You always hear people saying they are praying to get something, praying for someone [to get what they want], etc. And when their prayers aren't answered they get disappointed and start questioning the existence of God. This, according to Jesus is what a prayer should sound like: Do most prayers go unanswered because it's God's will that you shouldn't have something you are asking for?
Well if the above is true then what's the point of praying? You pray for something... but it won't happen because you prayed for it? So praying is counterproductive? Good thing I haven't done it in decades!
People pray for something whether it be for their own health, a loved one's health, financial troubles, etc. They pray for forgiveness and peace of mind. What is meant to be will happen whether you pray or not. That has always been my belief.
I pray a prayer of gratitude usually. I know I am much more ungrateful in my life than I should be. I do give thanks to God, whom I am not sure cares, if he or she does exist..which I am personally pretty sure they do..I also ask for blessings to be bestowed on those I care about.
You are completely missing the point of prayer as are many people. God isn't a genie there to grant your wishes. Prayer is about communion with God, asking for forgiveness when you have sinned, expressing gratitude, and seeking guidance. Sometimes we can talk to God when we just don't believe we have anyone else to express certain things to. You may or may not perceive his guidance for what it is, but it certainly is there if you are open to it.
I think when it comes to material things most prayers don't get answered because God doesn't value material possessions as shown in verses in the Bible. Really though as human beings I don't think we can even question why a creator or higher being that created everything does things as that entity does. It might be beyond our realm of understanding.
Great question!! Every time I pray, I go through a "I'm sorry,Please forgive me,Thank You, I Love You." process. I try to recount the things I've done recently that I am sorry for. I ask forgiveness. Then I Thank God and the Universe for the things I have, and I express my Love for God. Then I move on to pray for strength, direction, and peace and health.
Like nytegeek said, God is not some sort of genie who is there to great your every wish, but from what I've found, most people pray when they are in a desperate situation where they can see no way out so praying becomes their last resort in helping them to come through the situation on the other side ok. As for prays going unanswered, that's for each persons own judgement. But think of it this way, you pray for jack boots, and you get them the next day. Did your prays get answered? Or you've lost a loved one and you pray that they are being looked after in whichever realm they have gone on to. Did your prays get answered? It might be a rubbish example but you get the idea, I hope.
Well, for me, I don't pray just to ask for some things that I need. I pray to say "Thank You" to Him for all the blessings that He had given me. I also pray to seek guidance for whatever problem I have. I don't ask for money, material things or the answers to my problem but to have that Spirit guide me to where I need to be. And maybe that's why people end up being angry or discontented, because they want to have some things that aren't for them. Or that they asked for something and didn't get them. But when we learn to let go and let Him handle things, we become better people. A better person to handle his problems the best way that God planned him to do so.
I pray by myself, usually before I go to sleep. I say several prayers, add some petitions, and do some intercessions. After this I do a few more closing prayers and call it a night.
