What determines whether God answers a prayer?

Many years ago aloved one was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Thousands of people across churches and familes prayed for his health, but he died in a few short months. On the news I saw a story about a boy with cancer who had been cured, the reason being that his family and church had prayed for him. What I would like to know is this: are prayers answered by God at random, or is there some way to tell what would make him answer or reject a prayer? Did my family do something wrong? Did the other boy's family do something secret to gain God's approval and have their prayer answered? If not, and it really is random, then what is the point of praying at all?

Posted 1 month ago

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Konrad

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Sometimes the healing is in death. This world isn't exactly God's plan for any of us after all. The answers aren't always easy to give because they don't always seem for the best.

God doesn't cater to any of us and most people can't handle that because they see Him as the ultimate moral compass. But at the same time that doesn't mean He won't step in every once in a while on your behalf. He's our ally, not our slave.

Posted 1 month ago

Other 6 Answers to What determines whether God answers a prayer?

Perturbee	Posted Sep 30th, 2009 at 9:45AM If praying works, why did Rome survive after crucifying JC? Sorry, line's busy... There is a point in praying, but you'll need to read on that, there is actually a lot to say for it, but not just the simple hail mary or something. But I guess I'm talking to deaf ears when I say, do NOT look in the bible for answers, but in the scriptures of early theologians. They had a far better view of the bible in it's original context... But if the bible is not your thing, there are many other books that speak about 'prayer'. Receiving an answer? Forget it. You need to make the changes, sitting back and praying someone is going to do it for you is just stupid and lazy. Curing by prayer? Impossible. Rated: +2Vote for this!
krystelle148	Posted Sep 30th, 2009 at 9:33AM Have faith or not believe in faith and it WILL work even if its not real brain power, take control Rated: +1Vote for this!
ecpc	Posted Sep 30th, 2009 at 9:34AM Whether you yourself,are listening...People can wish you well in prayer....but ultimately its down to your own prayer,..and realising that some things cannot simply be wished away or "un-happened". Rated: +1Vote for this!
avibot	Posted Sep 30th, 2009 at 9:51AM i'll get back to your prayer as soon as im done listening to your enemy. Rated: +1Vote for this!
fairydust2009	Posted Sep 30th, 2009 at 10:19AM OMG!! Rated: +1Vote for this!
verycheeky	Posted Sep 30th, 2009 at 10:23AM you know life is not all it is cracked up to be. you have limited time here. if you believe there is a god then you would believe that he is in a much better place. I think the issue is not what prayre worked for whom , but how best for you to accept and let go of love ones when they pass away... Rated: +1Vote for this!

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