Prayers

The_Hurricane

I have and do pray and I have had positive experiences as the result of prayer, yes my faith has been tested and I continue to make mistakes but I have faith that I will come through the testing times a better person.

I'll bow out of this topic now.

VestanPance

The_Hurricane wrote: »

You've completely tied yourself in knots, then your point about those who wrote the bible is invalid if you don't believe in sin.

How long before Heartbreak likes your quote regardless of the fact it's a contradiction?

You don't go to prison for sinning. Breaking the law != sin. You can understand this very simple concept surely.

Tropez

Judi wrote: »

I use the NIV personally.

I believe, although my memory is a bit sketchy on this, that this was the version that was used at secondary school during morning assemblies (CofE school). Once again, if I recall correctly, I believe we were taught from the Good News Bible at primary school as I think the language was adjusted (for want of a better word) to be more child friendly.

Our RE teacher said that while having a particular version as a reference, understanding the differences between them was equally as important, largely due to the translation issues.

onlyroz

Judi wrote: »

Not at all Ephesians 5:16 says:

making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Well this wasn't one of the quotes you mentioned earlier, which I am sure you meant to be inspirational but ultimately just direct people down the path of accepting the status-quo and not rocking the boat.

As for the above - I agree with making the most of every opportunity, but I'm not sure of the "days are evil" part. Isn't this just a variation on "the devil makes work for idle hands?" There's nothing wrong with chilling out occasionally.

System

The_Hurricane wrote: »

I don't understand how it relates to the original quote of making the most of every opportunity - what would be the point if the days are evil?

Proverbs 16:4
The LORD works out everything to its proper end - even the wicked for a day of disaster.

Oh i'm getting bored now.

I'll leave you to it.

onlyroz

The_Hurricane wrote: »

It's no longer a debate when atheists are encouraging members to reject their faith.

To be fair, a debate was not what the OP requested. They asked for specific examples of where prayer had resulted in a positive outcome. Most of the believers have come up with wishy-washy statements about how God might or might not provide answers - but I don't think anybody has yet provided convincing evidence that prayer on its own can effect the outcome of an event.

None of the believers have bothered to comment on the scientific studies cited that show intercessional prayer has no influence on the outcome of surgery. From this I can only surmise that they agree with the outcomes of the studies.

In general, the advice to the OP boils down to a choice between:

a) Keep on praying and God will (eventually) provide you with the answers you need. In the meantime twiddle your thumbs and do nothing.

b) Get off your butt and take some pro-active steps to improve your life.

NAR

Dr Who, the Time LORD, defeats evil most of the time and is truly inspirational to a large number of the current generation!

shaz77_2

onlyroz wrote: »

To be fair, a debate was not what the OP requested. They asked for specific examples of where prayer had resulted in a positive outcome. Most of the believers have come up with wishy-washy statements about how God might or might not provide answers - but I don't think anybody has yet provided convincing evidence that prayer on its own can effect the outcome of an event.

None of the believers have bothered to comment on the scientific studies cited that show intercessional prayer has no influence on the outcome of surgery. From this I can only surmise that they agree with the outcomes of the studies.

In general, the advice to the OP boils down to a choice between:

a) Keep on praying and God will (eventually) provide you with the answers you need. In the meantime twiddle your thumbs and do nothing.

b) Get off your butt and take some pro-active steps to improve your life.

It does clearly state in the bible "Do not put your Lord to the test," so experimenting with prayer was never going to work - actually in a bizarre way that has helped my faith a little - thank you friend.

System

NAR wrote: »

Dr Who, the Time LORD, defeats evil most of the time and is truly inspirational to a large number of the current generation!

I don't have a bible quote for that! :mad:

shaz77_2

Judi wrote: »

I don't have a bible quote for that! :mad:

Are you a minister?