Could we sum up this way?
Solomon, prior to Jesus, "The guilty sometimes get what they deserve and the good get what they don't, it's God's mystery"
Is it God's mystery... or is it simply man's world?
Today, Christians after Jesus, "Ditto, except Jesus died, so heaven. Oh, and you shouldn't expect anything from God."
Some christians might say that.
I don't.
I might say that you should not expect more from God than what He has said He will give.
He does not owe us anything.
Tec, I read all of that and I can't figure out what you are saying?
Sorry about that. I'll try and clarify.
Should we NOT pray for others?
I think I said the opposite. (Not that it matters what I say, but rather what Christ has said)
But that it is not 'things' that we should pray for, as Christ said... God already knows what we need. (food, clothing, etc)
Just for God's will to happen?
Would someone who belongs to and serves God want something other than His will to be done? Maybe in a moment of fear for their own flesh. But in their right mind? In their spirit?
I am not being facetious. But that was the point being made above, that we put His will over our own, especially if our own is in contradiction with His.
Should we pray and just HOPE that it's God's will?
Why not just pray, and then say... not my will, but your will be done; or something along those lines?
As Christ also prayed... IF possible, remove this cup from me. But if not, then YOUR will be done.
You said we shouldn't pray for ourselves, but COrnelius did just that. This is very confusing to me.
You can pray for whatever you want. I am not telling you how to pray. Nor did I say you cannot pray for yourself...
But Christ said that we should not pray as the pagans do, seeking after 'things'. The point is the 'things'. (like a great house, or a promotion that helps you get these things, or to keep up with the joneses, etc, etc)
What prayer are you talking about from Cornelius?
Peace,
tammy