Why Praying Must Be Wrong

[joggerjayne]

One of my pals' eldest has started Philosophy as one A Level option, and I was chatting about the Philosophy of Religion, and how it relates to Theology.

And this came up ...

People say prayers.

But God is omniscient, and sees into everyone's hearts.

So He already knows everything that you are telling him ...

... because He knows EVERYTHING.

And because He also takes care of us (!), He has already decided how to act on the basis of the facts that you are telling him when you pray.

So you are telling God something He already knows, and either ...

Asking Him to do something He has already decided to do (waste of time), or

Asking Him to change His mind. BUT ... because God is infallible, the decision He has already made is, by definition, the correct one, so He will not change His mind, because you are asking Him to abandon the correct decision, and replace it with a wrong decision (also a waste of time).

So, either way, praying is, of necessity, a waste of time.

Just a thought.

[Old_Geezer]

It's letting you make your own screw ups ck1

[jno]

Octavius, it is posible that in the throes of orgasmic ecstacy, atheists cry out "Oh Dawkins! Oh Dawkins!"

I have never observed this personally, so cannot be sure.

[piggynose]

aen't the viila known as the villains, enough said

[joggerjayne]

Ck ...

Obviously, in practice, God has made a complete arse up of project Mankind.

But, in theory, He is supposed to be omniscient and omnipotent, and passes His infallibility on to His Holiness the Pope.

(resists urge to LOL)

[tonyav]

piggynose
aen't the viila known as the villains, enough said


;-)

[jno]

papal infallibility is quite limited; it doesn't cover predictions about Aston Villa, for instance.

[joggerjayne]

I'm letting tony have Best Answer, coz it might help the Villa.

[joggerjayne]

Does the Pope actually make predictions about Villa games?

Infallible or otherwise?

[Octavius]

"It can be done wherever, and however, each person feels that it helps them."

Of course! Is this concept new to you ? Grace before meals, bedside prayers, 'safe' words in the dungeon...

[joggerjayne]

You were losing me there, but ...

Safe words in the Dungeon? Okay, now I understand.

[Octavius]

"Does the Pope actually make predictions about Villa games?"

Given their Wesleyan Methodist origins he may occasionally pray for a thunderbolt, or relegation. One or the other, depending on his mood.

[sandyRoe]

God is infallible. That we can't see the full extent of his plans doesn't mean that he's screwed up.
I regularly pray for all here in AB but think few really need it.

[tonyav]

Thanks jj, true though don't you think. If praying worked then there would be no more wars and people would have enough food and money to live an happy life.

[Octavius]

tony, some people might be praying for war, famine and unhappiness at this very moment. Maybe we just need more good people to pray for the good stuff....!

[modeller]

Oct //Maybe we just need more good people to pray for the good stuff....! //
They already do and it never works !

[sandyRoe]

Prayer isn't about changing the world, it's about changing how we see it.

[tonyav]

Octavius
tony, some people might be praying for war, famine and unhappiness at this very moment. Maybe we just need more good people to pray for the good stuff....!


Good point Octavius, hadn't thought that some people may want that.

[goodlife]

No, If God Almighty is omniscient, knowing all that is past, present, and future, are not all things destined to occur exactly as God has foreseen them, and If God has foreseen and decreed the course and final destiny of every human, can it truly be said that you are free to choose your life’s course,or your future?

You see, these questions have been debated for centuries, and Prayers is as old as humankind.

The Bible says :All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.” (2 Timothy 3:16) so any guidance or enlightenment that we receive should ultimately come from God himself. Would it not.
So your prayers cannot do any good unless they are heard, or if you assume a special posture while praying.

No,so what prayers are acceptable to God.

The Bible explains one thing that is necessary for prayers to be acceptable when it states: Without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” (Hebrews 11:6) Yes, as been explained many times.

Clearly, The Bible requirements must be met if prayers are to be heard.
And with so many who pray show little concern about doing what God requires.

That is why so much earnestness in prayer has not resulted in a better world, you are a poor lot,look at all the thing you lose out on.

[vetuste_ennemi]

God give me strength! Pretty please.

[jomifl]

What if god isn't quite as some believe him to be? If you look at the evidence it seems as if a lot of people have got it wrong, (the pope for a start).