Prayer (2) Whats The Point?

[nailit]

Many people pray for frivolous things (God please grant me a parking space at Tesco)
Many people pray for something far more serious (God please save my dying child)
The frivolous prayers seem to get answered far more than the serious prayers.
(Maybe something to do with the fact that you are more likely to find a parking lot at Tesco than you are of finding your terminally ill child miraculously cured of a terminal illness)

Its been said that prayer doesnt change circumstances, it changes you.
So why pray in the first place?
As an ex-christian, I really dont get it? I prayed for stuff to happen, which I. knew wasn't going to happen anyway, but then came the excuses. It wasnt Gods will etc. If God's will is paramount then prayer is a waste of time, he aint going to change his mind as to who suffers and who he replies to...

Didnt the Pope a while back say that he was going to ask God to remove Covid? If God didnt listen to the Pope asking for a pandemic to be erradicated then he's not going to listen to you asking for a parking space at bloody Tesco.

So whats the point? Seriously!

[JimF]

There is none, as you already know. In fact, prayer is about as pointless as yet another thread whose purpose is nothing more than to incite an argument.

[nailit]

//about as pointless as yet another thread whose purpose is nothing more than to incite an argument//
I prefer the term discusion...as one of AB evangelicals likes to call it!

[Mamyalynne]

Prayer for most who do so is personal to them and I should imagine has zero to do with Tesco or parking.

[nailit]

//Prayer for most who do so is personal to them and I should imagine has zero to do with Tesco or parking//
Its still personal
''God benefit me in some way''

[nailit]

Prayer is selfish (or at least most prayer is)
Prayer is also non sensical.

[Mamyalynne]

It isn't compulsory either, simple.

[nailit]

Most people pray for themselves, very few actually pray for others!
And even when they do, its so others believe as themselves, still selfish.

[Mamyalynne]

Get it off your chest Nailit.

[gness]

Many people find comfort in prayer. Why do you want to stop them praying? Why have a go at them for doing something that they find comfort in even though you and I don't?
If all they are doing is praying and not taking part in any way in the evil side of religions then just ignore surely?

[fiveleaves]

Prayer put in simple terms is simply talking to and hearing from God.
Christians through Jesus have a relationship with God. Talking is normal in relationships , is it not?
I remember on one occasion having bad toothache. I was not prepared to accept so was quite determined to carry on praying until God removed the pain. Guess the outcome? I'm sure Nailit would be interested

[nailit]

//Many people find comfort in prayer. Why do you want to stop them praying? Why have a go at them for doing something that they find comfort in even though you and I don't?//
Where have I said any different??
Ive asked what is the point?

[nailit]

fiveleaves, the Yorkshire ripper was sure God was talking to him as well...
He's now locked up in a prison

[gness]

Asking them what is the point of their prayers is having a go at them for something that comforts them. Why do you want to do that? You won't change their minds and they won't change yours.

[Unsureme]

fveleaves,you went to the Dentist and had it removed.lol.

[Theland]

As always there are a few facets to prayer.
The main one is not to align Gods will to ours, but ours to His.
Praying that He will glorify Himself in our lives is of paramount importance.

[Mamyalynne]

I could give you a list of why people pray and let's face it that would be a long list.

However from your dismissive almost angry tone I sense you'd systematically dismantle each one and continue to see those who pray as selfish.

I understand your anger and frustration but to take it out on people who live differently to you won't solve your problems.

[fiveleaves]

God took the pain away. Sorry if that disappoints you, Nailit

[Theland]

I pray regularly, and every night especially.
I pray for a sick boy I have never met, and his mother, an ABer.
Occasionally she reports on his progress, which appears to be slow but sure.

[nailit]

//Prayer put in simple terms is simply talking to and hearing from God//
Ah, I missed Gods condomation of myself to hell and an infernal torture.

[Theland]

I can't pray for everybody by name, but often pray for two ABers, that God will open their eyes to His reality.