Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Lady Brave;349653]My mother did read it right. I was there. You've all but called me a liar. So thanks for that. Funny thing is there is a story in the bible about God providing oil for a widow and her son when there was none left. If He did it for her, there's no reason why He wouldn't do it for us.[/quote]

Well here's the thing, you don't know how the oil got there. You didn't put it there, you didn't call a company before your mom did, your mom didn't put it there. You just know that the oil was there when the oil guy came to fill it up. You're filling in the rest with your beliefs.

Which is fine, it was probably a real tough time for you and faith got you guys through it.

That said, with the absence of proof that it was God, all you have is a POSSIBILITY. There's no proof. There are far more likely possibilities that could explain it.

But if God is the explanation you settled on, and it gave you comfort in a tough time, then your faith served you well.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=saden1;349658]I don't think anyone is calling you a liar per say, just that people are skeptical. Also you're assuming that the story in the bible is true and if you do assume it is true then you have to assume every story in the bible is true (a very frighting proposition).[/quote]
It's not a frightening proposition at all. I've seen God work in people's lives more times than I can count. I believe in God's word and I believe He's in control of my life. I've been healed of a disease myself. Be skeptical if you like. It won't change my opinion, because I've lived it.

I had hoped this thread would be one of encouragement, but I don't think that's possible. Ultimately, it has to turn into the typical "does God exist debate."

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=Lady Brave;349679]It's not a frightening proposition at all. I've seen God work in people's lives more times than I can count. I believe in God's word and I believe He's in control of my life. I've been healed of a disease myself. Be skeptical if you like. It won't change my opinion, because I've lived it.

I had hoped this thread would be one of encouragement, but I don't think that's possible. Ultimately, it has to turn into the typical "does God exist debate."[/quote]

Clearly when you're talking about prayer you're talking about god. You make it clear where you stand and I made it clear where I stand. Don't get mad at me for my beliefs.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Let me take a stab at this...

First I will qualify/disqualify myself. I work for a ministry at a pretty large church in Texas. We are non-denominational, meaning our focus has nothing to do with any groups' leanings. Our goal as a ministry is for each person to experience God and that relationship in a personal way, and to be able to fully enjoy that relationship.

If we take the definition of prayer as communication with a deity, then the answer depends on the deity. Communication is 2 way, so prayer isn't reciting memorized scripture or speaking shakespearean english into your hands, it's talking to that deity and that deity responding. If the deity you are communicating with exists, and chooses to have communication with you and relationship with you, then yes, prayer works.

Prayer isn't, however, begging said diety to do what you ask. That's not communication, that's manipulation. For instance, everytime my kids ask for candy or money, I don't give it to them. I am looking out for their best interest, and candy for dinner and money for things they don't need isn't always in their best interest. Does that mean that parenting doesn't work because I didn't answer their 'prayers' to me? I did answer, but like stated in previous posts, my answer was no.

I think that we've developed a culture that thinks that prayer is just asking God for stuff. I will admit here, that as a Christian of over 25 years, I rarely at this point in my life ask God for 'things' in my prayers. I usually pray for the safety and protection of others, and I ask for wisdom and grace in my day to day endevours.

So if I am communicating back and forth with a deity that exists and wants a relationship with us, then yes, prayer works wheather we are getting the answers we want or not.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;348726]Does prayer work?[/QUOTE]

I guess the question to ask you is, 'what are you praying for?'

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=saden1;349685]Clearly when you're talking about prayer you're talking about god. You make it clear where you stand and I made it clear where I stand. Don't get mad at me for my beliefs.[/quote]
Where do you get that I am mad at you? My statement was very "matter of fact". That's all. If my tone in my responses is one of anger, I will use the appropriate punctuation to indicate so. Otherwise, I'm just discussing the topic like every one else.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Lady Brave;349653]My mother did read it right. I was there. You've all but called me a liar. So thanks for that. Funny thing is there is a story in the bible about God providing oil for a widow and her son when there was none left. If He did it for her, there's no reason why He wouldn't do it for us.[/QUOTE]

Well, you are basically saying the oil magically appeared out of the blue. We already know that is impossible, even the bible says he doesn't do things like that, so unless you can provide me with another possible reason other than it was a misread (or a bad meter...which my mother has on her oil tank) I find no reason to rescind my comment. God will only work with "your hands", He is not a magician. I'm not calling you a liar, you believe it was prayer, prayer has never worked like that before though. (other than in biblical times)

Yes, there is reason he wouldn't do that. He said he wouldn't in the bible. He also said he won't talk to us directly anymore, or let himself be seen, and He hasn't.

ps- what parable are you talking about in terms of a woman needing oil?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Lady Brave;349679]It's not a frightening proposition at all. I've seen God work in people's lives more times than I can count. I believe in God's word and I believe He's in control of my life. I've been healed of a disease myself. Be skeptical if you like. It won't change my opinion, because I've lived it.

I had hoped this thread would be one of encouragement, but I don't think that's possible. Ultimately, it has to turn into the typical "does God exist debate."[/QUOTE]


I apologize that my comments seems to turn this into a does God exist debate. What it is, is a thread about someone that has lost his faith in prayer and is very discouraged. I am having a lot of trouble with prayer, and I have mentioned why.
So why would God (assuming you are correct with the oil) give your mom oil, but someone like myself, who goes to church every Sunday, follows his word, acts like He wants us to act, allows me to go through 17 years of abuse, child's death with no ability to have a child, and unemployment even though I am busting my ass to make this work?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=kingerock;349686]Let me take a stab at this...

First I will qualify/disqualify myself. I work for a ministry at a pretty large church in Texas. We are non-denominational, meaning our focus has nothing to do with any groups' leanings. Our goal as a ministry is for each person to experience God and that relationship in a personal way, and to be able to fully enjoy that relationship.

If we take the definition of prayer as communication with a deity, then the answer depends on the deity. Communication is 2 way, so prayer isn't reciting memorized scripture or speaking shakespearean english into your hands, it's talking to that deity and that deity responding. If the deity you are communicating with exists, and chooses to have communication with you and relationship with you, then yes, prayer works.

Prayer isn't, however, begging said diety to do what you ask. That's not communication, that's manipulation. For instance, everytime my kids ask for candy or money, I don't give it to them. I am looking out for their best interest, and candy for dinner and money for things they don't need isn't always in their best interest. Does that mean that parenting doesn't work because I didn't answer their 'prayers' to me? I did answer, but like stated in previous posts, my answer was no.

I think that we've developed a culture that thinks that prayer is just asking God for stuff. I will admit here, that as a Christian of over 25 years, I rarely at this point in my life ask God for 'things' in my prayers. I usually pray for the safety and protection of others, and I ask for wisdom and grace in my day to day endevours.

So if I am communicating back and forth with a deity that exists and wants a relationship with us, then yes, prayer works wheather we are getting the answers we want or not.[/QUOTE]

Slight problem with your comments...this comes from bible.com:
[i]Mark 11:24 (Whole Chapter)
"Therefore I say to you, [Matt 7:7] all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. [/i]

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;349726]Well, you are basically saying the oil magically appeared out of the blue. We already know that is impossible, even the bible says he doesn't do things like that, so unless you can provide me with another possible reason other than it was a misread (or a bad meter...which my mother has on her oil tank) I find no reason to rescind my comment. God will only work with "your hands", He is not a magician. I'm not calling you a liar, you believe it was prayer, prayer has never worked like that before though. (other than in biblical times)

Yes, there is reason he wouldn't do that. He said he wouldn't in the bible. He also said he won't talk to us directly anymore, or let himself be seen, and He hasn't.

ps- what parable are you talking about in terms of a woman needing oil?[/quote]
Where in the bible does it say God doesn't perform miracles like that? The bible is full of them. The feeding of the five thousand comes to mind. Also, I don't remember God ever saying He would stop performing miracles. As one who considers himself a christian, do you think Jesus was a magician?

Ok... to clarify how my mom knew the tank was almost empty, she took a very long wooden pole and stuck it in our underground tank. We didn't have a meter and this is how she measured how much oil she had. She had it down to a science on how long it would last. When she pulled it out there was only two inches showing at the bottom of the pole.

The Widow of Zarephath

Verse 8

[url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017%20;&version=50]BibleGateway.com - Passage Lookup: 1 Kings 17 ;[/url];

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;349729]I apologize that my comments seems to turn this into a does God exist debate. What it is, is a thread about someone that has lost his faith in prayer and is very discouraged. I am having a lot of trouble with prayer, and I have mentioned why.
So why would God (assuming you are correct with the oil) give your mom oil, but someone like myself, who goes to church every Sunday, follows his word, acts like He wants us to act, allows me to go through 17 years of abuse, child's death with no ability to have a child, and unemployment even though I am busting my ass to make this work?[/quote]
The only way I can answer that question is that God's timing is not our timing or maybe He has allowed you to go through those things so that you might be able to help others who are going through a similiar situation.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Lady Brave;349739]Where in the bible does it say God doesn't perform miracles like that? The bible is full of them. The feeding of the five thousand comes to mind. Also, I don't remember God ever saying He would stop performing miracles. As one who considers himself a christian, do you think Jesus was a magician?[/quote]

You're talking old testament. Why does God not talk to us (where we can actually audibly hear Him), why do we eat pig, why do we not sacrifice anymore? It's all old testament stuff that was erased by the new testament.
I never once said he would stop performing miracles, I said (basically) he doesn't go "poof" and create things. He uses our hands.
I apologize that I can not find the specific verses I am referring to. I know they are there somewhere, I will find them tomorrow if I remember.

[quote]Ok... to clarify how my mom knew the tank was almost empty, she took a very long wooden pole and stuck it in our underground tank. We didn't have a meter and this is how she measured how much oil she had. She had it down to a science on how long it would last. When she pulled it out there was only two inches showing at the bottom of the pole. [/quote]

So if that is true, why would he allow the oil to magically appear for you, but has allowed several Christian people to freeze to death when blizzards hit the northeast, and the Chicago area a few years back?
I'm sorry, but I don't see God performing "magic" like that.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;349732]Slight problem with your comments...this comes from bible.com:
[I]Mark 11:24 (Whole Chapter)
"Therefore I say to you, [Matt 7:7] all things for which you pray and ask, [B]believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you[/B]. [/I][/quote]

Isn't that what [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709"]The Secret by Rhonda Byrne[/URL] all about?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Lady Brave;349739]

The Widow of Zarephath

Verse 8

[url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Kings%2017%20;&version=50]BibleGateway.com - Passage*Lookup: 1 Kings 17 ;[/url];[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the link. Funny, I don't recall the oil part, just the part where Elijah prayed to save the boy's life.

Not to sound negative, but when was the last time you heard about someone being dead, then someone praying over them and that person coming back to life? It doesn't happen. Don't you ask youself why it hasn't happened? Or why God hasn't shared a cup of tea with you and your mother at the living room table?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=saden1;349747]Isn't that what [URL="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709"]The Secret by Rhonda Byrne[/URL] all about?[/QUOTE]

Actually yes, and there are many connections from the bible to "the secret".

Coincidentally, I have lost faith in "the secret" too. I stayed amazingly positive and it seemed worse and worse things kept happening to me. Felt a little like Job. (pronounced jobe, not job)

Re: Does prayer work?
 

LB, I do not mean to offend you. I am just very very frustrated. I keep hearing something like "He knows best", and trust Him, and while I certainly did, I have been led down a dead end. He had to have known I would have lost my faith in prayer had he ignored my prayers.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;349754]LB, I do not mean to offend you. I am just very very frustrated. I keep hearing something like "He knows best", and trust Him, and while I certainly did, I have been led down a dead end. He had to have known I would have lost my faith in prayer had he ignored my prayers.[/QUOTE]

I understand your frustration. But I guess I have to ask then why did you start this thread? If people give you examples of when they believe prayer worked for them, and your response is just "Well good for you, but it hasn't for me." Then what were you hoping to get out of this thread?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;349758]I understand your frustration. But I guess I have to ask then why did you start this thread? If people give you examples of when they believe prayer worked for them, and your response is just "Well good for you, but it hasn't for me." Then what were you hoping to get out of this thread?[/QUOTE]

Well, it's not people, it's LB that has provided an example, and knowing how God works, I am unsure if her recollection is correct.
But you are right. I should have not have questioned it. Fact is, I am seeking examples cause I need to know that prayer does indeed work, cause if it doesn't, then who is to say the entire bible is false too? If prayer is a crock, then it's not impossible to make the leap that the entire bible is a crock. If they can lie about one situation, they can lie about anything and everywhere.
I am seeking answers, and LB was the only one trying to truely supply answers.
I am a lost soul right now and in need of help.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;349746]You're talking old testament. Why does God not talk to us (where we can actually audibly hear Him), why do we eat pig, why do we not sacrifice anymore? It's all old testament stuff that was erased by the new testament.
I never once said he would stop performing miracles, I said (basically) he doesn't go "poof" and create things. He uses our hands.
I apologize that I can not find the specific verses I am referring to. I know they are there somewhere, I will find them tomorrow if I remember.[/quote]
I'm not speaking about the old testament. I also asked you if you thought Jesus was a magician. He performed numerous miracles of creating something out of nothing (water into wine, the five loaves and two fishes, etc.) What about Paul, Peter, and the other disciples? They performed miracles as well.

[quote]So if that is true, why would he allow the oil to magically appear for you, but has allowed several Christian people to freeze to death when blizzards hit the northeast, and the Chicago area a few years back?
I'm sorry, but I don't see God performing "magic" like that.[/quote]
You're asking me to explain God's will for other people's lives. I won't try to do that other than to say maybe it was their time to go. No one is promised tomorrow.

You asked if prayer works and I tried to give an example of prayer working for me to offer encouragement to you. I'm not sure what else to say. When I look back over my life, there are numerous prayers I've prayed that I'm glad God didn't grant me because in the long run they weren't in my best interest. When I'm going through a hard time the scripture that I cling to is this... "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I hope you find what you're looking for jsarno and through all of this your faith will be strengthened.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;349754]LB, I do not mean to offend you. I am just very very frustrated. I keep hearing something like "He knows best", and trust Him, and while I certainly did, I have been led down a dead end. He had to have known I would have lost my faith in prayer had he ignored my prayers.[/quote]
I'm not offended. I've been where you are and there are prayers I have prayed for years that have yet to answered. It's ok to question God. It's also ok to be frustrated and angry with Him at times.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Lady Brave;349774]I'm not offended. I've been where you are and there are prayers I have prayed for years that have yet to answered. It's ok to question God. It's also ok to be frustrated and angry with Him at times.[/QUOTE]

I am just lost...I don't know what to do.
Even my wife said that she's known me for over 12 years (been married over 10) and she has never seen indecision in me, nor has she ever seen fear in my eyes. I have been held at knife point in front of her and I didn't have fear in my eyes. I don't feel like it's "fear" but there is definitely a problem with indecision now. My confidence has been shaken to it's core.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;349780]I am just lost...I don't know what to do.
Even my wife said that she's known me for over 12 years (been married over 10) and she has never seen indecision in me, nor has she ever seen fear in my eyes. I have been held at knife point in front of her and I didn't have fear in my eyes. I don't feel like it's "fear" but there is definitely a problem with indecision now. My confidence has been shaken to it's core.[/quote]
The best advice I can offer is to find someone, such as your pastor, to sit down with and talk about your frustrations. We're called on to bear one another's burdens, so maybe it will help talking to someone else to gain a different perspective on the situation.

I would also suggest praying that God would reveal anything in your life that is hindering you. There may be some areas that you haven't surrendered to Him. Eventually, when you've done all you can do, you just have to leave it in His hands and cast all your cares on Him. He might be trying to work things out for you, but [I]you[/I] keep getting in the way. :)

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Lady Brave;349788]The best advice I can offer is to find someone, such as your pastor, to sit down with and talk about your frustrations. We're called on to bear one another's burdens, so maybe it will help talking to someone else to gain a different perspective on the situation.

I would also suggest praying that God would reveal anything in your life that is hindering you. [b]There may be some areas that you haven't surrendered to Him. Eventually, when you've done all you can do, you just have to leave it in His hands and cast all your cares on Him. He might be trying to work things out for you, but [I]you[/I] keep getting in the way.[/b] :)[/QUOTE]

My wife has said that to me at least 4 times.

It's good advice.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;349766]Well, it's not people, it's LB that has provided an example, and knowing how God works, I am unsure if her recollection is correct.
But you are right. I should have not have questioned it. Fact is, I am seeking examples cause I need to know that prayer does indeed work, cause if it doesn't, then who is to say the entire bible is false too? If prayer is a crock, then it's not impossible to make the leap that the entire bible is a crock. If they can lie about one situation, they can lie about anything and everywhere.
I am seeking answers, and LB was the only one trying to truely supply answers.
I am a lost soul right now and in need of help.[/QUOTE]

Well, I just don't know that there's any way to prove these examples. That doesn't make them wrong, just hard to prove.

Case in point, a couple of years ago I had a top job in DC (radio executive for a major company), had just put money down on a new condo, clean bill of health, and engaged to be married.

Next thing I know, I'm suddenly fired, I have to give up my condo because I can no longer afford it, my fiancee and I break up after she tells me "I just want to get married, doesn't really matter to me if it's with you.", and, after extremely abnormal test results, I suddenly find myself being tested for serious diseases like emphysema and lung cancer (keep in mind I don't smoke).

I give up all hope. My mom insists that I can't get down on myself, and that she will (as she does every day since she knew she was pregnant with me) pray for me and she knows in time things will come.

Today I'm living the dream at ESPN (most days), all my test results came out negative and I'm back to a clean bill of health, and I've met someone special who I know loves me for me not for the ring I can put on her finger.

Did my mom's prayers work? Who knows. You could say well she's always prayed for you and it didn't stop you from getting fired, losing that first girl, etc. But at the same time you could say well maybe I needed that to get to, and appreciate, where I am now.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;349796]Well, I just don't know that there's any way to prove these examples. That doesn't make them wrong, just hard to prove.

Case in point, a couple of years ago I had a top job in DC (radio executive for a major company), had just put money down on a new condo, clean bill of health, and engaged to be married.

Next thing I know, I'm suddenly fired, I have to give up my condo because I can no longer afford it, my fiancee and I break up after she tells me "I just want to get married, doesn't really matter to me if it's with you.", and, after extremely abnormal test results, I suddenly find myself being tested for serious diseases like emphysema and lung cancer (keep in mind I don't smoke).

I give up all hope. My mom insists that I can't get down on myself, and that she will (as she does every day since she knew she was pregnant with me) pray for me and she knows in time things will come.

Today I'm living the dream at ESPN (most days), all my test results came out negative and I'm back to a clean bill of health, and I've met someone special who I know loves me for me not for the ring I can put on her finger.

Did my mom's prayers work? Who knows. You could say well she's always prayed for you and it didn't stop you from getting fired, losing that first girl, etc. But at the same time you could say well maybe I needed that to get to, and appreciate, where I am now.[/QUOTE]

That's a very good story, and I appreciate you sharing it. That is the sort of thing I am looking for. That would be a strong example of how prayer could work.
What did you do between getting fired and getting the ESPN job? (pm me if need be) How did you get the ESPN job?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=jsarno;349810]That's a very good story, and I appreciate you sharing it. That is the sort of thing I am looking for. That would be a strong example of how prayer could work.
What did you do between getting fired and getting the ESPN job? (pm me if need be) How did you get the ESPN job?[/QUOTE]

I'll go ahead and PM you so as not to make this thread about me

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;349815]I'll go ahead and PM you so as not to make this thread about me[/QUOTE]

I thought they all were about you? ;)

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[quote=jsarno;349752]Actually yes, and there are many connections from the bible to "the secret".

Coincidentally, I have lost faith in "the secret" too. I stayed amazingly positive and it seemed worse and worse things kept happening to me. Felt a little like Job. (pronounced jobe, not job)[/quote]

You're going through tought times and you've got to stay strong because if you don't for you and your wife who will? You have to stay positive and tackle your problems as problems. You need to have a game plan for solving them. No game plan, no execution, no solution.

As for The Secret, it is complete and utter trash. If everyone in the world visualized their desires and they were fulfilled the world would be a utopia. The whole notion is absurd. It kinda reminds me of people who buy lottery tickets on the regular. Their chance of winning is next nil yet they have hope and continue to spend and lose their hard earned dollars.

Finally, I don't think you aught question/doubt your faith simply because you are going through tough times. Your judgment tends to be clouded under such circumstance and I would encourage you to see your pastor.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

I logged in this morning and PM'd you back.
Noone can show you proof of prayers working. I gave you some examples of His hands in my life and my Faith and Hope and the Peace I have.

Keep the Faith baby brother. Maybe after you pray just take some time and be quite. Try not to think and work it out just be still and quiet for a while and Know He is God.

I'm a Prayer Warrior and will lift you and your wife up in Prayer that He reveals Himself to you and draws you nearer to Himself.

peace
mike

You have my cell number in PM and feel free to call anytime.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Just pm'd you too jsarno... You better start cleaning out your box

Re: Does prayer work?
 

who is anyone to say if they do or not?

really no one knows for sure so will everyone shut the hell up!

Re: Does prayer work?
 

There is no god and therefore praying is useless. In the end you can only rely on one person... yourself.

Life sucks and throws you curve balls, it's your job to knock it out of the park.

Just my overly simple view on the matter.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

I'm agnostic, but I saw the Bills-Broncos game and prayed at least twice (albeit rather informally) for TE Everett to recover from the spinal injury.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Sheriff Gonna Getcha;350234]I'm agnostic, but I saw the Bills-Broncos game and prayed at least twice (albeit rather informally) for TE Everett to recover from the spinal injury.[/QUOTE]

And the cynic would say...what did it accomplish?

Re: Does prayer work?
 

God is Real and this may be a Trial. Drive on, keep the Faith and know many others like you believe but struggle at times too.
peace
<><

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Sammy Baugh Fan;349882]I logged in this morning and PM'd you back.
Noone can show you proof of prayers working. I gave you some examples of His hands in my life and my Faith and Hope and the Peace I have.

Keep the Faith baby brother. Maybe after you pray just take some time and be quite. Try not to think and work it out just be still and quiet for a while and Know He is God.

I'm a Prayer Warrior and will lift you and your wife up in Prayer that He reveals Himself to you and draws you nearer to Himself.

peace
mike

You have my cell number in PM and feel free to call anytime.[/QUOTE]


I appreciate you kind words and willingness to help.

For me, it's very hard to keep my mind quiet. I have a never ending working mind. I am a problem solver and I am the one everyone goes to for answers. Just having trouble solving my own problems right now.
I am only sleeping 4 hours a night (if I'm lucky) cause my mind won't shut off.
I just need to find the light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm hoping God will show me the light.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

Hang in there man but remember the light at the end of the tunnel could be an oncoming train. lol
Sorry to throw a bummer at ya man.

Yer gonna be fine and I can't wait to hear ow God blesses you.

Hang in there Snoop!
peace

Re: Does prayer work?
 

OH sweet jesus, i think about all this stuff all the time. Not making it any better is me being in an Ethics class and a Religious studies class.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

I think prayer is as mysterious as the existence of God himself, angels, demons, heaven or hell. So it's quite difficult to quantify results from a spiritual perspective as we're dealing with a world we can't see, looking for results in a world we can see. With that in mind I don't think prayer is as simple as a hit or miss proposition.

When I think of prayer, or when I pray, it involves a dialogue with God. So prayer to me is based on my relationship with God. I think in the context of a relationship with God, an answered prayer may be connected to another set of realities unbeknownst to me at the time of my petition. In other words, the results I want may not always be in my best interest; "Thy will be done."

While meditation is a matter of keeping the body, mind, and spirit quiet and bringing them all in unisome...or at least to the extent where some form of clarity can be attained, prayer on the other hand, by neccessity, involves a greater force or being outside of yourself. Someone that has the power to act and intervene in such a way that you or I never could.

That's my take on it.

Re: Does prayer work?
 

[QUOTE=Bushead;350425]OH sweet jesus, i think about all this stuff all the time. Not making it any better is me being in an Ethics class and a Religious studies class.[/QUOTE]

You might want to think about changing your avatar! LOL.