Why do Christians pray?
Prayer is the most important activity that a Christian can do; it is in fact the foundation of everything we do.
Below is a very informative video interview with Bishop Christodoulos of the Holy Metropolis Greek Orthodox Church on “Why do Christians pray?” It is directed towards Orthodox Christians, but its wisdom is applicable to all Christians.
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Abslolutely amazingly wonderful!!! Amen amen amen!!!
Thank You and God bless you… I wish you were in the Roman Catholic Church. Please join up with us we need you!!
Prayer is the most awesome power in the universe, not only for yourself, but on behalf of others as well. God’s power is yours through prayer. When you pray the righteous way in praise of God’s gifts, in humbleness as a sinner needing a savior, in acknowledgement of His power and love, in thankfulness for what He has done for all mankind, you are recognizing the God of all Creation. When we ask in humbleness for God’s power to change a circumstance, protect a loved one, or change a hard heart, we are asking the God of compassion and kindness to allow this to be His will and if God, in His perfect wisdom, does not, then we pray to the Holy Spirit within us, for the wisdom to understand and accept God’s will and for a heart that will continue to love.
I watch this over and over and it really motivates me to pray and spend time with Jesus and the saints and His Holy Mother. The Jesus Prayer is.. I absolutely agree…The Greatest prayer of petition asking ONLY FOR MERCY!!
Verily, verily, this is a beautiful contribution to heal the worlds worries – actually the only means.
God bless you!
Faith is the foundation of Christianity. Faith creates a tangible system in which Christians can live and work. Isn’t it true that having faith that a divine plan for all exists within this system? If so, then why do we pray selfish prayers asking for intervention in health and welfare matters? These events are afterall, part of the divine plan. Who are we to change the course of this plan? Our discussions with God, should be of appreciation for the life he has given us. We should pray to understand the divine plan is just that and accpet the consequences. Our prayer should allow us to bare our conscience as a means of therapy as the good Biship describes. We should pray for our confidence to minister appropriately to those in need. Please, stop the selfish prayers. Believe in God and his plan. Find ways to have faith in the plan and to interject yourself with confidence for the betterment of others.
JRob,
You must be careful not to go to extremes regarding petitionary prayers. The Church has always endorsed praying for our physical and spiritual needs. This is also a biblical concept:
James 5:13-15:
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
According to your standards, James is advocating praying for “selfish” reasons. Of course, one can go too far and look at God as a cosmic vending machine, but it is very Christian to pray for our needs and the needs of others.
I think, this is a very 1 sided view of God. God does everything for a reason. But he knows if you pray, or if you pray only when you want something then. God helps others, who help themselves.