How can we have free will to act as we wish if someone is asking God to change things supernaturally?

Question

If god is changing things himself because of someone's prayers then he takes the decision away from the rest of us.

By your logic Leslie D. there is no point in praying.

Answer 1

I don't pray to God like santa clause, so I don't have that problem, I see what your saying though, and it makes sense.
I don't think God changes people or things for other people, but I think he helps things to work out well for people, giving them oportunities that if they see and use, will help them along the way and make their life better.

There is a story of a man stranded in the middle of a lake or in a flood or something, I love the story, ...
He prays to God to save him
Someone comes up and offers to help him in a boat, he says, NO I'm waiting for God to save me.
He prays again to God, Please save me, and please save me soon.
Another person in a boat comes to save him, he says, No I am waiting for GOD, he promised he would help me when I need him.
He prays again to God, please HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!
Another person in a boat comes to help him, and he again turnes them down, because he is waiting for God.
Hours go by and he prays to God, "WHY DIDn't you help me God?!!?!?!?!?!?!" The man is confused, God speaks to him (as doesn't happen now adays, but it makes the story work) and says "I sent you three boats!".

The point is that God doesn't manipulate people, he just helps offer the opourtunities, he didn't make the people in the boat go there, he just showed them someone was in need and because they were good people they offered to help. He didn't pick the man up and force him to shore, but he offered him help, the man didn't see that it was DIVINE and waited.

I find that story so funny and I love to share it.

Most of what I pray for is STRENGTH to do his will and WISDOM to see his plan or to know that he has one, I love the serenity prayer because it doesn't ask God to "tie your shoes for you" but rather asks him for things that he will give you, like my dad always says, "God isn't santa clause".

Jessica - feel free to email

Answer 2

I believe that God is beyond our comprehension. The Bible says that now we only know in part, but one day will meet God face to face. I know that our world is filled with energy - both good and bad. I know that when I am around a person with a bad attitude, I can feel that energy coming toward me. The same with a positive person - I can feel their "good vibe" and it is strengthening. The most I can do as a person is make good choices and try to stay positive. I think that prayer and meditation generates energy sent from God to sustain us, and when we make a point of focusing on that connection, we make the choices that take us where we need to go. If you look at the things that happen to people, good and bad, most are a product of planning, behavior or accident. We choose wisely or unwisely. Things happen or they don't. But the spiritual strength is available if we keep our focus in the right place.

Also - People used to wonder why my patients got well so much faster than other nurses. I prayed for them. I gave then positive energy and helped them focus on their life after their illness. I also practiced a type of healing where energy is sent to the person without touching the body. It is called therapeutic touch, and is taught around the US. My mother who was born in Appalachia calls it the "laying on of hands". In any case, I found that it worked well in my practice.

Answer 3

Who makes you believe in God. Did some one make you type your post. Are you being controlled? If you live in a free country. I don't think so..God doesn't make you do anything. He gave you existence and the message that He exists. You are free to believe and act as you want.. You can do what ever you find right in your own eyes. You do have to face the consequences of life and law of the land. If you get caught doing a crime you face the courts. If you drink and smoke you ruin your health. No decision is taken away from you by God.

Answer 4

I have often wondered whether, if God regrew the limbs of one amputee, the other amputees would rail and shake their fists at God for not healing THEM instead. Humans are so subjective. Everyone wants his or her own miracle to be performed, and they won't believe in God unless he does what they ask. I believe this to be presumptuous, as they presume that God should pay more attention to them than any other supplicant. I find this whole system ridiculous. It merely allows some people to slough off responsibility for their own actions and thoughts or allows them to put off facing reality.

Some people treat prayer like witchcraft, believing "prayer changes things," as if by asking for it, one will be given preference over others who might deserve it more.

Oh yes, I don't believe in the supernatural. There is natural; this encompasses all that happens in the universe. To call something "supernatural" is simply not to understand it. (I do not claim to understand all so-called "supernatural" phenomena, but rather to understand that these phenomena are natural yet beyond my ability to explain and quantify currently. )

Edit: Jessica, I know that story; it was always amusing and ironic in the retelling... cheers!

Answer 5

Well you are in effect petitioning God when you pray. Whether your prayers work for you or not is another issue. Maybe God is like the people on YA, he likes some questions, he doesnt like others.

But its free will that allows you to ask...Its Gods free will if he answers

Hell I'm not even religious!!

Answer 6

Even if God is trying to be an influence in our lives, we always have the option of turning away from him and saying no. I'm not really sure why someone would want to take the steering wheel from our creator, who knows what is best for us, however that is our option. Just don't complain when ya don't like the results.

Answer 7

I can't imagine God agreeing to run the universe for the benefit of any particular individual. If what you pray for is in accord with his will, then maybe your prayer will be answered; not otherwise.

Answer 8

I am an atheist, if my parents got wind of it, they would spend days praying for my salvation. God, being all powerful, would have the ability to do this, but prefers free will over my salvation. He would rather submit me for eternal torture, than change my mind.

Answer 9

God won't violate our free will. He can arrange circumstances and bring about the influence of His Holy Spirit, but He will NEVER force us to obey Him.

I trust that this answer helps?

Answer 10

Good point to know. God took away our desires then we ask for nothing.