Why Do We Pray?

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In this excerpt, C.S. Lewis defends the practice of petitionary prayer-requests to God to intervene in specific situations-against intellectual and theological criticisms. He argues that such prayers are both scriptural endorsed and exemplified by Jesus, particularly in His prayer at Gethsemane. Lewis addresses criticisms rooted in determinism and scientific predictability, asserting that the world is inherently unpredictable and that human actions, including prayer, are part of this unpredictability. He challenges the notion that a predictable world is necessary for human freedom, suggesting instead that the unpredictability of human wills and historical events supports the rationality of petitionary prayer. Ultimately, Lewis upholds petitionary prayer as a meaningful and necessary expression of faith, compatible with both Christian doctrine and the realities of human experience.

[@sarahyip2825]

This is deep. That feelings of despair even a season of depression alongside the celebrated season of hope and light, is an affliction not a negation nor the end of the spiritual life in Christ. Gethsemane although most graphic and awe inspiring has got to be the most least understood in terms of depths of emotions. For us mortals, it's true that most often, in the throes of despair, heartaches and struggle, epiphanies occur. The pain is not wasted. Precious are the ones who have gone there and thus are able to truly accompany people in their emotional and spiritual turmoil. And not dispense mere platitudes like Job's friends.

[@dmaxwell167]

Always enjoy CS radio. Thank you Father for Your wisdom and blessings in and through all that I do and say as a disciple of Your Son (Psalm 25:4-5) and member of His Church. I pray Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth, and within me as it is in Heaven. In Jesus name I pray, Amen (Matthew 6:10).

[@dmaxwell167]

“Father God, I pray…that my love may overflow still more and more in real knowledge, being sure, with all discernment, so that I discover the things that are excellent, that I be sincere, genuine and no wavering or not trip up, seeing the difference between good and bad, choosing the good until the day of Jesus’ return, being filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus, for the glory and praise of You. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen” (Philippians 1:8-11, Expanded Translation).

[@ChristianQuest-gt6tw]

Screwtape letters by CS Lewis made me realise the danger that all Christians are facing and the power of an honest prayer . I did some animation for this book and if you do have a chance , check it out. I believe every Christian must at some point read this for their own self realisation.

[@dmaxwell167]

“I ask Father God that I be filled with the knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that I live life in a manner worthy of my Lord, pleasing Him in all respects of my life, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of You; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously giving thanks to You who has qualified me to share in the inheritance of the saints, as a morally blameless child in the Light. For You rescued me from the domain of darkness, and transferred me to the kingdom of Your beloved Son, in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of all my sins. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen” (Colossians 1:9-14.)