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!

[naomi24]

Goodlife, you’re mistaken. I don’t mock the bible. I see no humour there.

[Theland]

Ken Bigley?
Yes his life was over in seconds.
And then what?
Was that the end?

[nailit]

I do get a bit 'Militant Atheist' from time to time on here. My personal life is quiet different so forgive me if im a bit OTT at times.
Tambo, Im sure that all ABers, of whatever persusion wish nothing but the best for you son, myself included.

The point that I was trying to make (rather badly) was that prayer would be ineffective if (as the Bible says) Gods will be done.
If God has his own way anyway, then what is the point of prayer?
If its gratitude or thanks then no problem here (An atheist can express thanks and gratitude too)

[nailit]

//Ken Bigley?
Yes his life was over in seconds.
And then what?
Was that the end?//

What do you say Theland?
Was it?
If it wasnt were is he now?

[Theland]

I don't know.
Our eternity is determined by the here and now.
I suspect, given his circumstances, Ken prayed and accepted Christ and is with him now.
(He was a neighbour of my Dad.)

[naomi24]

//I suspect, given his circumstances, Ken prayed and accepted Christ and is with him now. //

Where on earth do you get it from? You really are unbelievable, Theland, in more ways than one. You have no idea what that man went through... none whatsoever. Reading that made me sick to my stomach. What a truly arrogant little man you are! Do us all a favour and get over yourself!

[Theland]

Put yourself in his position. What would you do?
I don't claim to know his mind.
Where did that come from?

[naomi24]

Theland, just shut up. You haven't got the foggiest idea of his plight - or his demise.

[Theland]

Or you!
Is it illegitimate now to empathise with his plight?
Are you a new rule maker on here?

[naomi24]

Theland, you’re not ‘empathising’ with his plight - you’re making use of it. Unlike you I don’t presume to imagine that I understand the horror he experienced during that truly unthinkable ordeal or what his thought processes were. All I know is that you will employ any platform, regardless of the respect, sensitivity, or good taste that any given situation demands, to promote your relentlessly arrogant proselytizing. Your supercilious piety is nauseating.

And no, I am not a new rule maker. You may say what you like - but don’t expect the self-obsessed crud you spout to go unchallenged.

[gness]

Ken Bigley's life was over in seconds. No it wasn't, Theland. His life ended the day he was captured. What he suffered with no help or comfort from the god you believe in for the following three weeks is unimaginable.
You suspect Ken prayed and is now with Christ. That turned my stomach.
And then what? To my knowledge the body Ken Bigley has been dumped in a ditch.

[pixie374]

Nailit, I haven't read all the thread yet. As far as I can see, praying is just another form of meditation. It's making some time for yourself to think or hope, or whatever... everyone does it quite naturally, even just daydreaming is a type of it. It's to give the person some comfort- they just choose to direct it towards a "middle man".

[Peter Pedant]

yeah when they say - god bless america
didnt god send covid to Trump?

there really must be blessings in disguise
like a good disguise

[Theland]

Naomi, your mock shock is unconvincing.
How dare you accuse me of using Ken Bigley as a tool to be dishonoured in your petty weak arguments.
Shock horror! I don't think so. I think you just see an opportunity for another cheap shot.
You know nothing and think even less!
Your raison d'etre for being on here is to promote yourself, nothing more.

[naomi24]

Theland, //How dare you accuse me of using Ken Bigley as a tool to be dishonoured//

I dare because that’s what you’ve done. Yes, my sins are great indeed … especially when I expose you for the sanctimonious hypocrite you are.

[Theland]

Feel better now?
Got the day off to a good start?
Promote yourself by putting others down?
That should go down well with your fans.

[naomi24]

Truth doesn't sit well with you, Theland.

[Theland]

You don't have a monopoly on truth.
Or even sometimes minority shares.
Your opinions and speculations no matter how ell intentioned are not truth. Nowhere near!

[naomi24]

Theland, //You don't have a monopoly on truth. //

Indeed I don't - but I stick to it to the best of my ability. Why don't you try it?

[Theland]

Oh what the heck.
You see every discission as a win/lose, and your ego means you have to win.
So win. I'm bored.