I'm confused about the purpose of prayer.
What reason does God have to listen to me if He already knows what is best for me and everyone else in the universe?
2007-10-05 01:35:20 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The most preposterous notion that H. Sapiens has ever dreamed up is that the Lord God of Creation, Shaper and Ruler of all the Universes, wants the saccharine adoration of His creatures, can be swayed by their prayers, and becomes petulant if He does not receive this flattery. Yet this absurd fantasy, without a shred of evidence to bolster it, pays all the expenses of the oldest, largest, and least productive industry in all of history.
enjoy the day
2007-10-05 01:43:36 · answer #1 · answered by lazaruslong138 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
There are many purposes to prayer. The prayer of petition, to which you refer, is just one of them. We also pray to reconcile or confess. We pray thanksgiving or gratitude. We pray to adore and appreciate. The prayer of petition is the most mysterious though.
Why would our creator want our petitions? Why does our will matter? It is because we are co-creators with God. We, in our little way, can impact the world. If we choose to pray for and do good, we may join God in the positive creation of the world.
We know that the world is constantly in the process of creation. Babies are born. People change their minds and actions. Plants and animals come into creation and grow. All of these things can be influenced by us. We are the keepers of this world. Our influence on the world as the human race is unimaginable.
Even as just one person we may influence and create the world in unimaginable ways through our prayers and union with God. The most outstanding way we can influence and create the world through our prayers is by changing ourselves into being a better and better person. As with all things in the universe, everything good starts with just one.
Yours in Christ Jesus, Grace
2007-10-05 09:19:02 · answer #2 · answered by Grace 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do children ask for toys and money from their parents when their parents know what would make them happy?
The answer about what is the purpose of prayer is an extremely long answer. For a good read on the topic try Phillip Yancey's book, Prayer. He explores all the aspects of prayer beyond what your questions is asking.
2007-10-05 08:44:00 · answer #3 · answered by MrMyers 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is not the submission to God of a laundry list of requests. It doesn't make sense to ask God to make Sea Biscuit come in first in the fourth race at Pimlico, even if you have bet the rent money on it.
The purpose of prayer is to talk to God. So you sort of have to be a believer.
2007-10-05 08:42:09 · answer #4 · answered by pufferoo 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
God knows whats best for us humans. He helps to decide where our decision comes to in the end. God is there to decide that we do not get what we want. He helps us to overcome that too.
2007-10-05 08:42:13 · answer #5 · answered by becomeblackbelt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
prayer is talking to God.. like talking to a friend, (if he is your friend).. it's sharing with Him your burdens, cares, whatever.. fellowshipping with Him.. prayer is more than just talking to the ceiling, it's talking to God...
2007-10-05 09:04:12 · answer #6 · answered by Jesus Lover 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honey, listen to that inner voice (but really listen to it) and you won't go wrong :)
As for your question, I would by a hypocrite to answer since I don't beleive in God.
2007-10-05 08:41:08 · answer #7 · answered by Poppy Pickette 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
People who pray do it because that's how they choose to deal with their life
2007-10-05 08:42:47 · answer #8 · answered by Jack P 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you don't talk to your Friends?
God wants to fellowship with you
Prayer is talking to him
I love talking to my friend
2007-10-05 08:51:35 · answer #9 · answered by jesussaves 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋