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| Topic: Prayer anybody? | |
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Edited by
AthenaRose2
on
Thu 06/12/14 11:40 PM
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^^ All meant in good gesture, not intended as a personal attack on your thoughts and opinions. Seems to me that one's conscience wouldn't have guided them to post an explanation of their behavior or intent if all was meant from a place of good will to start with. It was actually a sarcastic disclaimer joke... Not so much an explanation. .. I know exactly how it was meant. And it's apparent by this position that being a disruptive element is much enjoyed. It certainly shows the weight of character it takes to employ such a maneuver. As everyone can see just how narrowminded you actually are as well... It's funny how you quickly discard responses that you know nothing about and write it off as it does not apply to your topic. Then try to brush it off by saying you will stick to the things that interest you... If you already have a preconceived notion as to what everybody should say, why even ask a question? I think you're hardly in a position to attack anyone's character lady, you allow five second Internet searches to formulate your opinions and do not possess the ability to let passionate responses stimulate your brain. Your ignorance is preceded by your contempt prior to investigation... Is it any wonder that the only source of entertainment you can possibly find is the countless hours that you spend behind the computer screen every day? If you have so many answers great wild one, why don't you go help someone less fortunate, why don't you try putting someone else ahead of you, why don't you forget about yourself and your feelings, why don't you stop trying to be so understood? Surely this will lead you closer to God than a simple prayer? I am sure that you already knew that though. Why don't you try to go be a productive member of society instead of being a leech on peoples feelings and insight that you know nothing about.... I think its amazing that you've been allowed to use this platform to personally attack and insult me. And I'm sure you're just lurking in the shadows waiting to read my response so you can gear up for another shot at me. You obviously need a whole lot of prayer to help you focus your eyes, mind and heart on your higher power instead of on me and what I do or don't do with my time online. What? No more free shots? This is a thread about prayer and forgiveness, about asking God for strength to overcome our burdens, and to bless our enemies who would spitefully abuse us. Isn't it? oh, wait a minute, my bad, I forgot to laugh 
there... 
now I can hide behind the sarcastic joke I just made... 
but I better not forget to ask God to forgive me for being such an a$$... 
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listen to me brother these words are true
the message is free, it has been given unto you if you abide these rules and live life right eternity is yours and you shall delight get down on your knees and pray with all your might to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords....Jesus Christ now don't you grow up to be no fool live your life by the golden rule do unto others as you want done to you and you'll reap the reward that is oh so true get down on your knees and pray with all your might to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords....Jesus Christ ******************************************************************************* this is a song i wrote quite some time ago when my Christian faith was strong...with age comes wisdom and i have become much more tolerant of other religious beliefs and practices since then...be it through Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Siddartha or even Joseph Smith....The Almighty hears the prayers of all mankind who are pure of heart.... |
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listen to me brother these words are true the message is free, it has been given unto you if you abide these rules and live life right eternity is yours and you shall delight get down on your knees and pray with all your might to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords....Jesus Christ now don't you grow up to be no fool live your life by the golden rule do unto others as you want done to you and you'll reap the reward that is oh so true get down on your knees and pray with all your might to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords....Jesus Christ ******************************************************************************* this is a song i wrote quite some time ago when my Christian faith was strong...with age comes wisdom and i have become much more tolerant of other religious beliefs and practices since then...be it through Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Siddartha or even Joseph Smith....The Almighty hears the prayers of all mankind who are pure of heart.... Nice song... thank you for sharing it... and wisdom comes by experience. |
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you're welcome Athena,.....with age comes wisdom,
check Job 32:7 and Job 12:12 i think the quote most famous is "with experience comes knowledge and with age comes wisdom" ....anyway, that's the way my father used to say it... |
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? No... Take a look at 12 step programs, they are not religious programs, but spiritual based programs and produce positive results every day. 12 step programs say you can choose any god of your understanding, so to some it could possibly be the door knob... If prayer is not working for one, perhaps one should stop praying selfishly... And fox hole prayers typically do not produce grand results either. Per your suggestion... in reviewing the 12-step program definition online, it appears to be a set of spiritual principles used to help overcome one's self destructive addictions and the adverse consequences resulting from the possibly errant behavior towards others corresponding to the use of the drug or substance of choice. It also appears to be a program that requires a level of codependence on others whose goal it is to assist the addicted in remaining foreign substance free. These are the original twelve steps as published by Alcoholics Anonymous: 1) We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable. 2) Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3) Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. 4) Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 5) Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6) Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. 7) Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. 8) Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. 9) Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 10) Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. 11) Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 12) Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. In some cases, where other twelve-step groups have adapted the AA steps as guiding principles, they have been altered to emphasize principles important to those particular fellowships, and to remove gender-biased language. 
Obviously, for those who don't have any type of religious base that includes a church family and concepts to help direct their steps back to the path of positive well being after carelessly partying too long and too hard without thought of consequence, this program and the related steps appear to be an adequate substitute in the rebuilding of one's life process. But I don't see what the 12-steps program that was created out of necessity to change possibly harmful dependent behavior and simple prayers of thanks or for spiritual guidance to the higher power we believe in have to do with each other. As for prayers not working due to one's selfishness... NO ONE can read the mind or motives of God, nor of other human beings... so just because prayers may not seem to be answered in the way we want them to be or think they should be, doesn't mean we are asking with an incorrect mindset or with ill intention. Perhaps one day you'll me someone whose lives has been changed due to a 12 step program. I have already experienced the AA program several times through the decades after I underwent major neurosurgery and was taking my pain prescription medications provided to me by my treating physicians long term. The insurance company who was paying for my pain related treatment thought they could convince me I was nothing more than an addict, a junkie wanting to get high and party, and that I had no need of real physical pain relief. Those I met and some I mingled with in the programs weren't there by choice and returned to getting high or whatever after their rehabilitation experiences were accomplished. Therefore, from my own personal experience the AA program works for those who work it while they want to do the work. Then they go back to the lives they prefer once they see the positive steps they took really didn't amount to much in the long run. The principles behind those 12 steps can be found in any religion and can be adapted to anyone's life whether there is a substance abuse problem or not. This is good to know but really has nothing to do with my original query about prayer. If you do further research into Alcoholics Anonymous, certain religions give praise to these principles and how they work in peoples lives whereas religion does not. Furthermore, check out a book called, the Road less traveled. Is it coincidence that they reference the 12 steps as being a direct pathway to God? Or check out a book called the seven habits of highly successful people by Stephen Covey. He also acknowledges the significance of twelve-step programs as being a pathway to God and interdependence. Better yet, check out the St. Francis prayer. Whether one is of Catholic religion or whatever it is a phenomenal outline for selfless prayer. I humored you on the AA topic and appreciate all the additional references on subjects obviously of interest or importance to you, but likewise, I'll stick to what is of interest to me. It is great that we have the ability to copy and paste off the Internet and choose not to speak from our own experience but then again, you certainly cannot translate something you haven't got. Thanks, hope you have a fantastic day! This is quite the proffering in response to a query about practicing Christianity and prayer. And you are correct, copying, pasting, and quoting the works of others isn't the same as sharing your own experience you can relate as first hand knowledge. Well,some People might have first-hand experience with those Twelve Steps! Besides,those Steps usually work best when there is a life-threatening Urgency! In most cases there isn't! People lose interest in practicing! If an Addict losses interest,he will wind up DEAD! |
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Edited by
AthenaRose2
on
Fri 06/13/14 03:13 AM
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? 1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear? Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. 
So being a practicing Christian must mean that those who believe in God and do their best to have a personal relationship with Jesus will suffer the same way He did when He was walking among men and trying to show us how God wants us to live and treat each other? |
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? Matthew 5:38-48 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Guess I should have reread the Scriptures to refresh my memory before broaching subjects like prayer that can be interpreted in so many different ways. |
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No, actually I'm done.
Perhaps prayer is somethimg we do to confide in our inner most selves, kind of like a persuader to do the right things, or do better? It's been said over and over throughout time, we are what we think about most. Look at successful people, they are successful because they truly believe they are successful. People are generally happy because they believe they are happy. Positive thinking produces positive results.. for instance, if I get on my knees and pray for the well being of an individual, over time I will treat that relationship (subconsciously) with that individual differntly on so on... Example- I have a good friend that doesn't believe in God or prayer, but she does practice positive thinking and giving back in all aspects of her life. She is a happy person, her marriage is healthy, she is successful in her career and in general, she does not indulge in gossip and so on.. Therefore, logic tells me that a lot of this may be centered somewhere else and not in the sky? What are your thoughts? |
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As everyone can see just how narrowminded you actually are as well... It's funny how you quickly discard responses that you know nothing about and write it off as it does not apply to your topic. Then try to brush it off by saying you will stick to the things that interest you... If you already have a preconceived notion as to what everybody should say, why even ask a question? I think you're hardly in a position to attack anyone's character lady, you allow five second Internet searches to formulate your opinions and do not possess the ability to let passionate responses stimulate your brain. Your ignorance is preceded by your contempt prior to investigation... Is it any wonder that the only source of entertainment you can possibly find is the countless hours that you spend behind the computer screen every day? If you have so many answers great wild one, why don't you go help someone less fortunate, why don't you try putting someone else ahead of you, why don't you forget about yourself and your feelings, why don't you stop trying to be so understood? Surely this will lead you closer to God than a simple prayer? I am sure that you already knew that though. Why don't you try to go be a productive member of society instead of being a leech on peoples feelings and insight that you know nothing about.... No, actually I'm done. Perhaps prayer is somethimg we do to confide in our inner most selves, kind of like a persuader to do the right things, or do better? It's been said over and over throughout time, we are what we think about most. Look at successful people, they are successful because they truly believe they are successful. People are generally happy because they believe they are happy. Positive thinking produces positive results.. for instance, if I get on my knees and pray for the well being of an individual, over time I will treat that relationship (subconsciously) with that individual differntly on so on... Example- I have a good friend that doesn't believe in God or prayer, but she does practice positive thinking and giving back in all aspects of her life. She is a happy person, her marriage is healthy, she is successful in her career and in general, she does not indulge in gossip and so on.. Therefore, logic tells me that a lot of this may be centered somewhere else and not in the sky? What are your thoughts? I opt not to engage in further conversation with you since you have such a low opinion about me and everything I have to say. |
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? 1 Peter 4:12-19 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now "If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear? Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
So being a practicing Christian must mean that those who believe in God and do their best to have a personal relationship with Jesus will suffer the same way He did when He was walking among men and trying to show us how God wants us to live and treat each other? He never said it would be an easy ride. |
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As everyone can see just how narrowminded you actually are as well... It's funny how you quickly discard responses that you know nothing about and write it off as it does not apply to your topic. Then try to brush it off by saying you will stick to the things that interest you... If you already have a preconceived notion as to what everybody should say, why even ask a question? I think you're hardly in a position to attack anyone's character lady, you allow five second Internet searches to formulate your opinions and do not possess the ability to let passionate responses stimulate your brain. Your ignorance is preceded by your contempt prior to investigation... Is it any wonder that the only source of entertainment you can possibly find is the countless hours that you spend behind the computer screen every day? If you have so many answers great wild one, why don't you go help someone less fortunate, why don't you try putting someone else ahead of you, why don't you forget about yourself and your feelings, why don't you stop trying to be so understood? Surely this will lead you closer to God than a simple prayer? I am sure that you already knew that though. Why don't you try to go be a productive member of society instead of being a leech on peoples feelings and insight that you know nothing about.... No, actually I'm done. Perhaps prayer is somethimg we do to confide in our inner most selves, kind of like a persuader to do the right things, or do better? It's been said over and over throughout time, we are what we think about most. Look at successful people, they are successful because they truly believe they are successful. People are generally happy because they believe they are happy. Positive thinking produces positive results.. for instance, if I get on my knees and pray for the well being of an individual, over time I will treat that relationship (subconsciously) with that individual differntly on so on... Example- I have a good friend that doesn't believe in God or prayer, but she does practice positive thinking and giving back in all aspects of her life. She is a happy person, her marriage is healthy, she is successful in her career and in general, she does not indulge in gossip and so on.. Therefore, logic tells me that a lot of this may be centered somewhere else and not in the sky? What are your thoughts? I opt not to engage in further conversation with you since you have such a low opinion about me and everything I have to say. Likewise. :) |
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Day by Day
My dear Lord Three things I pray To see Thee more clearly To love You more dearly Walk with You more nearly Day by Day |
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? religion.answers.wikia.com/wiki/What_is_a_practicing_christian What is a practicing christian? Many people consider they are practicing Christians because they go to church and/or take Mass or the Lord's Supper (depending on denomination). Doctrinally speaking, some denominations and Christian community churches define a practicing Christian is one who has accepted the faith by asking Jesus into their Heart (metaphorically), which means they have accepted Him as the Saviour of the world. To be a practicing Christian means to actually be of the faith, to have Jesus as their Saviour, etc. All Christians believe that Jesus Died on the Cross and was Resurrected on the Third Day (Easter). Practicing Christians may also: Have a Bible or read one. Pray on various occasions. They may attend a Christian church (one such as Catholic or Protestant) NOTE: If they attend a Mormon temple (also called Latter-Day Saints) and believe in the Book of Mormon, as well as the Holy Bible, depending on their obedience and faithfulness to Jesus Christ, they then would also be considered Christians. They are Baptised (either immersion or sprinkling) They may have taken the Holy Sacrament, sometimes called the Lord's Supper. In Catholicism, it is called Mass.
By this definition of PC it doesn't seem to be that involved or complicated. Just accepting Jesus as Savior of the world, ourselves included, owning/reading a bible maybe, and going to church on occasion makes being a Christian sound pretty easy. |
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Edited by
0ldhag
on
Sun 06/15/14 04:25 AM
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? It's the strength of our faith that makes 'prayer' work, therefore I just consider myself a form of 'god' and so nope, i believe we don't have to be practicing Christians, but we have to have a strong inner core and connectedness with ourselves in order to reach full potential of prayer. Plus I don't think it's 'god' that makes prayer work anyways..prayer is energy, and when it is collected (and focused) that's what makes it work, like meditation. But, that's just my opinion.... The idea of 'God' was just created for marketing purposes... |
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? Nope. |
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/passage.aspx?q=isaiah+1:15-20 Isiah 1:15-20 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. "Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword." For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. 
I don't know if our faith is enough to get our prayers answered the way we want them to be if our lives don't meet God's requirements of obedience to His precepts first. From the inference in the above texts, it appears that in order for our prayers to be heard by God our lives must reflect our turning away from sin, aka, evil deeds. |
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? It's the strength of our faith that makes 'prayer' work, therefore I just consider myself a form of 'god' and so nope, i believe we don't have to be practicing Christians, but we have to have a strong inner core and connectedness with ourselves in order to reach full potential of prayer. Plus I don't think it's 'god' that makes prayer work anyways..prayer is energy, and when it is collected (and focused) that's what makes it work, like meditation. But, that's just my opinion.... The idea of 'God' was just created for marketing purposes... you might have something there!
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Do you think we have to be practicing Christians in order to pray for forgiveness, strength, and burdens? Or to just thank God for His infinite mercy, love, and blessings? It's the strength of our faith that makes 'prayer' work, therefore I just consider myself a form of 'god' and so nope, i believe we don't have to be practicing Christians, but we have to have a strong inner core and connectedness with ourselves in order to reach full potential of prayer. Plus I don't think it's 'god' that makes prayer work anyways..prayer is energy, and when it is collected (and focused) that's what makes it work, like meditation. But, that's just my opinion.... The idea of 'God' was just created for marketing purposes... Well said! :) |
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