Why Pray if God Has Already Decided Everything?
How do we reconcile the fact that God has predetermined every event with the power of prayer to actually change things? According to John MacArthur, author of The Power of Praying, the answer lies in a correct understanding of God’s providential determination.
Determinism ≠ Fatalism
Most Calvinists believe in determinism, which holds that God has predetermined every single event (not to be confused with fatalism, which holds that our choices have no bearing on the future). What happens in the future is determined by what we do and pray in the present.
Prayer Changes the Future
God responds to prayer in both Scripture and our experience. Moses prayed for food and water for the Israelites; Hannah prayed for a child; Elijah prayed for drought and then rain. To say that we don’t need to pray because God has already decided everything is ridiculous.
God Ordains Our Prayers
God has ordained his interventions to be in response to faith-fueled petitions, so if your understanding of God’s providence leads you to pray less, you need to rethink your understanding.
What’s the point of praying if God already has a plan?
Prayer is communication with God. Because everything we need can be found in God and His Word, prayer is essential when seeking God’s plan and will for our lives. When we pray, God hears us and responds. We can also learn more about God’s heart and plan when we communicate with Him through prayer.
Why pray if everything is predestined?
u201cIf God’s providence ordains all things that come to pass according to the immutable law of His purpose, then what need is there for prayer? We cannot change God’s decrees with our most fervent prayers.u201d
Does God hear my prayers LDS?
We are taught in the Bible that if we address God with faith and real intent, He will always hear our prayers and will answer them; in our hearts, we will feel the confirmation that He does hear us, a sense of peace and calm.
Why is prayer important LDS?
Prayer is a faith-based act in which we petition our heavenly Father for assistance with our needs; it is not a means of changing God, but rather a means of changing ourselves as we submit our minds and hearts to his will.
Does prayer change God?
We, like Abraham, frequently pray for things. u201cI, the Lord, do not change.u201d (Malachi 3:6) The idea of praying to change God’s will is arrogant, as it implies that we know better than God. In Gethsemane, Jesus set the example by praying for God’s will to be done, not His own.
Does prayer really matter?
Prayer, for example, can be a reliable source of self-soothing and self-comfort when one is in pain, grieving a loss, or dealing with traumatic events, according to research.
Is everything predestined by God?
One cannot change one’s destiny; everything is predetermined; and, while even god cannot help, putting one’s trust in him will make one feel less burdened.
Should we pray about everything?
‘Do not be concerned about anything; instead, pray about everything, telling God what you need and thanking him for everything he has done, and you will experience God’s peace, which is beyond our comprehension.’
Why is it good to pray?
Prayer can help you understand how you feel about God and your faith, according to Baylor University research, and you may receive a response in some form depending on your relationship with God and how you pray to him.
Does God hear all of our prayers?
I’ve come to the conclusion that God hears all who pray, but that we must live the commandments and seek him in order to receive his answers. Prayer is a form of communication between God and man, and our questions to the Lord in prayer for knowledge and wisdom should be faithful questions.
Why does God not answer my prayers LDS?
Part of the problem could be that he doesn’t recognize the Lord’s voice, or that he doesn’t know how it feels to have a prayer answered, so he doesn’t recognize the answer when it comes. There are many ways prayers can be answered, and Joseph Smith had many of them.
Does God hear every pray?
While this may appear harsh, it is simply the truth: God does not hear every prayer that is offered to him; rather, God hears the prayers of those who put their faith in him.
Who do Mormons worship?
The Redeemer, Jesus Christ, is the central figure in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ doctrine and practice. [viii] He is the prototype of all saved beings, the standard of salvation. [ix] Jesus explained that “no man cometh unto the Father but by me” (John 14:6).
How often should we pray LDS?
We should each pray privately at least every night and every morning, as the scriptures instruct us to do (see Alma 34:21). We are also commanded to have family prayers in order to bless our families (see 3 Nephi 18:21).
What to say in an LDS prayer?
Start the prayer with a respectful greeting, such as “God, my Heavenly Father,” or a similar, formal greeting. If praying with a group, everyone should say in unison, “God, our Heavenly Father.” Speak or think your prayer sincerely.