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Is prayer a conveyor belt of miracles? Part 7 of Why Pray?

Is prayer a conveyor belt of miracles? Part 7 of Why Pray?

Last updated on: September 14, 2022 at 4:01 pm by Dorian Scott Cole

Is prayer a conveyor belt of miracles? Part 7 of Why Pray? 2022-09-14T16:01:46-06:00 Dorian Scott Cole

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Was Jesus an example of the miracles we can expect?

Jesus did miracles primarily to show his authority, certainly not to cause belief, or to attract attention as a magic sideshow. Each miracle pointed beyond himself to God. He healed lepers, the blind, raised the dead, and walked on water. Jesus was compassionate; he couldn’t avoid doing miracles when he saw need.1

But then he said that believers could move mountains.2 Hmm. That really would be a miracle.

Moving Mountains
Image by Kate Wheeler on Flickr

Has anyone seen a mountain moved?

We could guess that there have never been any believers because none of us have seen a mountain moved by prayer. None of us have walked on water that I’m aware of. Some of us can’t even float. But I think Jesus’ point is that we can accomplish seemingly impossible things, by using what is given us, and with other’s and God’s help.

It’s like the story of the man in a flood who sat on the roof of his house waiting to be rescued by God. He drowned. God then said to him, I sent you a boat and a helicopter, so why didn’t you let them rescue you?

Like that man who drowned waiting for God, we can’t see God in others. People don’t wear a “God” name badge on their chest like the police and fire department employees. God is in us and works through each of us. We need to accept that.

We are all instruments of God

For example, we have vaccines that prevent major diseases, made by many scientists who are religious. Yes, I have known many scientists and many are religious, or are not “religious” but have a “measure of faith.” According to Pew Research, around 51% of scientists believe in a higher power. We have wonder drugs developed by them that help heal or prevent disease.

We have construction that prevents deaths from heat and cold, and prevents purveyors of disease such as rats, insects, and waste products. We have wonderful agricultural methods that feed the multitudes. The question is, “Why don’t we use what God has given us through others?” We’re not alone.

Take Home Points

Jesus did miracles to show his authority from God. Miracles aren’t done to cause belief. Jesus’ point is that we can accomplish seemingly impossible things, by using what is given us, and with other’s and God’s help.

Pray and keep communicating with God. It works.

Series Links

Why Pray? Series Part 1

Who does prayer work for?

Expectations of prayer

Some think they deserve to suffer and die

Consider our own attitude

Does God intervene in nature?

Is prayer a conveyor belt of miracles?

Is the action of God in the universe responsible for much?

Criticism of studies on prayer, and of science

Science and philosophy have their own standard: 100%

Prayer works

Our answer is God. God’s answer is us. Together we make the world a better place.

– Dorian

Other Patheos writers on prayer

References

What the Bible Says About Jesus’ Miracles. Bible Tools org.
Matthew 17:20

Uncategorized

jesus miracles

We are instruments of God

About Dorian Scott Cole

Information about the author is on the About tab. You can read more about the author here.

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December 9, 2021

Does God intervene in nature? Part 6 of Why Pray?

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December 16, 2021 Is the action of God in the universe responsible for much? Part 8 of Why Pray?

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