I would really like to hear some answered prayer stories, I am interested to see how God has worked in others life's, I feel the testimonial besides being interesting would be a good faith lift for me. anyone care to tell any???
Every time I've asked God for something, I was let down. Don't get me wrong, I never asked to wake up with a new car, a big house or the hottest body, just simple things, like 'It's not my moms fault, can you give her a break?'.
Yes, but why is it the only time we talk to God is when we are asking for something ? I mean think about it like this . If you had a friend who only came to see you when they wanted or needed something . Eventually you would say no and no longer consider them a friend , correct ? Just someone who uses you for their own selfish wants . On the other hand say you had a friend who came to see you every day , helped you and really cared about you . Was just happy to have a relationship with YOU . Then logically when that friend needed your help with a problem or a helping hand , you would give it willingly and happily . Why is it we only call on Gods name when we are in dire situations and need help , or when we are having sex ? Both to me seem disrespectful . Yet it's what we do , and the only time we really talk to him .
Though I agree that this is often the case, I can't be the only one to acknowledge the 'Great Spirit' that guides, protects and inspires upon a life I have been fortunate to live? I often think and relate to others in times of despair - "No matter how bad you think your life is, there are far many more people in worse positions than yourself" - for those periods are often only matters of temporary inconvinience - and a simple and short mental verse of appreciation is not that big a deal - I guess its just a matter of Faith "And in the end, the Love you take, is equal to the Love, you make" = The BeaTles eace:
Off the top of my head, I can relate 2 "requests", or prayer journey for the first one and refer you to the Pets & Animals section here and the thread titled "Cat trapped in building & renter/owner a-holes". The story f i n a l l y ended well...and I have no doubt whatsoever that it was the power of God that caused that situation to turn out well. No earthly authority could care less nor was any body in a "legal position" willing to help as more and more time passed. God and/or His angels, I have no doubt, gave BB over to (my personal) Moses. Too many people too many places were praying for the outcome to have come out any differently, especially when the evil renter was confronted by a big righteous dude. There is another (more) current thread about the Lord's Prayer by Ddoright in either this or the Christianity section in which I explained that in 2 different situations Calling Out to God, with faith, almost without conscious thought; stopped me from being raped and killed. Prayer without faith is to me like thinking you're going to hold water in a colander.
I so totally agree with you on this. ^ If we, any of us, have a chance at any kind of true happiness, I personally think we need to talk to, have a relationship with the Higher Power. I call this God...this may just undo some people; but I think one reason God has listened to my prayers is because I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk, too. ya' know? No, I cannot imagine crying out to God only in times of need...how selfish, huh?...like so many ppl I know. Not to get off the main topic, for I am sure there are other true stories; and I'd about bet they are from ppl that give God thanks on a regular basis...etc. I know I do. I personally think it's good to put your money where your mouth is, so to speak...as in tithing...tho that's sort of a different story too.
When I was very young, I prayed to God to save my little cousin from the leukemia she fought so hard and valiantly against. God certainly answered my prayer, very loudly - He said "no". The funeral was horrible and I cried for weeks. Still do at times. She was such a sweet little innocent, always smiling through her suffering.
oh my, Amyoxl, I am so sorry to hear about that. When the young go, I do think they go straight into the arms of Jesus; however, it is instances such as you describe that are hardest, particularly for those left here. Even "seasoned christians" often experience a "test of faith" (I'm not sure of the right, true word or phrase) when the life of a child, a young person, or innocent is involved.
Amyoxl, I think what your experience demonstrates is that God always does answer, it just is not always "yes". Expecting our wishes forgets the petition "Your will be done" and turns prayer into a pizza order (to use a phrase from Jacques Derrida). I know everytime I pray, it has an effect, just maybe not what I want or expect. There are times I know of its effect (my confessions for example). I also routinely pray for the souls of those who have died. God hears those prayers. If the souls of the deceased is glorified in Heaven, or, sadly, condemned, then the prayers effect is transfered to one in need (i.e. in Purgatory).
I just recently started praying again, although I don't necessarily believe in God. I do believe in putting positive energy out there to get positive results back, and that is essentially the point of praying. Many times when I am praying and wholeheartedly want what I am praying for, the answer just comes to me. Its like "Oh, I am a dumbass. The solution was there in front of my face the whole time." I think in that sense, praying serves the purpose of clearing the mind and allowing one to think logically. Sometimes thinking logically has more to do with thinking with the heart than the mind
