Per my normal routine, I wrapped up this evening by scanning through my blog list for updated entries...I recently added a blog from a person that I've never met. In fact, I have no clue where in this world she may be located but found her on some link of a link and liked that she had my same camera (Canon 40D) and was extremely descriptive in her lessons on how to use it. At any rate, this evening she had a very thought-provoking question...what is the point of prayer? She didn't exactly phrase it that way and I didn't exactly read the whole entry...skim-reading has really been my downfall since having children...but it was still an entry that has kept me from falling asleep with both kids and husband in bed.
I definitely understand the importance of a strong prayer life...it's important to talk to our Father, to praise Him, thank Him for all our blessings, and to ask for forgiveness for our many sins...but why do we ask for things in prayer? I do it all the time...in fact a majority of my prayer time is probably spent in asking for things...to keep my family safe and healthy, etc...but suddenly the thought crossed my mind that has honestly never passed before...why? If God is all-knowing, if He is the beginning and the end, and He knows all the in between (and He does)...why do I ask that He keep my family safe from intruders in our home? Doesn't He already know if there are going to be intruders at some point in my home? God does not answer all prayers, and for good reason, but what's the point for us to pray for specific things if He already knows? And another interesting question...does the number of people praying for something/someone increase the likelihood of an answered prayer? If I'm the only person praying for something, does that mean it's less likely than if a million people were praying for the same thing? I have personally experienced the peace that has come from multiple people's prayers on something, but did that help with the outcome in the end?
Is it horrible to be asking these questions? Should I be praying for something or just praying that God will change my heart to line up with His will?
I know that God wants me to pray for things, so I'm not questioning whether we should do it...just likely overthinking. Is this one of the questions that we shouldn't ask?
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18).
I know that the need for prayer is very strong and that it is such an important part of a Christ-centered life...this was just a question posed that I had never thought of before. I am interested to hear feedback as to your perspective too.
Kristi,
ReplyDeleteI dont think it is ever wrong to have questions and I think in having questions we find answers. (Check out Todd Agnew, great Christian artist that has questions and has good music!) The points you make are good ones. I am going to try to answer in the order of your questions. ;)
The point of prayer is the relationship of prayer. But I think we put a ritual around prayer that is not needed. Prayer does not require you to bow your head, it does not require you to close your eyes, prayer is talking to your Father. I do it a lot when I drive down the road, usually listening to some thought provoking song, and sometimes it includes tears. Since you are married I can use this relationship example to prayer. If your spouse never talked to you, never listened to you, your relationship would fall apart. Why? Because there is no communication there.
In knowing God already knows what is going to happen, we have to pray in that same fashion and not look at it as I am coming for you to grant my request. We can request things, I am not saying that you should not, but you have to remember there is a plan! Here is something that I dont know if it is true or scripture based but my thoughts. Why should we pray? Because God knew we were going to pray for something and set that in the plans. It is like people who say God already knows who is going to heaven so why should I minister to people. The reason is, God knows that you were going to minister to people in the plan and the people you would share Christ with. It is weird, we have free will to do as we please, but our free will is already known. God knows what we are going to do. Really it sounds crazy!
As far as numbers go, I dont think it matters to God if it is one or one million. That would be like having to sign a petition to get God to do something. We go back to his will being done.
I know a family that I love dearly. The mother who has two kids got breast cancer. The church prayer and prayer and she beat it. Well a couple years later they found cancer in other parts of the body. Then it spread to the spine and brain. The church continues to pray but it comes back to Gods plan.
So here is my final answer to all your questions:....... I dont know. I would love to give you more then that but to tell you the truth I cant! Even the stuff above could be wrong. One day when we are in Heaven lets ask the Father and see what he has to say. ;)
Thanks Chris for taking the time to write out your awesome response...I wonder if this ties back to our not understanding that God is "above" time...he sees the beginning and the end at the same time, so maybe we weren't meant to *understand* in perfect words?
ReplyDeleteKristi, I also don't really know the answer and probably NOT suppose to......just do it! I am learning that prayers are what God wants us to do daily and often so that HE knows we have faith and are always reaching out to HIM and listening! God Bless us All, Cheryl
ReplyDeleteI loved Chris's response. Thank you, Kristi, for posting this thought provoking question. I have exactly the same questions, and I don't think God minds at all that we have questions, as long as we keep going to him with our needs and concerns and joys.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chris that prayer is simply communication. God already knows our needs, but he still wants us to come to him with them. You'll see this with your children as they grow. You'll know very well what they did and what they need, but you have to let them come to their own conclusions that they need your help.
I firmly believe God has a plan for each person's life, and sometimes He chooses not to answer a prayer, or at least not in the way that we want. Knowing that He has a plan makes it hard for me to ask him for specific things. I find myself praying more this way: "Lord, help me learn the lesson you have for me in this. God, please show me how I can help this person. God, please help me to trust you with my father's health and well being."
That said, I do believe God answers specific prayers. Look at how specifically Jesus prayed while he was on the earth! I also believe there is power in numbers, though God also hears our individual voices. He says where two or three are gathered in his name, he'll be in their midst. I think praying as a group is powerful. It brings unity and peace and strength. But God still might choose not to answer our requests no matter how many of us pray together for the same thing. His plan is larger.
For me, I think the most important result of prayer is that it frees me from anxiety. Memorizing Philippians 4:4-9 (Do not be anxious about anything, but pray about everything...) has really helped me grow in this area. When I'm praying, I can't worry, and I'm channeling all that otherwise wasted energy into something positive.
Keep asking these kinds of questions. I agree with Chris that asking questions leads to finding answers.
Thanks for your wonderful feedback too Sarah...earlier this morning I thought of Jesus and how He is to be the Great Example...even when he knew his time on this Earth was to end, he asked for the cup to be passed if there was any other way...so he asked for things as well...now we all know that prayer was not answered but I find it interesting that he asked.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is interesting, Kristi!
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