Recently my roommate brought up the question of 'what is the purpose of prayer'? From a theological standpoint, he asked whether through our prayers and through our efforts we had the power/ability/influence to sway the future decision and outcome that God has foreseen. I guess this has a crossing with the idea of predestination. My initial reaction was one built out of pride from personal understanding and what I was taught as a child-- that through prayer, we can sway the outcome to turn in one direction of which would not have happened if we did not pray. However, through much thought and internal working, I am now challenging my original understanding of prayer.
One would initially have to take a stance on whether God knows everything in the future. I do not think there is anything that would surprise God in the future, so thus, God knows everything in the future.
Next, if God knows everything in the future and if the future is set in course, what is the use/purpose of our human prayers? Is it to...
a) Build a relationship with God by communicating with him on a personal level
b) Connecting yourself with the work that God is already doing
c) Potentially sway/change outcomes with your prayers, for in James 5:16, the prayer of a righteous man is 'powerful and effective'
1, 2 or 3 of the above possibilities? Maybe none? Is there a better option that is not shown?
Still not quite sure, but I will talk and meet up with a mentor to get his thoughts.
