prayers not answered?

by herewegoagain5 5 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  herewegoagain5

  This is only my second time posting - I hope that I've done it correctly.

  My mom has numerous health problems stemming from diabetes. Anyways, she informed me of a conversation she & my father (r.p.& m.s.) had recently. She told my father that although she continually prays to Jehovah for assistance with her illness, she feels as though he has turned a hearing ear from her. She feels as though maybe she has approached him so much in prayer, that Jehovah doesn't want to hear it anymore that he has become annoyed with her. And my father's response to that was, "maybe so."

  It hurts me to hear my mother sound so depressed. This was my response to her - "I thought that God was almighty. Why would your prayers annoy him? Mom, at least you're still able to move around. That's something" I didn't know what else to tell her without bashing the organization - which I don't want to do as that won't help. Her immediate need is encouragement & support, but I don't have a clue.

  Any ideas on how I could have elaborated on this?
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  Qcmbr

  Sure - Prayer is our time to find out the will of our maker it isn't the time for a wishlist. I've often got on my knees , had a spot of reverence (something almost wholely lacking in our modern world) , cleared my mind of all the noise and then had a good heart to heart with God. I have had feelings , insights, ideas etc.. come to me that have changed who am I - literally. I have got up off my knees thinking, feeling and understanding differently. I have also asked for things and received no answer - nothing , blankness and when I look back that was when I was praying into the bed cover rather than talking to God. God doesn't get angry, mad, bored etc.. with prayers. Just doesn't happen. Prayers just don't get answered when all we are really asking for is 'our will not thine be done.'
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  Billygoat

  Sometimes prayers aren't answered the way we think they should be. But I too, have changed my prayers since leaving the bOrg. Instead of the daily wishlist, I pray "to be blessed" so I can bless others. Sometimes I have to seek how God blesses me, as He doesn't always bless me the way I want to be. BUT...when I look, there are many things to be thankful for in my life. It really is a matter of perspective. (I agree with you though - God is big enough to handle our requests without being annoyed.)

  As for your mother's depression: you may encourage her to see her family doctor. He might be able to explain to her that her body doesn't produce the proper amounts of seratonin in order for her to be happy and positive. A mild anti-depressant works wonders until your body gets on even keel again.
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  robhic

  This discussion is all well and good, but the bottom line seems (a least to me) is that there is a chasm of difference that seems wholly acceptable. All good = jehovah; all bad = man or satan or anything the hell else but jehovah. No questioning.

  My case in point is my JW girlfriend who has serious health problems. She is right now in a hospital recovering from seizures and a systemic bacterial infection. Her memory is about 10 seconds and she is just in bad shape all around. It kills me to hear her say "Thank you jehovah" when she remembers what day or date it is but no complaints about being bed-bound, sick, in general poor health and it's been getting worse.

  Some JWs come in and they always pray the insipid, draw-out "jehovah, jehovah, jehovah" prayers ending in "we ask in jesus' name." But the poor girl gets no better. If she has one, single, simple, tiny good thing happen jehovah gets all the credit. She still can't get out of bed but the j-name doesn't get a mention. Such a huge, gaping exponentially different reality frightens me that anyone could be so compliant and complacent at such utter nothing yet so pleased at a simple, trifling thing. Make me wonder about a mental component.

  When does jehovah need to get called on his irresponsibility? Seems if he gets all the good he damn well should be man enough to take some of the responsibility for the bad, too. After all, no one asked to be born, why do I owe somone who isn't pleased with my performance in a world I didn't ask to be in? He put me here, well don't complain and theaten me if I don't feel like complying with all the endless rules!
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  Golf

  Greetings and welcome.
  
  Has she seen a doctor lately? You know that saying, God helps those that help themselves. Some people need to make an effort to do things. I talk/pray, but I get things done. He's given me the strength and will power to do things.
  
  When my resisitence is low, I take natural medicine to give me the needed boost. Some people depend on God for everything, just like some people depend on others to do everything for them, that's a no-no.
  
  I don't know her situation but seeing a doctor does help.
  
  
  Golf
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  herewegoagain5

  Hello All!

  First of all thanks for your responses.

  My mother was hospitalized & diagnosed with pneumonia along with other things. She was discharged a couple of days ago, which is why I haven't responded - I've been very busy. New medications were prescribed & she appears to be getting better - although probably not fast enough for her sake

  I agree with Robhic in regards to the mindset among JW's in always attributing all positive things to Jehovah. I have yet to hear any verbal acknowledgement to the people who've provided support, to the doctor who prescribed the right medication, to family members who provide personal homecare, etc., which I find true in this instance. I had a brief talk with my mom regarding this because she made a comment about Jehovah forsaking her. And immediately I reminded her that my father & I are taking care of her. Our lives revolve around her care. I just wanted her to understand that even though she may believe God has abandoned her, we - her family - haven't. And she got that.

  Golf, I agree about your thoughts on having to put forth effort on one's own part. Many times, I've seen JW friends & family members who brag about experiencing problems (not necessarily difficult ones) & then mention how they've gone to God in prayer & left the matter up to him - thereby, proving their faith. But I was brought up that God blesses efforts, not intentions (there's that word, "effort" again).

  Well, I have to go now. It's time to go home (the only access to a pc is at the office).

  P.S. - Robhic, I hope that when you read this post your girlfriend is doing well.