A story about prayer
- Thread starter franklin
- Start date
I respect your atheism and all, but I don't really agree with that based on one experience I had with my two older kids:
We were in Southern Utah boating with a my parents, sister, an uncle and his gf. We'd been boating all day, with some staying on the beach while others boated, and then switching. Late in the afternoon we noticed a storm start to come in. We decided to pack up and head in before the storm hit. So my wife, my two older kids (6 and 3 at the time), my dad, and I jumped in the boat while everyone else went to the cars. We headed to the dock to meet my uncle, who was going to back the trailer in so we could pull the boat off the water. We didn't beat the storm. The wind picked up something fierce. We were fighting 4-5 foot swells (I know these aren't really that bad, but it's the worst I've seen on a small lake in a 20' family boat) that grew from there and some really strong wind. Then it started to rain. We put the bow cover on the boat and sent my kids under there to keep them as dry and out of the way as possible. When the waves starting coming up and over the bow of the boat, they were really freaked out and crying. My wife went under to keep them calm, but it didn't really work. She did things like sing Primary songs with them and tell them stories trying to get their minds elsewhere. After about 10 minutes of this with no results, my wife and I traded places and I went climbed under there and we said a prayer. Within 3 minutes of saying the prayer, both of my kids were snoring. The weather hadn't lessened, but they were asleep.
I have no doubt that the parents staying calm plays a huge part in these situations, but I KNOW WITHOUT A DOUBT that prayer worked. It's just that simple for me.
Meanwhile, 50 babies were born with AIDS in Africa.
And?
And you don't see anything wrong with thinking that the essence of all creation is running around casting drowsiness spells on children and doing you other small favors while so much suffering goes unheeded?
Not sure how that correlates, Siro. In one story you have parents that live a good lifestyle (making assumptions) and are spending time as a family. They pray when a real need presents itself and their prayers are answered. In the other story .. well, it's not the same. I suspect you are a non-believer (no slight to you) that wonders why a loving God allows such travesties in the world as children being born with AIDS. We all have these thoughts from time to time .. but the truth (as I believe) is we are burdened with free-will and our decisions have the ability to impact not only our lives directly, but those our lives touch.
I believe that God's heart is touched by prayer, I believe these children's lives are anything but a waste, anything but meaningless. Some may be healed by God in this life, while others may die, but not without having a profound impact on other's that knew them for the shortest of times.
God is about love. One day, we will all understand the mysteries and see His perfect plan. This, of course, is my belief .. and I respect yours.
And yet, so many horrible things happen to ALL kinds of people all the time. I've met devout believers of all faiths who have lost everything. Some still believe, after all if something good happens it is a gift from the gods, and if something bad happens, then they must be testing your faith! And I've seen the opposite. I've seen great things happen to terrible people. And I've seen even better things happen to great people. I've heard of so many answered prayers, and so many others ignored.
It is almost as if there is no divine intervention whatsoever! But then again, a true god would want it to appear that way! I suppose logic and reason can never defeat desperate ardor.
Thanks.
My wife and I both told calming stories during the first 45 minutes. I think a meditation angle would be a better analogy than a story.
I only speak (or in this case write) about my own personal experiences and thoughts. I don't pretend to know why I am fortunate enough to have the type of life I have while so many others suffer everyday. There is no doubt it sucks. But like I said, in that instance, my God answered my prayer. I am grateful for that.
What does colton's still small voice feel like?
Actually I was thinking about stickying it.
Is there anything more minor than a minor miracle?
Gyp Rosetti
Banned
I obviously don't know you and wasn't there, but in my opinion, your words probably assuaged his fears. That's it.
Edit: I'm not sure why I responded to this post of yours to say that. Just my overall opinion on the matter.
Archie Moses
Well-Known Member
I think it's something way beyond testing people's faith. I think it has to do with the fall of Adam. How familiar are you with that?
Very familiar. An entire species damned after two people broke an arbitrary anti-fruit law. It's not as convincing a response as you think.
Archie Moses
Well-Known Member
What do you think I think of it? What you said? If you do, you're mistaken.
What are you saying?