Why Do We Pray for Things If God Already Knows What We Need

Document Type

Multimedia

Streaming Media

Publication Date

8-20-2020

Abstract

On Aug. 20, 2020, four faculty from the Department of Religious Studies discussed petitionary prayer with students in a far-ranging conversation about the relationship between prayer and work for justice, human freedom and God's action, and providence and history, with a special shout-out to Doctor Who mixed in. Among others the following questions were touched upon: What is the point of praying for those who are sick or suffering, for an end to injustice or for safety on the road? Promises that "our thoughts and prayers are with them" may ring hollow, but believers continue the traditional practice of praying for each other's needs. Why? What do Christians think they are doing when they pray that God does good for us?

Keywords

Prayer, Christianity, injustice


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