The Power of Prayer

Summary

In this engaging video, Father Mike Schmitz explores the purpose and power of prayer, emphasizing that while prayer does not change God, it changes us and the world around us. He explains that God invites us into a relationship through prayer, allowing us to cooperate with His will. Drawing on examples from daily life, Father Mike illustrates how prayer deepens our understanding of God’s heart and fosters a personal connection with Him. Ultimately, he encourages viewers to embrace prayer as a means of participating in God’s goodness and developing a meaningful relationship with the Father.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prayer is essential because Jesus commanded us to pray and be persistent in our prayers.
• 😀 Prayer does not change God, who is immutable and inherently good.
• 😀 God invites us to participate in His work through prayer, granting us the dignity of being causes.
• 😀 Our actions, including prayer, matter in both the physical and spiritual realms.
• 😀 Prayer changes things; it allows God to act in cooperation with us.
• 😀 Engaging in prayer transforms us, helping us to become more like God.
• 😀 The ultimate purpose of prayer is to develop a relationship with God.
• 😀 Just as working on a project with a parent builds a bond, prayer deepens our relationship with God.
• 😀 Our prayers unite with God's goodness, making a real difference in the world.
• 😀 Taking time to pray for others is a way to become a coworker with God.

Q & A

Why should we pray?

Prayer is essential because Jesus tells us to pray always and to intercede for others, fostering a relationship with God.

Does prayer change God's will?

No, prayer does not change God. God is unchangeable and does not need to be convinced to act.

What does prayer actually change?

Prayer changes things in the world and also changes us, aligning our hearts with God's will.

How does God invite us to participate in His work?

God invites us to pray so we can participate as coworkers with Him, extending us the dignity of being causes of change.

What does C.S. Lewis say about our actions and God's will?

C.S. Lewis argues that people act as if their decisions matter, illustrating that our choices and prayers have significance in both the physical and spiritual realms.

In what ways does prayer change us?

Prayer changes us by helping us grow closer to God, becoming more like Him as we engage in a relationship through prayer.

What is the primary end of prayer?

The primary end of prayer is to develop a relationship with God, allowing us to know His heart and will.

How does the analogy of building a shed illustrate prayer?

Just as the father involves his children in building a shed, God involves us in His work through prayer, fostering connection and understanding.

What are the two types of prayer mentioned?

The two types of prayer discussed are petitionary prayer (asking for something) and intercessory prayer (praying for others).

Why is it important to pray for others?

Praying for others helps us connect with God's will, supports those in need, and cultivates our spiritual growth.