by Englishman 14 Replies latest jw friends
Supposing that I am deeply troubled about something. Let’s say I pray to God to grant me a solution. A short time later, my problem becomes resolved.
Did God answer my prayer and tell me how to resolve my problem?
Or did my prayer simply focus my sub-conscious mind so that I found the answer for myself?
Maybe fate just took charge and luck smiled at me?
Perhaps it was a bit of all 3?
Just wondering what others might think about this.
Englishman.
Well since you pray I would think that you believe that God solved your problem right? Unless you are just practising for your book study prayer.
It's all so confusing, these doubts we have.
Never Squat With Yer Spurs On
It's interesting that some self-help books will suggest that before you go to bed, think about your problem, alternative solutions that you may see, talk to yourself about - and specifically ask your inner self for insight, even a solution. In an alarming number of situations, a solution will present itself.
Now, you could have talked to your inner self - or called it God.
The solution could have come about because of dumb luck, focused attention, God, or "right place at right time" kinda of thing.
Who knows? But it would seem presumptuous to think that God spoke to us, don'tcha think?
waiting
I believe we have divinity within us and that we can tap into this higher wisdom.
Sirona
How about flipping a coin? They say that heads and tails balance out. So, that puts us right back where we started. Interesting, no?
Guest 77
Well, I will have to pray on the matter and let you know latter......
Who's to say I didn't solve your problem?
Imagination is more important than Knowledge. Albert Einstein
I think there's a good reason to believe that prayer changes the one doing the praying. It certainly doesn't change God. And it won't make him suspend his own laws in someone's behalf, the sun standing still in the sky notwithstanding.
IMHO.
Francois
I think there's a good reason to believe that prayer changes the one doing the praying.
Almost as though the one praying is saying "I am willing to change, enlightenment, please?"
Englishman.
I think there's a good reason to believe that prayer changes the one doing the praying. It certainly doesn't change God.
Frank, you always have such great comments and I always look for them. So, I think this is really interesting. I agree with half of it. I do believe that prayer changes the person praying.
It has definitely changed me. I am a much nicer person to be around today now that prayer is a regular part of my life. I feel more independent - even though I depend on God more. I appreciate things more - realizing that all in my life is not MINE, but God's. I realize that God gave me a brain to make good decisions with - I use it to the best of my ability.
But I also believe it changes God in a way.
For instance, you and I meet in person. Up until then we know about each other and our lives, but don't know each other. I think my personal relationship with God is a bit like that. Our relationship's growth is based on how much we communicate. If we talk regularly and get to know one another personally, we become good friends. Relying on each other in times of stress/trouble and sharing joys with each other when things are good. My relationship with God is much the same way. I rely on Him and I have learned to love Him by knowing His personality. (Which, btw, is NOTHING like the God that JWs teach.) He is kind, compassionate, funny, caring, just. I think in my reaching out to Him, I have probably endeared myself more to Him than if I didn't have a relationship with Him. I believe that God loves us all as His children, but just like an earthly father - He loves us more when he KNOWS us personally and when we WANT to know Him personally.
I'm still growing in my walk, so I have a lot to learn. I guess I'm just kinda thinking out loud here. Thanks for letting me!
Andi
