(Serious question)
The man is the Vicar of Christ. I’d think God has all the information He needs about the Pope to have decided what’s going to happen to him before and after his death. What, exactly, is the purpose of praying for him? I’ve heard calls for prayers from both laypersons and officials of the Church. I just don’t understand the purpose of prayer (except to benefit the person doing the praying, I guess).
Someone help me here.
Yeah really…if he ain’t getting in, who is?
Perhaps the calls for prayer are really for a reduction in his suffering or a peaceful end to his life.
Yeah really…if he ain’t getting in, who is?
Perhaps the calls for prayer are really for a reduction in his suffering or a peaceful end to his life.
So, is God gonna say “well, all right, if you all insist”?
I view it as a peaceful end to his life here on Earth and a quiet reflection of the good he has done during his tenure.
Prayer for those who do it is personal and takes on many different forms.
The man is the Vicar of Christ.
Can I quote you on that? 
**I’d think God has all the information He needs about the Pope to have decided what’s going to happen to him before and after his death. What, exactly, is the purpose of praying for him? **
I don’t think people generally pray to keep God updated on current events. God manages to stay current all by Himself, I think.
There are a lot of reasons people are praying for the pope; so that his suffering in what appears to be his final moments is eased, so that God grants him the strength and grace to deal with that suffering well, etc etc.
The man is the Vicar of Christ.
Can I quote you on that?
**I’d think God has all the information He needs about the Pope to have decided what’s going to happen to him before and after his death. What, exactly, is the purpose of praying for him? **
I don’t think people generally pray to keep God updated on current events. God manages to stay current all by Himself, I think.
There are a lot of reasons people are praying for the pope; so that his suffering in what appears to be his final moments is eased, so that God grants him the strength and grace to deal with that suffering well, etc etc.
This is what I don’t understand. Do people believe that their prayers changes God’s mind, or influences Him in his decision-making? As you said, doesn’t He “read the papers” all the time?
Yes, of course, there are lots (and I mean lots) of people who believe that God actually hears, and sometimes chooses to answer their prayers.
Others, simply use prayer to achieve peace in their own lives.
I’m sure there’s about a gazillion other reasons why people pray as well. But I get the feeling you’re looking to tear apart the illogical absurdity of the first…that’s like shooting fish in a barrel.
Good points. Why wish for anything? Why hope? Why pray? Why be thankful … Why not? Who’s getting hurt when you wish for good things to happen to others? Even if you feel God does not exist where is the harm?
Good points. Why wish for anything? Why hope? Why pray? Why be thankful … Why not? Who’s getting hurt when you wish for good things to happen to others? Even if you feel God does not exist where is the harm?
You seem to be confirming my view that prayer is for the person praying. I was asking if there is some church-based belief that prayer actually effects action by God. Nobody here seems to be willing or able to give me that information.
Good points. Why wish for anything? Why hope? Why pray? Why be thankful … Why not? Who’s getting hurt when you wish for good things to happen to others? Even if you feel God does not exist where is the harm?
You seem to be confirming my view that prayer is for the person praying. I was asking if there is some church-based belief that prayer actually effects action by God. Nobody here seems to be willing or able to give me that information.
The question you raise is that of faith. Faith is accepting that in the end, God’s will be done. It’s a matter of faith whether or not God listens to one’s prayers. It’s a matter of faith that believers accept God’s will.
I was asking if there is some church-based belief that prayer actually effects action by God.
Oh. I misunderstood the question, I guess. Maybe partially because I figured that since you went to a Quaker school, you already know the answer to your actual question.
Of course there’s belief that prayer actually effects action by God. Ask, and ye shall receive.
The question you raise is that of faith. Faith is accepting that in the end, God’s will be done. It’s a matter of faith whether or not God listens to one’s prayers. It’s a matter of faith that believers accept God’s will.
Brian - I think you’ve been listening to too many Donald Rumsfeld press conferences. As far as I can tell, this is a really long-winded way of not even coming close to answering Ken’s question. "There are known unknowns, and then there are unknown unknowns . . . "
The question he asked concerns matters of faith.
(Serious question)
The man is the Vicar of Christ. I’d think God has all the information He needs about the Pope to have decided what’s going to happen to him before and after his death. What, exactly, is the purpose of praying for him? I’ve heard calls for prayers from both laypersons and officials of the Church. I just don’t understand the purpose of prayer (except to benefit the person doing the praying, I guess).
Someone help me here.
Because Im Catholic and he prays for us. Its all about sharing the love…