How powerful is a PRAYER?

[orljustin]

See, the "responsible for it all" thing proves to me that God exists. Just look at our bodies, all the systems that work together in harmony. Could evolution have put together even just our sinuses? I just don't buy it. But we have a muscular system and a skeletal system, plus circulatory and digestive systems, not to mention the reproductive system and the immune system. To me, it takes more faith to believe that this all "just happened" to fall together than it takes to believe that God designed us.Well, now, I agree with you there. You don't just pray, "Lord, help me feed my children today." You go out on some job interviews and do your dead level best to find a good job, and while doing so you pray, "Lord, direct me to the place that'll help me best feed my children."

There's an infinite number of ways that life could have evolved/appeared. To think that the one you enjoy in a certain lifeform happened just that way, because someone designed it that way seems odd to me. A being with a different sort of energy system, or four legs, or hard shelled skin would think they were just as perfectly designed as you because that is all they know.

 

[snowwite]

I do, however, think it's utterly irresponsible to not teach children of the alternatives. Bring kids up in a religious environment, sure - but have them be AWARE that there are other religions out there; that intelligent design/creationism is a theory believed only by some people and that evolution and the unknown are equally good (and I for one believe, better) theories.

My kids know there are other religions out there but I have no plans to teach them about belief systems that I dont agree with. For example, my friends brother is an atheist. When his dad died he could find no comfort because he believes you die,they bury you and that's it. The END. I think that is really sad. I believe in God, Heaven and Jesus Christ. I feel bad for people who dont have this in thier life.

 

[Kath2003]

My kids know there are other religions out there but I have no plans to teach them about belief systems that I dont agree with. For example, my friends brother is an atheist. When his dad died he could find no comfort because he believes you die,they bury you and that's it. The END. I think that is really sad. I believe in God, Heaven and Jesus Christ. I feel bad for people who dont have this in thier life.

I've had family members and friends die and yes, I believe that's it. I didn't find it sad. I celebrated the people who had died and was thankful that they were in my life. I realise that death is a certainty and that I should enjoy the time I have with people. I don't need eternal life in order to grieve.

I'm not suggesting you teach them a belief system you don't agree with. I'm suggesting that maybe, particularly when children are older, you explain things in terms of "I believe X..." rather than "X is fact".

 

[Fly me with Balloons]

God has a plan -- a plan to which we're not privy. Uncle Bob has to go sometime. If God has determined that lung cancer is to be the end for him, then all the prayer in the world won't stop that disease from taking him -- the answer to that prayer would be no. Something's going to take each of us someday, and for a Christian, that's not a sad thing -- if lung cancer is what takes Uncle Bob to heaven, then it's not entirely sad.

That doesn't mean that it's wrong to pray for healing for Uncle Bob, or that it's wrong to pray for a lessening of pain for him, for financial help for his wife, or a sense of peace for his children.

So, you've given up on the whole, silly free-will thing?

 

[freckles and boo]

I do, however, think it's utterly irresponsible to not teach children of the alternatives. Bring kids up in a religious environment, sure - but have them be AWARE that there are other religions out there; that intelligent design/creationism is a theory believed only by some people and that evolution and the unknown are equally good (and I for one believe, better) theories.

Unless one believes that his/her children are going to remain in an insular cocoon with like-minded people their entire lives, this is critical. It is a shame that some people first encounter religious and ethic differences at college or in the work environment. At that point it is tough to let go of prejudices and realize that the world is a big place with lots of people and lots of different ideas. It is better to prepare them for it so they can begin to understand how they fit into the bigger picture.

 

[orljustin]

My kids know there are other religions out there but I have no plans to teach them about belief systems that I dont agree with. For example, my friends brother is an atheist. When his dad died he could find no comfort because he believes you die,they bury you and that's it. The END. I think that is really sad. I believe in God, Heaven and Jesus Christ. I feel bad for people who dont have this in thier life.

What's wrong with dying, burying and that's it? What kind of "comfort" do you think he needed? You feel "comfort" in that situation, because you think they go on to some eternal beach somewhere, but you really know nothing of the sort, except what you've been told. All you can do is derive your comfort from celebrating the person that you knew, and the times you shared.

You don't need to feel bad for people who "don't have this in their life". In fact, they probably feel bad for you.

 

[phillybeth]

You don't need to feel bad for people who "don't have this in their life". In fact, they probably feel bad for you.

No, I don't feel bad for people who believe in a god- actually I envy them a bit, the way I envy people with perfect pitch. They have something I lack- blind faith. I don't have it and never did, despite 16 years of religious education.

I can't force myself to believe any more than I can force myself to sing in tune. I've tried, but it ain't happening.

The only people I feel sorry for are the ones who are so caught up in their own righteousness they lose sight of the big picture.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

No, I don't feel bad for people who believe in a god- actually I envy them a bit, the way I envy people with perfect pitch. They have something I lack- blind faith. I don't have it and never did, despite 16 years of religious education.

I can't force myself to believe any more than I can force myself to sing in tune. I've tried, but it ain't happening.

The only people I feel sorry for are the ones who are so caught up in their own righteousness they lose sight of the big picture.

I agree. Neither side wants to be pitied; just respected.

 

[Buckalew11]

For me, the power of prayer isn't that prayer is even answered (yes, no, wait).

The power, for me, is what prayer really is...communication with God Almighty. Now you may think I'm sitting there talking to myself and "yippee for you, talking to yourself, LOL" but I disagree with that. How can you know I'm not just talking to myself? I guess you can't. But if you are a believer and you come into the presence of God and you "get" to have a relationship with Him through prayer, I can promise you that there is nothing on this earth like it. There is no ritual you must go through, no priest, none of the OT stuff with the high priest and the Holy of Holies. Jesus Christ became every believer's high priest and we have the ability to go through Him directly to God Almighty.
So, for me, prayer is powerful, not because of answered prayer even--but because I am actually speaking to God, creator of all.
And of course, this is just my POV.

 

[JennyMominRI]

. There is no ritual you must go through, no priest, none of the OT stuff with the high priest and the Holy of Holies. Jesus Christ became every believer's high priest and we have the ability to go through Him directly to God Almighty.
.

Just for the record in the OT days one could go directly to G-d too...G-d has always been immmediately availble to everyone in fact that is eactly what Shabbat is,welcoming G-d into your home in a special and intimate way.

 

[orljustin]

So, for me, prayer is powerful, not because of answered prayer even--but because I am actually speaking to God, creator of all.

If god is alknowing, then he's listening to your thoughts all the time. Or does he only pick up when you start out "Are you there god? It's me..." ? Why set aside something called "prayer", when you are as open as a book.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

If god is alknowing, then he's listening to your thoughts all the time. Or does he only pick up when you start out "Are you there god? It's me..." ? Why set aside something called "prayer", when you are as open as a book.

Because it makes me feel connected to Him. Obviously I know that He is aware of all my thoughts. I may begin a prayer, "So, you know what's been on my mind....." Prayer is personal and I don't think there is a right or wrong way to do it, although I know some religions will teach certain ways.

 

[JoyG]

If god is alknowing, then he's listening to your thoughts all the time. Or does he only pick up when you start out "Are you there god? It's me..." ? Why set aside something called "prayer", when you are as open as a book.

You can eavesdrop on my conversations with other people all day, but a relationship with you wouldn't really develop until I turned and talked directly to you would it? Listening to someone talk to others isn't the same as talking directly to that person.

 

[budbeerlady]

I believe that prayer can move mountians in our lives. However I also believe that God points us in directions to help us, we need action along with prayers.
My father had a very rare cancer, we didnt wait for a sudden healing. God is fully capable of that but he wants us to seek him and others. We all prayed, even strangers were praying for good decisions and outcomes. We met with several doctors, consulted every person I could talk to. (If I had my way he would have been in the car and off to Mayo clinic, but he preferred treatment near home and my MOm) And we were led to a surgical oncologist who had just moved to our city. This doctor had preformed 2 surgeries on this type of cancer. (mucinous adenocarcarcinoma in appendix, less than 100 cases a year) He met with our family and did the surgery the next week. I came to find out they hadnt had much sucess with this at Mayo.

I believe God moved that doctor here, he had moved from Hawaii (to MI of all places) a couple of months earlier.

 

[orljustin]

What about the people who need him where he was? So, you believe god moved him away from them, so they wouldn't find the treatment?

 

[KAHNNA]

Both prayer and having faith in God are both very powerful for me. I know that God is listening, and I know he sees everything even before it happens.

 

[JennyMominRI]

What about the people who need him where he was? So, you believe god moved him away from them, so they wouldn't find the treatment?

The way I see it also..If G-d is behind things like this then we really don't have free will..That doctor is merely G-ds puppet, and by extension,so are we.

 

[Buckalew11]

If god is alknowing, then he's listening to your thoughts all the time. Or does he only pick up when you start out "Are you there god? It's me..." ? Why set aside something called "prayer", when you are as open as a book.

Oh, I believe God knows my thoughts and your thoughts (everyone's thoughts). But I believe it is Biblical to bring those thoughts and prayers before Him. I think it is probably important for a believer to pray because you are acknowledging Him as God. It is something addressed in scripture.

 

[cardaway]

nevermind

 

[Aidensmom]

Prayer has been very powerful in my life. It doesn't matter to me if anyone else believes in it or thinks I am a fool, I have all the proof I need.

To me prayer is a conversation with God, and isn't some type of wish list. In my life, it has been powerful. Just as discussing an issue with your spouse can help you to make an important decision, having a conversation with God does the same thing. However, God is never too busy mowing the lawn or watching TV or running errands to listen to you whenever you need Him.

Is prayer more powerful when more than one person is praying for the same thing. Well, yes, in that more people are holding conversations and so are affected. Does it cause power in gaining a specific outcome? No, I don't believe it does as God is not a genie granting wishes.