Christians: In your opinion, what does prayer actually accomplish?

Question

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It seems like if it was God's will for a certain thing to happen, you wouldn't be able to change it no matter how much you prayed about it. For example, someone could be dying of cancer and everyone they knew could be praying for them and they could still die. Or someone else could be suffering from the same disease and have no one praying for them and they could survive. Whenever something bad happens I always hear people say it was God's will for it to happen, so when something good happens, do you think it was also just God's will, and if so, wouldn't it have happened whether anyone prayed about it or not? If you do believe God answers prayers,why do you believe your prayers had an effect, rather than thinking that it would have happened anyway?

Answer 1

People turn to God when there is no one else to turn to. Prayer is a way for them to vent, wish, hope, dream, and try to do good.... I'm sure lots of prayers are unanswered and I never really understood this about Christianity... but at this day in age a lot of people feel alone in the world and if God is apparently with you at all times then he will listen to what you have to say when no one else will... and that is comforting to some people.

Answer 2

Prayer accomplishes many things but we have forgotten that there are also some requirements for GOD to hear and answer those prayers. First of all, we are told in the Bible that the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Just the act of praying by anyone does not mean GOD has to listen or act. For more info, check out the prayer page at my source.

Answer 3

In my opinion, God does not will for something to happen, except when he/she is creating something. What unusually happens is determined by people and by existing natural processes.
There are different types of prayer but I assume you mean intercessory prayer when we ask for something to happen. First it encourages us where possible to get off our backside and try and do something. If you pray for a person who is sick then you are more likely to visit them or phone them. My wife likes to bake a cake for them! If you pray for people who live in poverty you are more likely to donate some money or engage in some fund raising or look for the fair trade goods in the supermarket.
Second we have an influence through the way we are all members of the Body of Christ. Through the Holy Spirit our prayers are joined together with those of others and collective we will work together for the glory of God and the establishment of his rule on earth,

Answer 4

The entire purpose of religion (geez, I can't stand that word!) is to find relationship with God. Some people find it through money, through work, through drugs, through.... pick something. But, God wanted it with HIM!
How can you have a relationship with someone and not talk to them? As God is in spirit and not in the flesh, we need to talk with Him - through prayer.
When I was a heathen I obviously never prayed. Even at meal time. I started questioning myself in this when participating in "grace" at meals with believing friends. I took the baby steps to understand it and just saying "grace" was a huge chore. God allowed me my infantile way and like, working out in the gym, you will get stronger and stronger. (in prayer)
I questioned Paul when he wrote - "pray fervently and continuously" in scripture. How can one do that? I can't find the wherewithal to pray for 15 seconds.
You have to work at it. I want relationship so I talk. I want to find out from the Creator who I am so I ask. I need His intervention on my life so I tell Him.
Now, I find I talk (pray) many hours a day. I have had my food get cold on the plate because I got so involved talking with God I forgot why I sat down. I have asked God for countless things and He has answered my requests. Could they have happened by chance? I'm sure you could say that. I say no. But, you're not the one being blessed.

Answer 5

Ah yes, petitionary prayer, prayer in which we request that God do something for us. God’s omniscience implies that he will already have taken all of the information about our needs and desires into account when deciding what to do. His benevolence implies that he will act in our best interests unless there is a good reason not to (and if there is such a reason, our prayers will not remove it). Prayer, then, should never change God’s mind; petitionary prayer shouldn’t ever work. Thus it is pointless. Good day to you.

Answer 6

Prayer is the way that Christians communicate with God.

When someone is ill as you mentioned and we pray for them, we aren't to pray for what "WE" think should happen to them.

But, whatever the LORD's will is for them.

See, if you pray with that in mind then you won't be disappointed in the outcome.

Please remember, that All things belong to God, and He is in charge of all things - we can ask Him for something, but we ask blindly (we don't know what is before us). But, God knows everything and does what is best from His Mighty, Holy and Divine perspective --- and it will always be right!

God Bless You

Answer 7

Well from a non-religious perspective, it's sorta like a coping mechanism. It provides comfort in times of great anguish and provides hope even when there is non. Scientific tests show that prayer can sometimes be like meditation. It affects the body and mind in yet to be explained ways.

Answer 8

Sorry just the point of view of some one who classes themselves as an agnostic.

Praying is like wishing but.

Praying costs more!
And they both get you nothing.

That's why I stick to begging, It's cheap and sometimes gets results.

Answer 9

I'm not a Christian, but I don't think prayer accomplishes any more than dumb luck. (The reason is the study described in the link.)

Answer 10

I think it's because people pray for specific results rather than praying for God's will.