Unanswered and Answered Prayers Flashcards
what is a prayer?
the way in which religious believers communicate with God
what may prayers be?
may be private, individual or corporate (when a number of people pray together)
may be formal or spontaneous (when people make up a prayer to meet a particular need)
what do some believers practice?
meditation
what is meditation? what do you do?
uiet form of prayer, where believers focus their thoughts entirely on God
the meditator simply sits still and concentrates on God
what do Christians believe about God answering prayers?
although God listens and answers prayers, he does not answer all prayers
God answers prayers in his own way and that he always does what it is best
quote Jesus about prayers
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)
Adoration and Worship
when Christians pray about God’s greatness, praising God
Confession and Penitence
when Christians say sorry for all they have done wrong and ask for forgiveness and promising not to do them again
Intercession
when Christians pray for the needs of the people, ask God for help and guidance
Thanksgiving
Christians say thank you to God for all that he has given
Petition
when Christians pray for their own needs and ask for God’s help
what does prayer mean to religious believers?
‘power of prayer’
prayers change things
brings them closer to God
personal relationship to God
how does prayer help affirm belief in God?
when people are answered, this is evidence to the existence of God
close connection, relationship with God
feel God
what is the link between the Classical Theist’s Interpretation of God’s Attributes and unanswered prayers?
omni-benevolent = should want to answer omniscient = knows people prayer but ignores omni-potent = should be able to answer prayers
why do unanswered prayers lead people away from faith in God?
why does God answer some people’s prayers but not others?
praying for general good things and God not helping
continuation of unanswered prayers
if he was all good and powerful he would answer
he doesn’t always want to help you personally
God is dead (Nietzsche)
their faith is tested if they pray in faith at times of hardship and nothing happens
