by confusedjw 15 Replies latest jw experiences
I could never get a handle on prayer - oh I prayed a lot. I begged Jehovah to help with certain things. NOTHING.
And then I felt guilty.
And then I felt frustrated
Then I felt guilty about being frustrated at God
Then I felt alone.
Then finally I felt that no matter what it alwasy is the publishers fault.
Thank God I was only a pioneer, MS then Elder giving Circuit Assembly parts or this could have hampered my career!
Does anyone on this board thinks prayer works now?
Hi ConfusedJW,
That is such a good question and holds the potential for so much psychological value. It's been studied quite a bit in people, along with meditation.
Sometimes, prayer helped me very much. But not in the sense of it being answered, but by my having new and better ideas.
Now, I'd like to elaborate a bit on this. Since leaving, I no longer pray as I'm not a religionist. But I have had as much, or more even, help from other methods, such as
It's my opinion that prayer taps into consciousness and answers that we aren't usually paying attention to. The other methods work just as well or better.
Pat
I never thought it did any good when I prayed. I stopped asking God for help a long time ago. Still, I toss out the occasional 'thank you' as I prepare to eat. Just in case He is actually listening, I figure it won't hurt. I just don't count on getting anything in return.
I actually thank god for those unanswered prayers, or I would not be here now.
Sure they work, just like goal setting. I completely believe in setting goals, and working hard to achieve them. Now, I think they are the same animal. Prayer/goal setting. No difference.
Prayer didn't work for me. I tried many times to throw my burden on Jehovah, but he threw it back.
What do you pray for?
The first step in having you prayers answered, is doing your best to become righteous. Do you allow Jehovah to dictate your every decision? Your decisions that you make have to weigh upon a righteous standard. The most difficult part of making a righteous decision is standing up for righteousness sake, even is it causes you to suffer. You will have your faith tested, and if you prove yourself loyal to Jehovah, He will never allow you to stumble. This is where your faith comes into play. Do you hunger? Do you have a roof over your head? You must be content with the minimal things in life without the pursuit of material possessions. Do you show love to others without selfish motivation? Are you willing to help those in need?
These are all basic bible principles, which are taught by Christ. And yes, your prayers will be answered if you ask to become more righteous, and to have a better understanding of the things taught by Christ. Once you accomplish these, than you will see the acts of Jehovah before your very eyes, in answer to your prayers...............I am a witness to this.
SB
I pray regularly. It helps me stay connected with God and strengthens me to keep going during my personal trials.
Always works for me! Sometimes right away, other times month's or years later. Not always the way I wanted, but always in my best interests.
Outaservice (Who wonders.....Does God believe in Atheists? )
Beware my friend of the "cause and effect" materialistic trap! Prayer works, but its' more like talking to your inner id. All the programing is in place for it to work. My limited experiance seems to indicate that we are pre-programed to evolve when in a frame of mind to "pray". Otherwise our animal instincts remain in control.
carm
