Ask Angie: “Why Pray?”
Posted on 02. May, 2011 by Angie Wyatt in Ask Angie, Blog
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I received the following “Ask Angie” question from an anonymous viewer:
Why pray? I have been praying for a lady and her two kids, who are in a horrible custody battle with a man who is abusive. I have been praying (and others also) for 7 years and nothing has changed. Why pray? Good and bad things happen to everyone whether they pray or not, whether they even believe in God or not. When was the last time something happened in your life that could not be explained in any other way other than God made it happen? I can’t think of anything and I don’t know anyone who can say honestly, “this thing that happened in my life can ONLY be explained because God made it happen.”
Dear Why Pray,
It certainly is hard to find something in life that can only be explained because God made it happen. That’s because God rarely works independently of people. He wants to collaborate with us. That was the intent of His design. God created us with a free will, so that we can become co-creators with God. Our decisions, imaginations and desires all have creative implications. And, God wants to be intimately included in every area of life affective by our free choice and our creative will.
I can honestly say that meeting my husband only happened because of God. Yet, it’s also true that we dated and made a commitment to one another. I can honestly say that my last job only happened because of God. Yet, it’s also true that I pursued the appropriate education before applying for the position. I can honestly say that waking up this morning with the sun in my eyes only happened because of God. Yet, I chose to open my eyes. God works with us to amplify our natural abilities and position us for our destiny. Once in position, we must walk the path.
Why pray? The purpose of prayer is not to get God to do something that we want Him to do. Instead, prayer is intended to help align our will and desire with God’s will.
It’s absolutely disheartening to want change, but not see it. That doesn’t mean that prayer doesn’t work. It just works differently and on a different timetable than what we want.
When faced with unanswered prayers, I encourage you to image how you might pray differently. In your present situation, pray for the children – pray that they would have peace and safety. Pray that they would be strengthened as a result of their difficult upbringing. Pray that they would have an overcoming story to share with the world. Pray for the abusive father that God would change his heart. Pray for the parents – that they would collaborate with God. Then, pray that God will make you a shining example of His love in the midst of this difficult situation.
Most importantly, and I cannot stress this enough, discover what God is saying to you in the midst of your tension. Living with unanswered prayer makes us feel uneasy, out-of-control and confused about God. In these times of seeming chaos, God may be nearer than you think. I have found that the times of greatest tension, ultimately have the greatest spiritual impact.
God doesn’t promise to keep us from suffering; but He does promise to be with us, to strength us and to give us peace. I encourage you to continue in prayer. You’re asking the tough questions, and that is a really good thing! God is faithful.
With Prayerful Consideration,
Angie
Readers, what has happened in your life that can only be explained because God made it happen? How did you collaborate with God?
5 Responses to “Ask Angie: “Why Pray?””
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Swiss Rose
03. May, 2011
Pray to get in connection/speak with God—Angie you told: I can honestly say that meeting my husband only happened because of God.—God made your Dad and Donna persuade you to get in touch with Chris. – Your Dad felt deep in his body, he is the man for you!!! – - God not aways gives you what you want/wish to get but he gives you what you need. – Blessings Rose
Al
03. May, 2011
Angie,
You made some great points and wanted to add that people tend to forget that it rains on the just and unjust. I do believe in the power of prayer. And, sometimes people don’t like the answers or to its wait.
Additionally, we as humans are to help one another and should fellowship with one another in God’s love and support. And, in that fellowship to possibly work together to provide a means or help provide solutions. We don’t fellowship like we used too…and would also say that is part of this bigger problem, and to what it really meant into the overall big picture of God’s design.
Question:
Would God heal a nation by only prayer? God answers…
but, yet there are times that we all we miss those above points.
Thank you for a great blog article and keep up the great work!
jenny clemas
05. May, 2011
This has long been a favourite story of mine.
A rabbi was walking along his local high street when he met up with Jacob. “Jacob” he said “Why haven’t I seen you in the synagogue recently?”
Jacob answered “I no longer believe in God – he hasn’t answered my prayer”.
“Oh” replied the rabbi ” and what was your prayer?”
“I prayed that I would win the lottery and God ignored me”
“But he didn’t” came the gentle reply “He just said ‘No’”.
`RICHARD
03. Jun, 2011
Great post, good point most people don’t see it this way. They think when they pray, it suppose just happen, but it doesn’t work that way. Remember God has a reason for everything.
You also got to see it this way, he taking care 6.3 billion children.
Freddyjr
23. Jul, 2011
Great post. This is very true, I agree most people expect more than what they can get or more than what can really happen. Praying should be just for faith and not a source of wishes or sort of. Faith is what makes us believe and believing means getting closer to achieving.
Thanks for this article, very interesting topic!!