What's the point of prayer?

[TheYearOftheLady]

Hello guys!

When I was a Christian and even when I left the faith, since then I've been questioning what is the point of praying for when god is supposedly all knowing, he knows us more than we know ourselves and that he was this amazing plan for us.

Now, I understand that some people pray for comfort, some people pray for god to do this, do that, give them whatever their heart desire is, bottom line is that people pray for different things. I just don't understand the point in praying for when like I said earlier, he's all knowing, he knows us better than we know ourselves.

If he has a plan for us, would he really change that plan up & give us what we wanted, would he do such a thing for if his plan for us is better than the plan that we have for ourselves?

I don't see the point in prayer.

 

[brinny]

God seeks "communication" and a relationship with us, His created ones. He DELIGHTS in our communication with Him and rejoices over us with singing. His joy becomes ours, and it strengthens and sustains us. His delightful heart blesses us and we become more like Him as we spend time in His presence.

There's more, but that may be enough for now. Interesting thread. Thank you for starting it.

Precious Avatar picture, by the way.

 

[stevevw]

I believe that pray is one of the most powerful tools we can use in life. I know in my life that we I have tried everything to overcome something or to help change circumstances beyond my control or even just to know Gods will and what is best it can make a difference. I know this from personal experience of trying for a long time to change situations and not getting anywhere. Then when I have turned to God and asked him for help things change. Even what may seem impossible it can change things. I know it is God because the chances are so complete and normally the other person is changed and speaks of God without me even saying anything. I know because things all point towards positive things that are good in every way. I may end up in the right place at the right time. I may come across situations where a person is in great need and the timing is just right. Situations change for the better once God is involved. Sometimes you have to persist and I believe there comes a point where you have to be completely focused and in tune with God and your pray.

Sometime you can pray and your not really communicating. Just like when you listen to someone but your not really paying attention. I believe this is the same with communicating with God. We have to believe that we have a relationship with God and He is listening.So even though you say God knows our every need and should just answer that or put us in a good situation without even asking I dont think it works that way. Its important for us to develop and be in the right frame of mind. That is all part of it. Out state of mind and spirit has to be in tune as well so that requires a participation from us. We are not robots or puppets. This is a real living relationship with God. Even if you were to say there is not God and its all in your head there is evidence that things like prayer make a difference to people lives. It can improve your health and well being. This maybe because of the meditation qualities of praying.

But prayer is more than that. It actually is a vehicle to connect with God. It is putting your entire self body mind and soul in tune with God. So this has a healing quality. Its not so much that there is a great being somewhere who is granting you your wishes. Its that God is everywhere and by getting in tune with Him you are also getting in tune with His creation. With His laws and I believe there is a state of being that you can tune in with that surpasses all other forms of meditation and spirituality when you choose to connect with the God of creation.
Online Paper: Positive Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer in a Coronary Care Unit Population
Scientific Evidence for Answered Prayer
Prayer for Healing: What Does Science Say?

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Admin Hat...

Thread moved from Formal Debate

Mark
CF Admin

 

[Lukaris]

I think the secular sense of hoping that others (family, friends, neighbors, all human beings) will have their health, basic needs, sober happiness etc. is a necessary sentiment in basic human decency. Regrettably & understandably, the conflicts of the world give us a lot of anguish. We need to pray to God to set our conscience straight to try to do what is right. The Lord's prayer is His gift to us in this (Matthew 6:9-13).

 

[Emmy]

Dear TheYearOftheLady. To pray is to talk to God, we worship God and we ask God for help. In Matthew 22: 35-40: Jesus tells us: " The first and great Commandment is: Love God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all the mind. The second is like it: love thy neighbour as thyself." In verse 40:
Jesus points out this great truth: " On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Love is very important to God, and God wants loving sons and daughters.
The Bible tells us: " Repent and be Born Again," change from being selfish and unloving, to become loving and caring. Give up our selfish wishes and wants,
and start being kind and loving and caring. People will treat us the same as we treat people, and Love is very catching.
In Matthew 7: 7-10: we ask for Love and Joy, then thank God and share all Love and Joy with our neighbour: all we know and all we meet, friends and not friends. We keep asking and receiving, then thank God and share all with our neighbour. If we ask for something straightforward, and it is for our own good, God will give it to us. If it concerns others as well, we have to wait for it: we know that God does not force or coerce anybody, God is Love and God
does always work with Love only. We have to keep asking and asking again and again. God is Love, and we have to be loving also. Love covers a multitude of sins. Remember: " ask and you shall receive," keep loving and asking. I say this with love, YearOftheLady. Greetings from Emmy, your sister
in Christ. P.S. We might stumble and forget at times, but then ask God to forgive you, and carry on asking and loving.

 

[seashale76]

I often post this article about prayer that I've found quite helpful.
P r a y e r

 

[talitha]

When we pray, it's like co-signing a two-party check.

 

[topcare]

Best quote on the point of prayer:

“I pray because I can't help myself. I pray because I'm helpless. I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn't change God, it changes me.” C.S. “Jack” Lewis (Anthony Hopkins in Shadowlands)

 

[Jeffwhosoever]

We pray out of love, for our need to live beyond ourselves and to obey as we are called.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

We pray out of love, for our need to live beyond ourselves and to obey as we are called.

Hi Jeff,

I belive as you state, we do it out of obedience as we are called to do. God does not need our prayers, but we need to pray. Some ask why if God is Omniscient, God already knows what we need and desire? He truly does know all, yet out of obedience and submission, we pray as Scripture tells us to.