Skwim
Veteran Member
Curiously, I came across a Mormon website on prayer.
In it, it lists "four steps to prayer" which are
1) Begin your prayer [how to address god]
2) Have a conversation with God [the content of your prayer]
3) End your prayer [what to say when you're all done]
4) Act on your righteous desires, which is explained as "There is wisdom in the saying, “Pray as if everything depends on the Lord, then work as if everything depends on you.” It is in the process of doing that we often get guidance and help from God."
The fourth step here doesn't seem to be a step in prayer at all, but rather simple advice about how to proceed from then on. In any case, the real meat of the prayer lies in the "conversation" one is suppose to conduct with god. As stated in #3 one should:
Now, I have no issue with someone deriving a benefit from sharing one's hopes, desires, worries, and problems with their god. To me the benefit is purely a psychological one. One little different than what a young child may get from sharing with her teddy bear. However, the idea that one may derive god's help by asking for it is a bit problematic.
To me it implies that god is ready to help people, but only if they actually ask for it. As an omniscient being god is fully aware of your needs, but isn't about to lift a finger to help out unless you get down on your hands and knees, clasp your hands, bow your head, and utter those words that will rouse him into action.
As a non-Christian, this seems quite petty if not all out brutish and cruel: "I don't really care if you suffer or not, but as long as you asked me, sure I'll give you a break, but just keep in mind, it's only because you asked." Of course this isn't at all fool proof. Many times god will ignore prayers of help, and go on with other tasks at hand, either because you're not worthy of his assistance or he's simply not in the mood. I don't say this sarcastically, but only because a whole lot of people offer up a whole lot of prayers that go unanswered.
So what's the deal with the loving, omnibenevolent god of Abraham that he needs to be asked before lending a helping hand, which may or may not get his attention?
.
,
In it, it lists "four steps to prayer" which are
1) Begin your prayer [how to address god]
2) Have a conversation with God [the content of your prayer]
3) End your prayer [what to say when you're all done]
4) Act on your righteous desires, which is explained as "There is wisdom in the saying, “Pray as if everything depends on the Lord, then work as if everything depends on you.” It is in the process of doing that we often get guidance and help from God."
The fourth step here doesn't seem to be a step in prayer at all, but rather simple advice about how to proceed from then on. In any case, the real meat of the prayer lies in the "conversation" one is suppose to conduct with god. As stated in #3 one should:
"Speak from your heart and share your hopes and desires as well as your worries and problems. You can ask Him for help, direction, forgiveness, or healing. Whatever is on your mind, bring it to Him, acknowledging that His wisdom and timing are greater than yours. You can ask Him what He wants for you.
Share your feelings with God about others. You can pray for their needs or ask for ways you can love and help them.
Express appreciation to God for all the blessings in your life. Even challenges can be a blessing. This helps us feel humble, which keeps our hearts and minds more open to God's answers."
Share your feelings with God about others. You can pray for their needs or ask for ways you can love and help them.
Express appreciation to God for all the blessings in your life. Even challenges can be a blessing. This helps us feel humble, which keeps our hearts and minds more open to God's answers."
Now, I have no issue with someone deriving a benefit from sharing one's hopes, desires, worries, and problems with their god. To me the benefit is purely a psychological one. One little different than what a young child may get from sharing with her teddy bear. However, the idea that one may derive god's help by asking for it is a bit problematic.
To me it implies that god is ready to help people, but only if they actually ask for it. As an omniscient being god is fully aware of your needs, but isn't about to lift a finger to help out unless you get down on your hands and knees, clasp your hands, bow your head, and utter those words that will rouse him into action.
As a non-Christian, this seems quite petty if not all out brutish and cruel: "I don't really care if you suffer or not, but as long as you asked me, sure I'll give you a break, but just keep in mind, it's only because you asked." Of course this isn't at all fool proof. Many times god will ignore prayers of help, and go on with other tasks at hand, either because you're not worthy of his assistance or he's simply not in the mood. I don't say this sarcastically, but only because a whole lot of people offer up a whole lot of prayers that go unanswered.
So what's the deal with the loving, omnibenevolent god of Abraham that he needs to be asked before lending a helping hand, which may or may not get his attention?
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