you like. We can study together.