does prayer work?

onthereal

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Praying - communication with God and spirit. Actively speaking to God and asking for His will and power to intervene in your life....effectively releasing the free will you've been given and limited power you have to do things your way...and asking Him to get involved and do it His way. He is a God of wonders.

Hoping - having a feeling or emotion of hope for a desired outcome. Looking toward the future that has not yet manifested. You do not need to speak to hope, you do not need to pray to hope.

Wishing for the best outcome - this is an idea that is thrown in to no particular direction or to God. A wish is just an intense desire or idea with no faith behind it, it's less effective and active than hope or prayer.

Yes, prayer works. I have seen miracles. I pray as much and for as many people as I can. When things are good and when things are bad. Prayer is the most powerful tool we have as human beings.

Soooo someone who wants to do things on their own, has a list of goals, and the passion to get there - this is an entrepreneur, not a person of faith. :francis:

Also, you're telling me that hoping and wishing for a pay raise will not work, but if I ask God he will work his magic and I'll make more money on my next check. How is this not ludicrous to you?

You've done nothing to actually prove that prayer is works. No examples or anything. Saying "I've seen miracles" is like me saying "I've seen a pink dragon in my office". You can't just spew things out without evidence.
 

TL15

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It means that God and His Way is righteous and that God will always take care of those who appeal to Him. If you take one step towards Him, He'll take two towards you.

God is the omnipotent and the omnificent. However, because He loves us, He gives us free will, meaning that He allows each person to make decisions in their lives (for better of for worse) and deal with the consequences of those decisions. However, if we look towards Him, he will guide us and will care for us.

Having God in our lives does not mean that we do not suffer pain, heartbreak, tragedy and death. Save death (though man can cause that also), those are things caused by others in our lives (who may not have accepted God in their lives). However, having God in our lives means that we will overcome and persevere despite the bumps in the road. Having God in our lives means that we have a reason to live each and every day. Having God in our lives means that, no matter how depressed, hurt, or vulnerable we may be, He finds a way for us to receive blessings.

God is good all the time because even when individuals/circumstances in our lives become negative or seem perpetual, He permits us to have the silver lining. He permits us to heal. He permits us to rise and persevere.

Count your blessings and you'll start losing count.

I guess this is a good explanation (and I appreciate it). I guess the logical part of me has always leaned on this statement from Epicurus:

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Not saying that I believe that is the only way to think, but I wonder if God created everything (including logic) then there are questions that should be raised in order to really dive into the existence of a higher being. I don't criticize ANYONE for their beliefs (though I may not agree) but I think when we make blanket statements sometimes they seem weird. If God is Good all the time, why would he allow for miscarriages.

I know a TERRIBLE story of someone I went to elementary school with. Devout Christian woman died while giving birth. What was meant to be the happiest time of her and her husband's life turned into the worst part of his life. How can this be considered good "all the time" if part of his plan was to have her die while giving birth? That doesn't seem very "good" and it wasn't a choice she made due to free will. It was pure happenstance (just like many other things that happen). She didn't die because of malicious intent (she was actually a very good person and a Christian...probably one of the nicest people I knew) yet she died in a horrific way.
 

PeridotPuss

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Soooo someone who wants to do things on their own, has a list of goals, and the passion to get there - this is an entrepreneur, not a person of faith. :francis:

Also, you're telling me that hoping and wishing for a pay raise will not work, but if I ask God he will work his magic and I'll make more money on my next check. How is this not ludicrous to you?

You've done nothing to actually prove that prayer is works. No examples or anything. Saying "I've seen miracles" is like me saying "I've seen a pink dragon in my office". You can't just spew things out without evidence.

You need to read my post more closely. I don't argue about religion, breh. God is more than capable of defending Himself. :francis:

If you don't believe....then don't :yeshrug: I'd love to tell you of all the prayers I've had answered. But that would require a whole separate thread. I actually keep a list and each time I review it .....more things be checked off as answered. I be like look at God!! :russ:

If you want to do shyt on your own and in your own way, feel free. I realize I can do nothing and literally am barely shyt without God's help:stopitslime: if you don't see the wisdom in taking every concern, good day and bad day to the greatest source of love that exists and the Creator of all things and all things you use to percieve all things then:deadmanny: keep doing it alone and the hard way breh
 

onthereal

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You need to read my post more closely. I don't argue about religion, breh. God is more than capable of defending Himself. :francis:

If you don't believe....then don't :yeshrug: I'd love to tell you of all the prayers I've had answered. But that would require a whole separate thread. I actually keep a list and each time I review it .....more things be checked off as answered. I be like look at God!! :russ:

If you want to do shyt on your own and in your own way, feel free. I realize I can do nothing and literally am barely shyt without God's help:stopitslime: if you don't see the wisdom in taking every concern, good day and bad day to the greatest source of love that exists and the Creator of all things and all things you use to percieve all things then:deadmanny: keep doing it alone and the hard way breh

nikka do you realize that if God doesn't exist, which you nor anyone has yet to prove if he/she/it does, YOU ARE ALSO ALONE. :dead: And you have been for your entire existence.

There are studies that show people who follow this nonsense have a lower IQ then those that do not. And it is irrefutable. You said you have had prayers that have been answered, but you won't list them. Why would anyone ever take you seriously? Anyone who believes in fairly tales or supernatural beings cannot be taken seriously. You telling me you can't get through a single day on your own? You need your hand held because you're not man enough to go through the trials and tribulations of life? You sir, are sad, pathetic, and I genuinely feel sorry for people like you.

Believe in fictional characters to make you feel better about yourself brehs
 

PeridotPuss

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I guess I don't get the answer to my question. Here's a different and more clear scenario

"3 year old child gets cancer, incredibly painful, incredibly debilitating, incredibly awful, dies a very painful death."

What does this have to do with free will? Where is the "God is good all the time" in this scenario? We could all agree that this is "bad" and "heartbreaking" I would imagine that only sick people would say "God is good" in this situation, they would say "it was part of God's plan" or they would spin it and say "well the baby got cancer and God is good because he put the baby out of it's misery" but why was the misery caused in the first place?

Many people take issue with faith in God when confronted with instances of "innocents who suffer"

My thinking is this. ....1. God Himself came to earth as a complete innocent and SUFFERED. They did Jesus who was literally the only perfect person ever. ...so dirty. 2. God Himself said "my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways" 3. Humans are very arrogant and we will scoff at out own very Creator if he doesn't run the world HE created and managed to our tastes.

In the book of Job.... (another innocent you suffered....see the theme) they asked God why he would do job this way! Who the hell did he think he was? God answered.

Tell me what sun you caused to rise and caused to set? Basically. ....who do yall think yall are to tell God how to do and be GOD? such ignorance (Imma go to bible gateway and post the actual text)

People don't work to understand God as a being. ...with feelings and plans. Instead, He is falsely seen as some faceless figure or genie that must please all people at all times....and if he doesn't he's failed and further.....doesn't even exist. Let that sink in. We know how much God loves us .....it's embarrassing how little so many of us lover him back.
 

PeridotPuss

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@TL15

The Lord Challenges Job

38 Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:

2 “Who is this that questions my wisdom
with such ignorant words?
3 Brace yourself like a man,
because I have some questions for you,
and you must answer them.

4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell me, if you know so much.
5 Who determined its dimensions
and stretched out the surveying line?
6 What supports its foundations,
and who laid its cornerstone
7 as the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?

8 “Who kept the sea inside its boundaries
as it burst from the womb,
9 and as I clothed it with clouds
and wrapped it in thick darkness?
10 For I locked it behind barred gates,
limiting its shores.
11 I said, ‘This far and no farther will you come.
Here your proud waves must stop!’

12 “Have you ever commanded the morning to appear
and caused the dawn to rise in the east?
13 Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth,
to bring an end to the night’s wickedness?
14 As the light approaches,
the earth takes shape like clay pressed beneath a seal;
it is robed in brilliant colors.
15 The light disturbs the wicked
and stops the arm that is raised in violence.

16 “Have you explored the springs from which the seas come?
Have you explored their depths?
17 Do you know where the gates of death are located?
Have you seen the gates of utter gloom?
18 Do you realize the extent of the earth?
Tell me about it if you know!

19 “Where does light come from,
and where does darkness go?
20 Can you take each to its home?
Do you know how to get there?
21 But of course you know all this!
For you were born before it was all created,
and you are so very experienced!

22 “Have you visited the storehouses of the snow
or seen the storehouses of hail?
23 (I have reserved them as weapons for the time of trouble,
for the day of battle and war.)
24 Where is the path to the source of light?
Where is the home of the east wind?

25 “Who created a channel for the torrents of rain?
Who laid out the path for the lightning?
26 Who makes the rain fall on barren land,
in a desert where no one lives?
27 Who sends rain to satisfy the parched ground
and make the tender grass spring up?

28 “Does the rain have a father?
Who gives birth to the dew?
29 Who is the mother of the ice?
Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens?
30 For the water turns to ice as hard as rock,
and the surface of the water freezes.

31 “Can you direct the movement of the stars—
binding the cluster of the Pleiades
or loosening the cords of Orion?
32 Can you direct the constellations through the seasons
or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens?
33 Do you know the laws of the universe?
Can you use them to regulate the earth?

34 “Can you shout to the clouds
and make it rain?
35 Can you make lightning appear
and cause it to strike as you direct?
36 Who gives intuition to the heart
and instinct to the mind?
37 Who is wise enough to count all the clouds?
Who can tilt the water jars of heaven
38 when the parched ground is dry
and the soil has hardened into clods?

39 “Can you stalk prey for a lioness
and satisfy the young lions’ appetites
40 as they lie in their dens
or crouch in the thicket?
41 Who provides food for the ravens
when their young cry out to God
and wander about in hunger?

Footnotes:
  1. 38:7 Hebrew the sons of God.
  2. 38:14 Or its features stand out like folds in a robe.
 
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PeridotPuss

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nikka do you realize that if God doesn't exist, which you nor anyone has yet to prove if he/she/it does, YOU ARE ALSO ALONE. :dead: And you have been for your entire existence.

There are studies that show people who follow this nonsense have a lower IQ then those that do not. And it is irrefutable. You said you have had prayers that have been answered, but you won't list them. Why would anyone ever take you seriously? Anyone who believes in fairly tales or supernatural beings cannot be taken seriously. You telling me you can't get through a single day on your own? You need your hand held because you're not man enough to go through the trials and tribulations of life? You sir, are sad, pathetic, and I genuinely feel sorry for people like you.

Believe in fictional characters to make you feel better about yourself brehs

I think you're trying to "prove" certain things to yourself. I'm comfortable with my beliefs.

What I'm not going to do is list all of God's wonder in my life so whatever demon in your head today can pick it apart and mock it in public.

Frankly....not worth it.

I don't know why you care what I believe and you can assume you're much smarter than me and far too smart to believe in God....if that's what gives you peace.

God does in fact exist and to counter your point it hasn't been "proven" that He doesn't either. So....do you.
 

the cac mamba

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I got into a car accident the monday after my birthday. It was totaled. But I got out walking injury free & not a single scratch on me. Someone was praying for me.
what about the 200 other people who died that day? god said fukk em?

not tryna be a dikk, i just dont follow the thought process :skip:cuz ive walked outta a totaled car too, and no one was praying for my ass :heh:
 

TL15

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Many people take issue with faith in God when confronted with instances of "innocents who suffer"

My thinking is this. ....1. God Himself came to earth as a complete innocent and SUFFERED. They did Jesus who was literally the only perfect person ever. ...so dirty. 2. God Himself said "my thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways" 3. Humans are very arrogant and we will scoff at out own very Creator if he doesn't run the world HE created and managed to our tastes.

In the book of Job.... (another innocent you suffered....see the theme) they asked God why he would do job this way! Who the hell did he think he was? God answered.

Tell me what sun you caused to rise and caused to set? Basically. ....who do yall think yall are to tell God how to do and be GOD? such ignorance (Imma go to bible gateway and post the actual text)

People don't work to understand God as a being. ...with feelings and plans. Instead, He is falsely seen as some faceless figure or genie that must please all people at all times....and if he doesn't he's failed and further.....doesn't even exist. Let that sink in. We know how much God loves us .....it's embarrassing how little so many of us lover him back.

This is the most comprehensive answer I've received. Thank you.

I guess to me it still leaves the Epicurus question (If God is willing to prevent evil but not able then he is not omnipotent, able but not willing then he is malevolent, both able AND willing then where does evil come from, neither willing nor able then why call him God). Basically if God is good and all powerful, then why terrible things (innocent suffering specifically).

BUT I can understand how a believer would be able to follow the idea that "God owes me no apology or explanation" so that makes sense as well. Thank you for answering me in a non-combative way lol and not assuming that I was trying to bash anyone's faith!
 

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Prayer is talking to that unknowable being/energy/consciousness, whatever you want to call it... God.

It's better to be done with true selflessness & faith... & that unknowable being/energy/consciousness ALWAYS hears them & ALWAYS answers them.

But ask yourself, not WHAT are you praying for... but WHY...

If what you're praying for stems from a place that only helps SELF then no, it will not be given... if what you pray for is to help self help others then it is ALWAYS given.

For example... at one point in my life I was short $4,000 for me & my roommate at the time & we were about to get evicted. I wouldn't have cared to be homeless because I accept all that comes with my life but I understood my roommate did not have the same relationship I have with God & so I prayed for help, because it would've broken them & the very next week through what some would call crazy coincidences I came up on $4,000 EXACTLY, the day that we would've been homeless ended up being the day we moved into a brand new & much nicer apartment. All within the same week.

I speak to God no different than speaking to a Parent... as if in the same room... that is the level of relationship it desires to have with every one of its children.
This.
 

PeridotPuss

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This is the most comprehensive answer I've received. Thank you.

I guess to me it still leaves the Epicurus question Basically if God is good and all powerful, then why terrible things (innocent suffering specifically).

BUT I can understand how a believer would be able to follow the idea that "God owes me no apology or explanation" so that makes sense as well. Thank you for answering me in a non-combative way lol and not assuming that I was trying to bash anyone's faith!

(If God is willing to prevent evil but not able then he is not omnipotent, able but not willing then he is malevolent, both able AND willing then where does evil come from, neither willing nor able then why call him God).

The bold is correct. He is both willing and able, and as humans made in his likeness....so are we.

God created evil as He created all things.

Why? One reason is becuase without evil how could you chose good? Love is a choice. He didn't want mindless robots worshiping him. He welcomes our questions. He is ready and able to handle our rebellion.

Adam and Eve had to choose to eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil (see...two things that already existed, before humans were there to act and engage with the concepts). Once you have the knowledge. ...then you can make a choice. He wants us to choose to love Him.

Further, oftentimes we want God to intervene and make well situations that as a human race we could choose to fix. He created a planet with more than enough food. ....though people starve every day. Well, why doesn't God stop that? Better question, before we condemn God for inaction....why don't we?

Evil like darkness like pain like death like fear. ...serve purposes, bring balance to the universe and work together with good, with joy, with love to create a full experience of existence and many a mystery to unravel. Eternity is a mighty long time....I don't need all of my questions answered..... today..... to love God.:yeshrug:
 
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