Question about prayer

[mrveggieman]

This question is mainly directed at the theists but if an atheist has any opnion please chime in. My question is it ok to pray to God for something trivial. For example if you believe in God you usually pray for the health and safety of your family, to do well on a test in school, to find a job, that that our gov't does a good job, etc and most people would not have a problem with you praying for those things. However what if you bought a box of cards from the store and prayed for an Jordan or Gretzky auto? Would that be kosher? Would God even be concerned with such a trivial request? Again this is bought up as a serious question and is not intended to mock or offend anyone. Thanks.

[shrewsbury]

veggie, though I cannot say you shouldn't pray for the things you mentioned, I can say that is not how I pray.

prayer, to me, is an attempt to stay connected with God, to recognize Him, and He is someone I can vent with. I think of God as the Great Listener, He will listen to anyone, about anything, at anytime, but as a grantor He only gave me life and freewill, He is not a genie who brings me gifts.

So does it bring harm to ask Him for a Hank Aaron autograph 1/1? I would think not, but I wouldn't be looking for one to pop up anytime soon.

[ajcorleone]

I think the "pray to god" gets thrown around by alot of people.I know in my younger days aftre a druken binge while puking i would call out to god and promise not to do this again.As i got older I thought about how i did pray for selfish reasons a promotion a work,a raise,.Is it wrong hard to say but if your a believer I think you come to realize that prayers can not always be answered but it is ok to do so.if that makes sense

[Wickabee]

You can pray for whatever you want.

Just be prepared for a "no"

[shrewsbury]

wickabee, what language should I be listening for?

[shortking98]

I think this verse may offer guidance regarding prayers for this type of thing:
James 4:3 "Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts."

[Wickabee]

wickabee, what language should I be listening for?

Just keep your eyes, ears and mind open, you'll get the message. The best line in any TV show ever came from M*A*S*H
Radar: Does God really answer all prayers?
Patient claiming to be Jesus: Yes. Sometimes the answer is "no".

[notes2us]

Just keep your eyes, ears and mind open, you'll get the message. The best line in any TV show ever came from M*A*S*H
Radar: Does God really answer all prayers?
Patient claiming to be Jesus: Yes. Sometimes the answer is "no".

Agreed!

I do not have a problem with people praying for whatever. However, be prepared for that answer to be 'no'

[centrehice]

Jack-christians, like Jack-mormons, pray before they go out on a weekend night that they will get thoroughly hammered and then laid.

Happens all the time

[duwal]

I never understand why people would pray or ask for prayers after something bad has already happened. Seems kind of like (I know bad scenario) wishing that your lottery scratcher is a winner after you've already scratched all of the spots