One Political Plaza - Home of politics
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
General Chit-Chat (non-political talk)
Is prayer useful?
Page 1 of 2 next>
Oct 13, 2014 22:46:10   #
Zyro0713
 
I pray, multiple times in a day actually.

But I do not know if I am doing so in order to gain an upper hand on m life; or if I do it because I was taught to do so.

I prayed for the life of a good friend. I watched her die, and I noticed that she suffered so much before it happened. I questioned why God would allow the suffering, if he was going to take her anyway. I am still grappling with my anxiousness about this.

I still believe, but now, I wonder in what way I believe it to be.

I do not know if it is helpful or not for me; but I will continue to seek the answer for that question. Any ideas?

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 08:45:20   #
Singularity
 
Zyro0713 wrote:
I pray, multiple times in a day actually.

But I do not know if I am doing so in order to gain an upper hand on m life; or if I do it because I was taught to do so.

I prayed for the life of a good friend. I watched her die, and I noticed that she suffered so much before it happened. I questioned why God would allow the suffering, if he was going to take her anyway. I am still grappling with my anxiousness about this.

I still believe, but now, I wonder in what way I believe it to be.

I do not know if it is helpful or not for me; but I will continue to seek the answer for that question. Any ideas?
I pray, multiple times in a day actually. br br B... (show quote)


If it comforts you and brings you peace to pray, just that is a useful thing. I don't believe in the magic part, but there is tremendous benefit in ritual to calm anxiety and center the thoughts, allowing one to plan effective action or stand by more calmly.
Several people are active in prayer with one another online here at OPP. Their love and caring for one another is palpable, a beautiful thing.
As a nonbeliever, I do not "profane" that space with my opinions, but AuntiE is quite active in prayer there and could offer you possibly the best advice.

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 10:05:57   #
Armageddun Loc: The show me state
 
Singularity wrote:
If it comforts you and brings you peace to pray, just that is a useful thing. I don't believe in the magic part, but there is tremendous benefit in ritual to calm anxiety and center the thoughts, allowing one to plan effective action or stand by more calmly.
Several people are active in prayer with one another online here at OPP. Their love and caring for one another is palpable, a beautiful thing.
As a nonbeliever, I do not "profane" that space with my opinions, but AuntiE is quite active in prayer there and could offer you possibly the best advice.
If it comforts you and brings you peace to pray, j... (show quote)


Thank you for that advice. It means very much to me. I think you know what I mean.

Reply
 
 
Oct 14, 2014 10:12:03   #
Singularity
 
Armageddun wrote:
Thank you for that advice. It means very much to me. I think you know what I mean.


People are more precious than opinions. We frequently do understand one another, my friend. Its cool!

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 10:36:36   #
alex Loc: michigan now imperial beach californa
 
Zyro0713 wrote:
I pray, multiple times in a day actually.

But I do not know if I am doing so in order to gain an upper hand on m life; or if I do it because I was taught to do so.

I prayed for the life of a good friend. I watched her die, and I noticed that she suffered so much before it happened. I questioned why God would allow the suffering, if he was going to take her anyway. I am still grappling with my anxiousness about this.

I still believe, but now, I wonder in what way I believe it to be.

I do not know if it is helpful or not for me; but I will continue to seek the answer for that question. Any ideas?
I pray, multiple times in a day actually. br br B... (show quote)


when you ask God for help he helps you be strong enough to do the job he doesn't promise to do it for you

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 10:40:58   #
AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State
 
Zyro0713 wrote:
I pray, multiple times in a day actually.

But I do not know if I am doing so in order to gain an upper hand on m life; or if I do it because I was taught to do so.


It only matters that you pray sincerely. It provides a way of talking out the problems confronting you as you go through life.

Quote:
I prayed for the life of a good friend. I watched her die, and I noticed that she suffered so much before it happened. I questioned why God would allow the suffering, if he was going to take her anyway. I am still grappling with my anxiousness about this.


The loss of a close friend, especially with suffering, is one of the most distressing times in our lives. You have lost a "linchpin" of your life, someone with whom you have shared much. There is a void that another cannot fill, you believe. In time, you may well find another to fill that space. I know that sounds trite; however, it has been something which happened for me. It will not be the exact same, but will be there...in due time.

Quote:
I still believe, but now, I wonder in what way I believe it to be.

I do not know if it is helpful or not for me; but I will continue to seek the answer for that question. Any ideas?


In Matthew, God tells us to come to him when we are weak, weary and heavy laden. Even in your current questioning state, you can go to God. You, by no means, are the first, nor wil be the last, to want to shake your fist and ask "why".

Your name will be in my prayers, and you will find others on site who will lift your name in prayer, as well.

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 10:41:49   #
Zyro0713
 
alex wrote:
when you ask God for help he helps you be strong enough to do the job he doesn't promise to do it for you


Thank you, for your thoughts.

I still find myself looking for more empirical evidence of God. I know for some people this may seem to be sacrilegious and even blasphemous; but life can sometimes take a person into the darkness, and leave him in need of a development which defies his perceptions.

Prayer seems to add a layer of supportive inclination for me, but I still have strong needs to be met. I have demons which dog my steps. I try to not feel so desperately impinged, but my weaknesses sometimes seem overwhelming.

Reply
 
 
Oct 14, 2014 10:43:48   #
AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State
 
alex wrote:
when you ask God for help he helps you be strong enough to do the job he doesn't promise to do it for you


An immutable t***h.

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 10:46:14   #
Zyro0713
 
AuntiE wrote:
In Matthew, God tells us to come to him when we are weak, weary and heavy laden. Even in your current questioning state, you can go to God. You, by no means, are the first, nor wil be the last, to want to shake your fist and ask "why".

Your name will be in my prayers, and you will find others on site who will lift your name in prayer, as well.


I thank you for this.

maybe in time, I will be able to re-focus my attentions to the t***h of God, and less so on the falsehoods to which I am so frequently exposed in my daily life.

Even here on this forum I can seem abusive and distant, but that I think, is the power I draw from my ability to exercise anonymity.

I love life, sometimes I do not love what happens within its boundaries, but with living, comes opportunities to improve upon my failures; with death, that aspect is gone.

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 10:58:04   #
BearK Loc: TN
 
Zyro0713 wrote:
I pray, multiple times in a day actually.

But I do not know if I am doing so in order to gain an upper hand on m life; or if I do it because I was taught to do so.

I prayed for the life of a good friend. I watched her die, and I noticed that she suffered so much before it happened. I questioned why God would allow the suffering, if he was going to take her anyway. I am still grappling with my anxiousness about this.

I still believe, but now, I wonder in what way I believe it to be.

I do not know if it is helpful or not for me; but I will continue to seek the answer for that question. Any ideas?
I pray, multiple times in a day actually. br br B... (show quote)


We often wonder about God hearing us, and particularly in the situation you mention. I watched my son die, I have very deep faith. First I prayed for a miracle, then I prayed God would take him so he would not suffer any longer. When he did die, I felt guilty, even though I knew it was inevitable.

We often forget, Adam & Eve sort of sold the lease for earth to Satan. He is in control, and the closer we come to end times the more damage he hopes to bring about because we tend to look at God and say, "Why did You let this happen?" Satan rubs his hands with glee, God gets the blame for his evil. This may not comfort your loss, but know that God is there to comfort your grief.

Please feel free to to turn to our prayer team, we are always open to try be helpful. May you know that the Lord is with you, and cares deeply about your loss. My heart goes out to you. I know words cannot take the place of your friend, but may our words help to ease your pain. I pray the Lord Jesus give you understanding and hope.

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 12:04:09   #
greyfox Loc: western mass.
 
Zyro0713 wrote:
I pray, multiple times in a day actually.

But I do not know if I am doing so in order to gain an upper hand on m life; or if I do it because I was taught to do so.

I prayed for the life of a good friend. I watched her die, and I noticed that she suffered so much before it happened. I questioned why God would allow the suffering, if he was going to take her anyway. I am still grappling with my anxiousness about this.

I still believe, but now, I wonder in what way I believe it to be.

I do not know if it is helpful or not for me; but I will continue to seek the answer for that question. Any ideas?
I pray, multiple times in a day actually. br br B... (show quote)

To be able to pray is a wonderful thing, many have trouble with it. Prayer is defined as lifting up the mind and heart to God. We were taught it was talking to God. Prayer can be very powerful but there is nothing magic about it. It is very difficult to pray and not be satisfied with the answer or to even wonder if it was answered. We must believe that God knows best and He will answer all prayers as He sees fit which is always for your benefit. Many of us have lost loved ones and blamed God for not saving them, that is our human nature, God will give us the strength to accept and move on in time. You will be in my prayers, stay strong!

Reply
 
 
Oct 14, 2014 13:18:27   #
BobDew
 
FAITH is needed to determine whether prayers work! It would be wonderful if all prayers were answered but all should remember that God has a plan. If a person's prayers are part of it, so be it!

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 13:40:42   #
BearK Loc: TN
 
BobDew wrote:
FAITH is needed to determine whether prayers work! It would be wonderful if all prayers were answered but all should remember that God has a plan. If a person's prayers are part of it, so be it!


Yes, faith is a necessary part, but also Paul tells us 'to pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks.' The strongest church period is found in Acts, they prayed, and they pulled down the power of God to answer their prayers. James also has words about prayer, 'don't be like the waves of the sea.' In other words - if you pray, don't have doubts.

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 14:01:57   #
BobDew
 
Amen

Reply
Oct 14, 2014 18:02:48   #
AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State
 
Zyro0713 wrote:
I pray, multiple times in a day actually.

But I do not know if I am doing so in order to gain an upper hand on m life; or if I do it because I was taught to do so.

I prayed for the life of a good friend. I watched her die, and I noticed that she suffered so much before it happened. I questioned why God would allow the suffering, if he was going to take her anyway. I am still grappling with my anxiousness about this.

I still believe, but now, I wonder in what way I believe it to be.

I do not know if it is helpful or not for me; but I will continue to seek the answer for that question. Any ideas?
I pray, multiple times in a day actually. br br B... (show quote)


I have come back to you. Years ago I heard a prayer for calm. I cannot remember th entirety, so I will paraphrase what I remember.

Lord, I come to you with fears and questions. I give these fears and questions to you. Please calm and still my troubled heart and mind. Please lift these burdens from me. amen.

Reply
Page 1 of 2 next>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
General Chit-Chat (non-political talk)
OnePoliticalPlaza.com - Forum
Copyright 2012-2024 IDF International Technologies, Inc.