Why do we pray?

Summary

This script explores the purpose and depth of prayer from a Christian perspective, emphasizing that prayer is not just about asking for things but about fostering a deeper relationship with God. The speaker, a Franciscan Friar and Roman Catholic priest, explains that prayer is transformative, aligning individuals with God's will and helping them grow in love and understanding. Prayer is likened to a conversation with a parent or friend, seeking guidance and companionship. Ultimately, the goal of prayer is to deepen one's connection to God and love others, not to manipulate God or get immediate answers to requests.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prayer is universal across religions, and it serves as a way for people to connect with the divine.
• 😀 Many people question the purpose of prayer, especially when it doesn't always lead to immediate results or answers.
• 😀 Prayer is often seen as asking for help when people feel incapable of solving their problems themselves.
• 😀 Prayer is not about controlling or changing God's will but about forming a relationship with God.
• 😀 The focus of prayer should be on connecting with God, not just asking for things or favors.
• 😀 Prayer is a way to open our eyes to God's true nature and align ourselves with His will.
• 😀 True prayer transforms the person praying, helping them become more like God and leading to personal conversion and salvation.
• 😀 Prayer is a relational act, similar to spending time with a friend, parent, or spouse to deepen understanding and connection.
• 😀 Prayer is not a way to manipulate or control God, but to foster companionship and growth in love and inspiration.
• 😀 People pray because they want to love better, acknowledging that they need help from the source of love to do so.
• 😀 As a Franciscan friar and Roman Catholic priest, the speaker prays multiple times a day to make life an act of prayer, modeling this faith for others.

Q & A

Why do people pray in different forms across various religions?

People pray in different forms because prayer is a universal act of connecting with the divine. Whether it's formalized liturgies or private, personal prayers, the desire to reach out to a higher being, express vulnerability, and seek guidance is shared across religions.

What is the purpose of prayer if God doesn’t always respond directly?

The purpose of prayer is not just about receiving immediate answers but to strengthen the relationship with God, recognize our own weaknesses, and seek transformation. It’s about aligning ourselves with God's will and growing spiritually.

Isn't prayer just a way to ask for help from God?

While asking for help is a part of prayer, the deeper purpose is about building a relationship with God. It’s not just about requesting things; it’s about transformation, understanding God's will, and growing in love and humility.

Why doesn't God always answer prayers the way we want?

God’s response to prayer isn’t always in the form we expect, as God sees the bigger picture. Prayer isn’t about controlling or manipulating God to fulfill our desires but about aligning ourselves with His divine will.

What does the speaker mean when they say God doesn't want to be treated like Santa Claus?

The speaker emphasizes that prayer isn’t about treating God as a mere wish-granter. Treating God like Santa Claus reduces Him to a tool for personal gain, whereas the true essence of prayer is about building a relationship with God and growing in spiritual transformation.

What is the deeper meaning of prayer according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, prayer’s deeper meaning is not about asking for things, but about building a relationship with God, being transformed by His presence, and seeking to become more like Him in our thoughts, actions, and love for others.

How does the speaker describe God’s role in prayer?

The speaker describes God as a loving parent, a guide, a friend, and a source of inspiration. Prayer is seen as a way to receive guidance and grow closer to God, who helps us live in love and perfect harmony with the world.

Why do we need God’s help in learning to love, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that we struggle with loving others on our own. We seek God's help in learning to love because He is the ultimate source of love, and through prayer, we are transformed into better versions of ourselves capable of loving more deeply.

What does the speaker mean by saying prayer is transformational?

Prayer is transformational because it leads to personal conversion, a change in how we think, act, and relate to others. It’s not just about asking for things but about being shaped into a better, more loving person in God’s image.

How does the speaker practice prayer as a Franciscan friar and Roman Catholic priest?

The speaker, as a Franciscan friar and priest, prays multiple times a day, every day. Their aim is to make their entire life an act of prayer, fostering a deep, continuous relationship with God and growing in love and service to others.