Christians, a question from an athiest regarding prayer?

Question

I have been an athiest since age 10. But I have been known to pray to both the god common to Jews-Christians-Muslims as well to unknown gods. Yes, I know that some Christians may object to the god in Islam being considered in common. But, that is my view after studying the subject. As to praying to the unknown gods, if there is another, I don't want to leave out the opportunity for contact. But when I do pray, though unbelieving, my only "gimme" I pray for is basically "if you're out there, make yourself known to me and point me to the right path." I think I may actually be a pretty typical athiest. It is not that we are bad people or lack knowledge of religion, that we don't want to believe. The difference is mainly that we have rejected what we were taught and influenced by in youth. We don't believe in god or the holy books that are the basis to belief. And I can say that I would really like to believe. But, I will not lie about who I am, especially to myself.

The real question is "would you really belive god would condemn me to hell?" I have and continue to make the effort to believe. If you are correct on a judgement day all I will be able to say in defence is "I tried." Maybe not with the greatest of effort but with the greatest of intent.

I add this is more than about me. It is to get some understanding of non believers, other faiths, gays, adulterers, murders and everything else that is out of the context of a sin free life. There are so many things I disapprove of. Yet, I understand why and if not forgive do not impose. I can only think any god would be far more merciful.

I add I am now 60 and have never even once said I believed in any religion. But, I have been interested in them. As to praying, it is without belief, but searching just in case. As to an afterlife, I don't need a reward. My reward comes now with the feeling it gives inside. The punishment also comes now from eating within. To the person saying I'm arrogant, I apologize for projecting such image. I am not. I am my own worst critic. I suppose some might say I'm agnostic. Agnostics don't care if there is a god. I call myself athiest as I do not believe or have anything to confirm there is a god. It does not mean I don't think of the possibility however. As to Bible verses, I am aware of them, but remember I do not believe in the book as you do. Only accepting parts that are confirmed by collaborating historical facts and documents.

Answer 1

I love that question, I am in the same position. I would love for God to reach out to me, but He has not spoken to me, ever, though I've tries many many times. I've done community service, done everything I did under the name of God, but I never felt Him there.

On the outside, many would say I was going to Heaven, but in my heart I knew that I wasn't and it bothered me. I now claim agnostic. But according to the Bible only God knows your heart. Also, when I was a Christian, I believed that God was much more willing to let people into Heaven if they were good people, yet ignorant to His existence.

I honestly don't know if God will send an atheist to Heaven, but I would like to think so. It seems a waste to send an Atheist to Hell if they contributed to society, were honest, and loving and followed, even without knowing that they were, the teachings of the Bible. Yet someone who was intolerant and didn't practice what they preached, goes to heaven? Even some christians themselves say that it angers them if they knew that non-believers would be able to go to heaven, they felt like their life was a waste and that they deserve better.

Yes it is up to God, only He can see into you heart not others. Good luck. God will always hear you prayers, even if you don't believe in Him.

Answer 2

i understnd that you are in a confusing situation with prayer. If you want to pray to God because you think that it is necessary because you might be wrong then one must pray with faith that you will recieve an answer. I pray hoping that I will recieve an answer and I get one. Also I do not think that asking God to show you the way will occur as you expect. When I pray I ask first if what i am doing is correct and also if I have a thought about doing something else I ask if that is the right thing to do. You should ask God sincerely if you are on the right track by attempting to pray. I have always recieved answers when I am really sincere when I pray, but also i hope that I will recieve an answer. God will not just show you, you must show God first that you have hope or faith in God. Ask and ye shall recieve, knock and it shall be opened unto you.

Answer 3

You can't serve two masters. You'll love one and hate the other.

People say things like that. A lot. "Let me take a chance and pray to ALL the gods out there. That way I'm safe." But really your not. God has been who he is from the beginning. He doesn't change over the course of time. Nothing changes about God nor his commandments. And consider that out of all the "gods" who have competed with this ONE God of the Jews and Christians, none have survived. They are only rehashed, then discarded later because the "luster" has worn off. God is never rehashed at any point.

Would God "condemn" you to hell as you say? No. He doesn't. You do that by yourself. Our life is what we make it. And good and bad are weighed in a balance beam. Should one outweigh the other, and they will, you'll know exactly where your going.

Answer 4

Since you are 60 and my elder if I may I will get right to the point. Was it the Big Bang theory that gave you that conscious that tells you when you do something wrong? Was it the Ape or Monkey you can from? Or maybe the bacteria or fungis? If there is no God then it came from somewhere?? Another point, When you see a Cross on a hill does it remind you of Jesus??
When you see three Crosses on a hill does it remind you of Jesus?? Did you know that the Bible says this, Hebrews 10:16, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; take a look at chapter 10. Obviously something deep from within you wants there to be a God or you wouldn't be here after all this time not believing, I believe it is Jesus Christ. He died on that Cross to wash your sins and mine away. Crucified and beaten they nailed there for you and me, the Son of God. Just the name JESUS speaks volumes, and its just a translation. At 60 this is the reason you are still searching, at 40 I am not searching, I have found Jesus, I am at peace and I know without a shadow of doubt that if I die tomorrow where I will go. Heaven is my destiny, is it yours, Jesus said in John 3:3 you must be Born Again, you can today right now, pray this simple sinners prayer and start a new life in Jesus, its never to late, Jesus says come as you are, He will forgive you of anything you have ever done and make you fresh and anew, he did me, just pray Dear Jesus, I know and confess that I am sinner in need of salvation. I believe you died on a cross at calvery and arose from the grave to wash away my sins, I ask you right now to come into my heart and save me, I pray this Prayer believing in the name of Jesus Amen. If you prayed this prayer with a sincere heart you are now a child of God, rejoice that your name is written in the Lambs book of Life. Jesus will now send his Holy Spirit to come and live in your heart and guide you into all truth. If you have any questions just send me an email, God Bless YOU!!

Answer 5

And I quote...."But when I do pray, though unbelieving". I highly respect the fact that you have a true desire to search for and find the truth, that in itself says a multitude. I also respect the fact that you are not willing to lie about who you are or how you feel....speaks of high character. However, those that have a true desire to seek has to do so with a believing heart. There is a difference between belief and faith. Belief in the the tangible things that we can see with our own eyes., Faith is the hope for things that can not be seen. The fact that you put forth the effort has not gone and is not now, unnoticed. The knowledge of what we know in our hearts to be right or wrong is what separates us. To know that something is wrong and to do it anyway is wherein the sin lies.

Answer 6

As a Christian, I think that it is wonderful that you are praying to be shown the Truth. That is really all we can ask for. God will hear your prayer, be sure of it. And, if you make an effort to find Him and live a good life, I don't (personally) think you will go to Hell.

Continue your search - you will find answers!

I cannot be true to myself and my religion, however, if I do not recommend it and tout it as the true faith: Catholicism. Never a more beautiful, true religion. But don't take my word for it. Continue praying, and all I ask is that you look into it. God wants to help you - I have no doubt that he will - but he also appreciates it when you help Him! :)

Peace
In Christ

Answer 7

Here's the skinny on Prayer. God cannot live with Sin, that is He cannot communicate with that which is Tainted with Sin. Humans fall into that catagory. The Holy Spirit is our Intercessor and the first prayer God can possible hear & respond to is the Human Cry when we Accept Christ as our Savior! So, All our "Efforts" until then are in Vain. Even After "Salvation" our "Sins" keep Us from God if we do not regularly ask Forgivness. Sins committed after Salvation won't keep Us from Heaven, but will Silence our Prayer Life. Salvetion does not make one "Perfect", just a Forgiven member of the "Royal Priesthood" in the Family of God. John

Answer 8

You explain yourself so very well, my friend. My feeling is that you are missing out on a wonderful relationship. I think the relationship I have with the God of the Bible is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I guess I felt Him tugging at my heart when I was a small child. Somehow I know He is there, and that He is my Creator. There is genuine love in my heart for Him. I kinda wish you had that relationship too.....it is priceless.

Answer 9

Without belief in Jesus Christ you can't get to God the Heavenly Father and you perish.

God does say if we reject Him long enough, that He will turn us over to a depraved mind. If you think that is where you are I would get on my knees to God and beg forgiveness.

The god of Islam is not the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob whose Son is Christ Jesus. Muhammad picked the idol god Allah out of 360 idols in Mecca. Muhammad was influenced by an angel of light which sounds very much like Satan the Light Bearer Fallen Angel. Even today, we must test the spirits because evil spirits try to talk to the believers.

Being mature in the Christian faith and wearing the whole armor of God is very important because Satan fires fiery darts daily until he gives up on us. Yes, Satan gives up on Christians just like God turns unbelievers over to depraved minds.

If your heart is truly right, God will pull you toward Him. I honestly believe that is what God is doing to you. Get a good Bible, a Study Bible KJV, and start reading it in the book of Daniel and then read Revelation. You get a blessing just for reading Revelation.

Often, the best prayer is "Lord have mercy upon me a sinner."
I'll pray for you.

Answer 10

Don't really see this as a question, but more like a confession. A true atheist would see what you are doing as nothing more than talking to yourself. Seems to me that you doubt what you believe, you want God to exist because you don't like the thought of this being it. You sound more agnostic than atheist. You sound like you are on a journey seeking out truth. Good luck to you and I hope that Jesus will answer your prayer and make Himself known to you in a mighty way, all it takes is a little faith!