What Is the Point of Prayer (TIS398)

The Idahoan gives an answer to the question, "If God has already determined the future, what is the point of prayer?"

[rickoshea]

God is not bound by time. He can change the detail of what happens without upsetting His plan.

We cannot be held responsible for our decisions and actions, unless we have free will.

[Siskiyous]

This is one of your best videos, and an important insight into prayer.

[stefanmolnapor]

Interesting topic and thoughts on it, Thanks!

[fletcher]

A very good explanation of how prayer works. Thank you.

[noryb]

I have found prayer to be highly insightful and comforting. My prayers often move past the protect me and give me stuff, they move into the be with me through the good and tough times.
But I suppose that is a give me - give me your presence and give me enough wisdom to make the best decision based on my experience and let me know you are suffering or joyful with me. Also I ask for only enough disciplining to get my attention to make better decisions next time.

Thanks for the dialogue!

[sinisterthoughts]

I appreciate you mentioning the dialogue, its something I do, and it does make you more aware of your blessings. Not to mention it reminds one of their humility. Extra comment for the algorithm.

[brianr]

I enjoyed your explainations on the question, and the only thing that i can think of that i would add is simply this….
“If God has already determined the future, what is the point of prayer?”…..
Answer: to spend time with our Creator!
Anytime we go into prayer (God answering or not) the benefit is for us. When folks go to hell, the biggest torment would be that God is not with them, or God is not there. In heaven, God is forever there with us. We are in training to be with Him, and spending time with Him bc we love Him reguardless if He answers or not. But that also opens the knowing God’s will, and praying accordingly….
Great video! It gives a lot to think about…one last thing….
The bible tells us to pray without ceasing

[sinisterthoughts]

An interesting question that I consider rather regularly. I have my faith and pray regularly, but it often comes up in the midst of the prayer "please watch over whose-n-who, which you already are since you're omniscient, well, help them... please, if you want, which you already were if you did want to... I'm just gonna leave this to your divine wisdom, Amen."

[Friedbrain]

Yahweh gave us free will so that our actions determine in the end where we are going to be. Our souls are tempered here on Earth. Yahweh said we could change things and avoid the end times but we have not chosen that route. I pray to Yahweh for guidance and to help others. I also pray for people to be given sight to see the truth of their ways. Yahweh wants us to talk to him. We do that through prayer.

[feetoorourke]

Maybe its just me, but I don't really get praying to God for something specific. I give Him thanks for the blessings He's provided for me, but I don't go much further past that. Maybe asking for wisdom in raising the family He's blessed me with.

[xxxlonewolf]

Because The Bible SAYS to pray. Prayer is not just asking for things. It is simply SPEAKING TO GOD.
HE wants to be our friend. Friends talk. Spend time together.

[ZappyOh]

I like your take, with the multiple choice story idea.

I personally only have one "problem" with the entire thing, God's plan for us, if you will.
I'm not convinced that eternal life is a prize I want to win. I kinda had enough already :(

[wolfwind]

Predestination is from the 16th century and seeks to bring back pagan concepts like fate. You are no longer a free agent that accepts the gift of salvation and to follow the will of God its just "fate" from and outside force that you do or not.

This line of thinking came about more than 1600 years after Christ. Just putting it out there.

[olskool]

has it ever occurred to you that nothing ever occurred to God? he is not bound by time; he lives in the ever-present future. wherever you go God is already there. he already knows the beginning from the end. he knew before the foundations of the earth that you would be and everything you would be and do, but you do have a freewill. God said, whosoever will. you have a

[olskool]

prayers are to get you in line with God, not to get God in line with