Does prayer work?

[kendodd]

You often see people ask for others to pray for certain things on their behalf. Does that mean that the more people who pray, the more God takes notice? And surely God knows what problems you've got anyway, so why the need to ask him for help?

I wonder if there are people who have prayed that they'd win the lottery and have? Must be some, surely.

Have you ever had your prayers answered?

 

[JennyMominRI]

You often see people ask for others to pray for certain things on their behalf. Does that mean that the more people who pray, the more God takes notice? And surely God knows what problems you've got anyway, so why the need to ask him for help?

I wonder if there are people who have prayed that they'd win the lottery and have? Must be some, surely.

Have you ever had your prayers answered?

I don't really ask for things when I pray..For me it's more a way of giving thanks and feeling closer to the divine

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Well, that's a loaded question!

I think prayer makes people feel better, so in that sense it works. Do I believe that God's up there taking notes on who is praying and how he can help? No, I don't.

 

[mansionterror]

Being one of those people that asked for prayers I will answer. Yes, I do believe it helps. I use prayer as a way to talk to God and work out my worries. I have never prayed for anything material and never would. I pray mostly for strength, courage, protection...etc...when I feel it is needed. I pray for others as well.

I have been part of prayer chains inside and outside of church and I have seen it work. Just my 2 cents.

 

[lisajl]

I always liked Garth Brooks song about unanswered prayers (Some of God's greatest gifts).

 

[kendodd]

Being one of those people that asked for prayers I will answer. Yes, I do believe it helps. I use prayer as a way to talk to God and work out my worries. I have never prayed for anything material and never would. I pray mostly for strength, courage, protection...etc...when I feel it is needed. I pray for others as well.

I have been part of prayer chains inside and outside of church and I have seen it work. Just my 2 cents.

So it's true that the more people who pray in a group, the more God takes notice?

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Prayer is the foundation in my life. It has guided me through the darkest of times. I also pray to give thanks.

Without faith I'm not sure how people move on....

 

[Planogirl]

Some people believe it's the power of positive thinking.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

Without faith I'm not sure how people move on....

It's not even remotely difficult.

 

[kendodd]

Prayer is the foundation in my life. It has guided me through the darkest of times. I also pray to give thanks.

Without faith I'm not sure how people move on....

Have you ever prayed for a big lottery win?

 

[kendall]

Interesting question OP - I'm sure you will receive several responses

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

Have you ever prayed for a big lottery win?

no.....IMO that should not be the intent of prayer

 

[AuntieM03]

Since I believe God is real, I do believe in prayer. I don't think you always get the answer you want, but I believe the prayers are heard. I don't pray to win the lottery, I mostly pray for strength and guidance and to be a better person. Hopefully those prayers come true I also pray to give thanks, just for making it through another day and for every gift I have received.

 

[Erin1700]

I struggled with this for so long and still do.
however, lately I have just been praying for help when I need it and it has come. Maybe not in the way I was thinking, sometimes better, sometimes just different.

If there is something you are praying for, PM me and let me know. I will pray for you as others on here have for me!

 

[kendodd]

If there is something you are praying for, PM me and let me know. I will pray for you as others on here have for me!

That's one of the things I want to know, does God take more notice if you pray in a group? Could I persuade enough people here to pray for a big lottery win for me?

 

[dajula]

For myself, prayer is not just about asking God for something, or thanking God for something. Some of the time it is just a conversation with God. Who better to listen and be non-judgemental about a given situation. When I ask for prayers from others, I do not think God grants prayers because of the number of people praying. It is an inner comfort to know that someone else knows my needs, and takes time out of their lives to include my situation when they themselves are praying. A communication back-up with God.
A positive force of faith and love. Without God, prayer, and faith, I would have nothing to lead my family from day to day.

 

[Buckalew11]

I believe in the power of prayer. In fact, I believe that prayer is so powerful that we haven't even touched on the power it has!

I believe God answers prayers but not always with a "yes" answer.

I do not believe in praying for new cars, winning the lottery etc. However, I do believe that if you have a NEED for a car in your life, you can certainly share that need and desire with God through prayer. Do I think you'll wake up with a new car in your driveway? Nope. But, you may be led to the car that you need. God isn't a genie who grants wishes.

I believe that prayer is conversation with God.

I believe that prayer is not used to change the mind of God but to help you deal with what is happening in your life instead. Like people have stated here, asking for help, strength, giving thanks, asking for peace, understanding. etc.

All just MHO.

 

[Buckalew11]

That's one of the things I want to know, does God take more notice if you pray in a group? Could I persuade enough people here to pray for a big lottery win for me?

Could you persuade? Maybe. For a big lottery win. Doubtful. Would God answer a request for a "big lottery win"? Doubtful...but my DH's cousin just won a million dollar lottery , I could ask if he prayed about it.

 

[Fitswimmer]

I believe in the power of prayer. In fact, I believe that prayer is so powerful that we haven't even touched on the power it has!

I believe God answers prayers but not always with a "yes" answer.

I do not believe in praying for new cars, winning the lottery etc. However, I do believe that if you have a NEED for a car in your life, you can certainly share that need and desire with God through prayer. Do I think you'll wake up with a new car in your driveway? Nope. But, you may be led to the car that you need. God isn't a genie who grants wishes.

I believe that prayer is conversation with God.

I believe that prayer is not used to change the mind of God but to help you deal with what is happening in your life instead. Like people have stated here, asking for help, strength, giving thanks, asking for peace, understanding. etc.

All just MHO.

That's my take on it as well. I'm not asking God to change the circumstances, I'm asking God to help change ME so I can handle the circumstances.

Our Pastor used to say "God is not a vending machine-you don't put in the right amount of money and get a Milky Way".

 

[dcentity2000]

I don't really ask for things when I pray..For me it's more a way of giving thanks and feeling closer to the divine

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Certainly, there is some evidence that prayer has a medicinal impact, but whether this is because of divine intervention or simple placebo is anyone's guess.



Rich::