This may be very simplistic and not the right way to look at prayer but does the "strength" of a prayer depend on the level of "faith" a person has? I ask this because I feel a little funny offering a prayer for someone to get well alongside people of such deep faith as yourselves. I believe, I just have many unanswered questions. Even if my intentions were 100% genuine and honest would my prayer be as "powerful" as say my local priest or would his be as powerful as the Pope. Am I making sense? God Bless

-- kiwi golem (csisherwood@hotmail.com), June 06, 2002

Answers

I just hope the depth of faith doesn't matter. That would mean He doesn't bother to even listen to me.

-- -- (unknown@a.nonymous), June 06, 2002.

I think He looks upon our prayers equally because He loves EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. It's like my children, for example. I love each of them equally, even though they are all different. I don't love or listen to one more than the other or less than the other.

And I think that maybe...just maybe....a prayer coming from one who doesn't have as much faith as a devout ~insert religion here~ takes on a whole new meaning because it means they are showing their faith in Him. A prayer to God is a cry for help, in essence. And that is what He wants of us. To go to Him in our time of need.

So, worry not. Your prayers mean just as much as anyone else's here. :)

God Bless~

-- Jackiea (sorry@dontlikespam.com), June 06, 2002.

Prayer fosters faith. One is "awarded" a strong faith merely because they have set the foundation of their life on prayer. They come to realize that they are useless and quite weak, if not physically, then spriritually or mentally, once they abandon their life of prayer.

The merit or efficacy of one's prayer might or might not be dependent upon one's faith, but I would think God would ultimately decide that. I would say that it is always beneficial to offer our prayers through Mary in that She can "purify" them and make them more acceptable to Her Son. Granted, our own prayer might seem 100% genuine and pure, but we never know how pure that prayer really is. We might have some attachment or some fault that would "inhibit" that prayer which we might not know of.

Finally, I would think all our prayer would have some "strength" if even not enough to "cast out demons" or "heal the sick" quite simply because we took some time, if even small, to offer a prayer. Remember too, all prayer should require a sacrifice of some kind, be it time, mortification of the senses, or if even to just slowly reflect on the words we are actually speaking. Otherwise, we would be not better than the Pharisee boasting to God about all he has done, but never recognizing that his prayer is prayer to himself.

10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted."

May you foster that faith through constant prayer and recognize that all prayer, small or large, has some merit that we might never know until we have made it "home."

God Bless

-- Brian (sacerdos@hotpop.com), June 06, 2002.

I may sound a bit off here on my feelings on prayer a bit and I will try to be as fair as I can.

On prayers, i believe that GOD does in fact hear ALL of us each and every day. Reading all that I have on the Life of Christ and his many teachings and the Acts of the Apostles and more, I have come to this conclusion.

God does hear the most faithful all the time. But he really keeps his ears out for those who are lost or of little faith constantly. His constant worries are on the poor in faith is where his kingdom is and if you all take the time and prayerfully read his dicourses on the Beatitudes, the prodigal son, the lost sheep found and many of the parables and teachings of the lost souls you will see that GOD is very concerned of these people more so than the ones who already know him well. Of course there are those who boast, whom GOD has to worry about whom he has to be concerned about who will try knowingly or unknowingly to put themselves above the rest of humanity and GOD himself too. He is constantly chastising them daily for their pride and trying to bring them back to the humble ways that true faith is meant to be.

I guess what I may be saying here is that Holiness is a battle that we need to prayerfully try to accomplish in whatever means that GOD deems is fitting. It is not just us who is the determine our fate, but GOD. So we need to be as considerate as we can of his desires for his kingdom is his and we will be invited only if we chose to be humble and thankful for what he gives us, LIFE in his Holiness and the Graces he gives us each and everyday.

Blessings to all who read this.

-- Fred Bishop (FCB@heartland.com), June 06, 2002.

When I first read the question, my immediate reaction was "No way. Of course God listens to us equally!"

But then I got to thinking about the Saints in Heaven. We are taught that since they are saints (obviously deep faith) and are in Heaven, then they can intercede on our behalf. This tells me that God does listen to the more faithful a little more earnestly.

My next thought was Jesus' parable about the lost sheep and the prodigal son. God is extremely happy when one who is lost returns to the faith. So obviously God is always listening to EVERYONE, hoping for lost sheep to return and for lukewarm christians to come closer to him.

To steal a phrase from two of our regulars, my $.02

-- Glenn (glenn@excite.com), June 06, 2002.

Hi Kiwi,

"...anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewaqrds those who earnestly seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

God listens to ALL prayers, even those whose faith is weak. I read somewhere that He especially listens to those prayers we pray for others because it shows much love to pray for others and God is love.

If you are praying for someone else, you are showing that you do have faith, otherwise, why would you be praying at all.

Then again, I just saw another verse in Scripture that says:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must beleive and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5,6)

Maybe someone more knowledgeable than I can answer your question. I am not sure now, after reading James.

I will pray for you, Kiwi, for a stronger faith and you can pray for that too. If you want a stronger, deeper faith, and ask God for that sincerely, He will give it to you.

Here is another passage on Faith:

"Have faith in God," Jesus answered. "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.' (Mark 11:22, 23)

God Bless.

MaryLu :)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 06, 2002.

Oops...these fingers fly too fast on the keys....and they have no spell check on here...should say reward, not rewaq....whatever.

Also, Kiwi, I want you to know that God looks at the heart and sounds to me like your intentions are very good, so I think He will listen to your prayers and I think He will walk with you on your journey and encourage you to get to know Him better.

Take notice, Kiwi, if He is calling you to Him. He will send people into your path to encourage you in the faith, you will see opportunities coming into your path to help you on the journey. Things will start happening - things that are not coincidences, can't be explained...you'll see. The gift of faith is always there, Kiwi, but you have to want it. Jesus does not force Himself on you. Jesus stands outside the door and knocks, but does not push it open...you have to open that door and invite Him in and I hope you do.

MaryLu :)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 06, 2002.

MaryLu

My point is this. Those who already have knowledge of GOD is already with him. He is concerned with those who do not accept him and those of weak faith. The ones who have strength are put to work by GOD to help him to reign in the ones who are lost or wandering about. Yes we all share equally in GOD. But he makes those who have faith work even harder for him. That is why we are on this forum. To save others from the clutches of satan and his evils.

Blessings.

-- Fred Bishop (FCB@heartland.com), June 06, 2002.

I just read last night Matthew. "If you had faith the size of a Mustard seed, you would say to the Mountain 'move from here to there' and it would move." It goes to show you how little faith I have! I will speak for myself only (hoping that others might understand). If faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain, then I don't really even know what faith is yet! For if I had this faith - even half the size of a mustard seed - I would be able (through the Power of God) to convert my brother. Or I could pray for the end of abortion, and it would cease to exist! For if faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain, than surly that same faith (or greater) can move my God to end abortion! It is apparent from this statement by Christ, and the condition that our world is in, that there is really a lack of faith (and that unfortunately includes myself).

Let us pray all together that there is an outpouring of Grace upon the people of this forum to increase our faith. Let us be that pebble in the pond, so that our faith might increase the faith of those around us. Mary, Mother of God, send us you grace gifted to you by your Son, so that we may better understand the true meaning of FAITH, and that we may use this faith to move mountains! Amen.

In Christ.

-- Jake Huether (jake.huether@lamrc.com), June 06, 2002.

Hi Jake,

Sounds to me, Jake, like you have a very strong faith. I know my faith is strong, but my actions of faith may be weaker than they should be. And, there are times, when 'doubt' creeps in. I think it is normal for these things to occur.

As for God ending abortion, and the evils in the world....Perhaps prayer can end abortion...we must pray always for this...as for evils in the world, I don't think evil is ever going to go away, not completely. Evil has existed from the beginning of time.

Perhaps everyone on this forum can pray together..agree to a certain time where we can pray in unison - say the rosary for peace, for increased faith, for the church, for our priests. Jesus says two or more gathered in my name and there I am among them....

Maybe we can pick a day and a time - it would be nice knowing that we are all praying at the same time. Just an idea.

MaryLu :)

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 06, 2002.

MaryLu

Your Quote:

"As for God ending abortion, and the evils in the world....Perhaps prayer can end abortion...we must pray always for this...as for evils in the world, I don't think evil is ever going to go away, not completely. Evil has existed from the beginning of time." _____________________________________________________________________

Unfortunately the only thing GOD is able to do is tell us that abortion is evil and keep prodding us through Christ through the Holy Spirit that we need to honor his creative power. It is our free will which causes these things to happen and until we open our eyes we as a world will do great harm to ourselves and the world through ignorance and selfishness.

All we can do is keep praying and teaching the people who do harm what they do not know and forgive them as GOD has for eons.

Blessings.

-- Fred Bishop (FCB@heartland.com), June 06, 2002.

I think that God *hears* all of our prayers equally, but as far as *acting* on them, someone with a great deal of faith is likely (secondary to more prayer, trying to get closer to God) to be praying to do God's will in some manner or other and would therefore be more likely to get their prayers answered. For example, I can't see God granting a prayer to spread evil which someone may be praying for but not knowing it, not being able to see all ends of their actions.

Frank

P.S. Don't assume you have less faith than someone else. Say your prayers to the Lord! To not do so is stone crazy. (This should fall into the spirit of Christian brotherhood correction, btw, no offense is intended). How do you know you have *less* faith than anyone else, regardless of how faithless you may think you are? That's not for us to judge, but for God.

-- Someone (ChimingIn@twocents.cam), June 06, 2002.

In reply to kiwi golem
We are ALL heard by God; if we simply address Him with confidence. I am sure even when a pagan, offering a prayer to heaven, not to his ancestor, not to a deity of any idolatrous form, but to the Father-- or ''the unknown God'', such as Saint Paul discovered amonmg the Ephesians-- that prayer is heard.

But not all prayers are given an answer; at least the one to their petition. It seems that God will move in favor of some people sometimes, more readily than others. If it's because of their faith; or even because of their desolation alone. We see in the Old Testament God's own word which tells us that the prayers of widows and orphans particularly cry up to Him. Whereupon, His most stringent commandments to His People have been for our charity toward widows and orphans (all the destitute).

In the same Old Testament, it is written that Moses directly appealed to God for His mercy, not once but many times. He was always answered. In Exodus, 17 we see Moses sending the Israelites into battle against the Amalechites; and being on top of a mountain overlooking the armies in combat, Moses raised his arms up to heaven, pleading to God for the victory. It's written: ''As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight; but when he let his hands rest, Amalec (the enemy) had the better of the fight. Moses' hands, however grew tired, so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady until sunset. And Joshua mowed down Amalec and his people with the edge of the sword.''

If I'm reading it in proper context, God practically required the incessant prayer of Moses, in this episode.

It seems to foreshadow to us as well, since Moses is always seen by the Church as a ''figure'' of Christ in the Old Testament; the vision of Jesus, arms outstretched on the cross; and the two sinners on either side of Him. Christ is the one who gives us victory over sin and death.

-- eugene c. chavez (chavezec@pacbell.net), June 06, 2002.

Dear Kiwi,

I thought of you when I came across this Psalm today:

Psalm 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."

Also, while reading Padre Pio's "Words of Hope," I thought of you again.

Padre Pio on prayer:

I am not going to type the whole passage. It is much too long. I have chosen a paragraph that may be of some help to you, Kiwi.

"....Ask God for the grace of performing well the mental prayer you are about to practice, in order that you may obtain the fruit that God wants from it.

"Once you have done all this, offer you meditation and payers. Along with your entire self - besides all those people who are dear to you, offer everything to God along with the merits of Jesus and of His Mother.

"I give heartfelt thanks to the Lord for you because he makes you perservere in Holy meditation."

Lord, help me to meditate each day on your life, on the truths of our Christian faith; and grant me the fruit of those mental prayers. Thank you. Amen

Padre Pio is going to be canonized a saint on June 16th. This very holy man wrote wonderful books full of wisdom. His writings are more than just his own thoughts; the assurances he reveals are God's own messages of encouragement, exhortation, inspiration and blessing.

This very powerful book, "Padre Pio's Words of Hope" is a great source of inspiration for the spiritual journey and He answers many questions through his letters to His spiritual children. I recommend it highly.

MaryLu :) MaryLu

-- MaryLu (mlc327@juno.com), June 06, 2002.

Hello, Kiwi.

I can tell your faith is growing stronger by asking a question like that. The way we live has a profound bearing on the way we believe. God is perfect! The more you chase God, the more God will let you catch Him. Keep up the good work.

God bless you.

David S

PS; A 78 year old wise man told before, "Show me your friends and I will show you who you are".[This is pertaining to the other thread about your Atheist friendS] :-)(Just kidding).

-- David (David@excite.com), June 06, 2002.

Proverbs 15:29 -- The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

James 5:16 -- The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.

-- (+@+.+), June 07, 2002.

I am easily excited, but these answers are truely amazing. I have re read them all a number of times. Thankyou all so very much, love and God Bless Courtenay

-- kiwi golem (csisherwood@hotmail.com), June 07, 2002.

ps I like your idea MaryLu of finding a time when as many of us as possible are able to pray together.

-- kiwi golem (csisherwood@hotmail.com), June 07, 2002.

Kiwi

Let me say this. We as Catholics actually DO pray to GOD and worship him every single minute of each and every single day of the year. Right now as we speak, sleep read or whatever, someone somewhere is listening to and recieving the word of GOD, recieving his Body and Blood. It never stops and will never stop til the world ceases to exist and even then GOD will never cease to exist. Think about it this way. I have for years as a reminder that GOD never stops loving us. He is present at all times. ALLELUIA.

Blessings.

-- Fred Bishop (FCB@heartland.com), June 07, 2002.