If God is Good, Why Do We Need to Pray?

Today, Fr. Mike delves into this age-old question.

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[jannier]

When my mom was in the hospital and dying, I prayed so hard for her to be healed. When she died, I went into the hospital bathroom and sat on the floor crying and praying and was telling God that I prayed so hard for Him to heal her and He didn’t. As I said that, I realize He had indeed answered my prayer by giving her ultimate healing, taking her to heaven where there is no more pain or tears.

[pattisiedlicki]

I’ve always thought about this scenario when I’ve asked God for something in prayer….if a child were to see a beautiful, shiny knife that to him looks so good to play with, would a loving father allow him to have it? No, because it would hurt him. I like to believe that when God says no to my prayer requests, He knows that this request may hurt me or is not His will for me. It’s all about trusting that He knows better than anyone what is best for us, for others, and for the sake of our souls. Thank you, Father Mike!

[marypinakat]

*"... we pray because we believe that in some degree our prayer is cooperating with what God wants for us ..."* Thank you Fr. Mike for yet another brilliant ray of light☆

[MaryPMcFee]

I love something news anchor Elizabeth Vargas once said: "God doesn't say, 'no' to us. He says, 'Yes', or 'Not now', and the best of all, 'I have something better for you.'"

[christinelivebird]

Prayer has changed me so much. The rosary of the Seven Sorrows has been my lifesaver. Kept me away from serious sin, brought healing to my family, converted the hearts of those I love. Everything Our Lady promises she has done. Please consider the daily praying of the rosary. You will never be the same

[davidmorton]

I pray every morning with you Father Mike and Bible in a year! I have rediscovered my Catholic faith and you are a large part of it even though you and I have never met. It began last year when my parish priest helped me with my first confession in 30 years, encouraged me to pray every morning and I started reading scripture and praying 30-45 minutes every morning, then I discovered you and ascension presents, God must have willed it. I have missed your videos, but I keep watching out for you and today you made e video that I was happy to watch. You must be busy, but I pray for you and my fellow Bible in a year friends and I want you to know you have helped me come back to God and Jesus and Mary. God bless you Father Mike and make sure you get enough sleep, many of us enjoy you
!

[eyesofamessenger]

To me, prayer is like writing letters to God... 🙏✝

[dianemangold]

I always smile when I listen to your teachings and I am 71 years old, God Bless you Father Mike

[LaserFace]

Not the greatest source of theology (or the greatest movie, haha), but one of the musings on prayer that really stuck out to me is from the movie Evan Almighty -- God, appearing as a waiter, says to the mother character in a restaurant "When a man prays to God for patience, does he just ZAP him with patience, or does He give him the opportunity to practice patience? And when a woman prays to get closer to her family, does He just force them closer together, or does He give them the opportunity to grow closer together?"
Prayer, to me, has a primary purpose of "getting in line" with God's plan. If you know a particular area in which you're lacking, prayer can be a great way to re-align yourself to God's plan to provide to you in that way, since after all, He already knew you were lacking in that area and has been waiting for you to ask for help, and now that you've prayed, you have the chance to actually be more aware of all the ways and opportunities God is providing to you to become more like what He wants you to be.

[deegibbons]

Since praying the Rosary, I have found faith.. become Catholic and I'm addiction free..and away from all prescription drugs..also a lot more peace in life .I really feel like I've been found from being so lost in darkness..Hail Mary and Praise God 🙏🏻✝️💕..

[clairet]

When I was a teenager, for years I was unrequitedly in love with my friend and this was the topic of many a prayer. One day, out of nowhere, while I was washing dishes at work, I felt an extreme peace and joy, and love of God, and I heard a “voice” in my mind say, “God only says No when He has something better in mind.” I was not sure in particular what this was referring to, but it resonated as true. The very next day, after not having talked in a while, my friend contacted me and it resulted in a conversation where he rejected me for a final time. This would have shattered me but the consolation of the prior day helped. Still, I was in turmoil about it for a week, considered looking at convents. One day I was laying on my college dorm bed crying and suddenly decided to just go out, talk to people, and forget about my problems for a while instead of wallowing in it. That very night I met my future husband.

[cinty]

Prayer is a powerful tool against the enemy. God bless you always Fr. Mike!

[seans.]

It is difficult sometimes to determine whether it is our "Yes, no, or wait" or God's. We must be certain that it is His will that is being done, and not ours. Thank you so much, Fr. Mike. God bless.

[henryliu]

Father, thank you so much for your videos that are instrumental to my reversion to the faith!

[Coasterr]

Here is what I know. Prayer makes me feel better.

[berinaemy]

My Grandma is really sick and I’m just hoping God is hearing my prayers..
Just a little bit more time, please🙏

[livingpurgatory]

Jesus, Mary, I love you save souls!
Thank you Father!
Reparation prayer saves a soul & repairs 1000 blasphemies.
Impirmatur Cardinal Fossati, Turin, Italy.1949

[AJ-jpfz]

Please look up the 15 Promises Mother Mary gave to St. Dominic for those who pray the Joyful, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary every day. Before immediately thinking “I don’t have time, ” remember these are PROMISES given by Mother Mary! Skip a TV episode, wake up 20 mins earlier, pray at night as a family etc. Praying 3-4 Rosaries a day has completely transformed my life, and I urge anyone reading to pray at least 1 Rosary every single day.

[geebabyone]

Stay sober and vigilant Father You already aye

[collettewhitney]

Farther Mike thank you for your Wounderful speech at the March for life 💞💞💞✝️🙏