October 5, 2006

Can you really pray for peace?

Thinking about it, I see a problem. People have free will. The only true way to achieve peace is to change the wills of aggressive people. But that would violate free will.
For that matter, is praying that the hearts of our enemies will be softened a prayer in vain for something that cannot be done?
edit: I guess I should also leave open the question of whether we have free will. What about it, my Buddhist and Wickan and Pagan friends? Free will, prayer, changing people from evil to good through wishing/praying?

6 comments:

  1. We pray for peace and the hearts of our enemies to be softened because everone on this earth is a child of God. And perhaps, deep down inside they have that little glimmer still in them that can effect change. Heavenly Father knows we want peace, he just wants us to act on that desire and show a little faith through prayer. We will never change the hearts of all the wicked but if we can save but one child through our prayers isn't it worth it? I have seen great things happen in the hearts of some people, my own being one of them...altho I never desired to murder anyone I have changed for the better!
    Satan would have us think praying is useless, he is the one that knows the true power of prayer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. so a vote of yes, it's worth it from the parental unit. And an edit to the article. Refresh please.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Perhaps God will merely provide a grace that will let an avenue for peace be even more evident and will not force but gently encourage people to travel that road? Prayer is a pretty powerful thing, and God has a way of working that does not compromise our free will in the least.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Changing the wills of aggressive people isn't violating free will unless the only way to do this is to literally disconnect certain thought abilities in people. I don't think of praying for peace as a call for God to brainwash others. I'd pray for understanding, that both sides realize their own mistakes, but not for God to actually personality switch someone. Empirical evidence wise, it seems God isn't big on stepping in directly on issues where humans have to make moral and humane developments anyway. Seems that's part of our life challenge.
    Each of us, on the other hand, seem to be directed to help each other. Education, understanding, perseverance, teaching by example, and more attempts at connection seem like good methods of change, while keeping in line with free will.
    This doesn't require passivity though. (And I'm not totally sure of your use of 'aggressive people.')
    Prayer is asking a higher power for whatever aid it can/will give. But as always prayer without action is hoping on (a) supra-concious entity/ies we cannot control or hope to understand. Praying is worthy, but only if you take action as well, and consider answered prayers (outside your efforts) an unexpected blessing.
    Then it's not in vain, or asking for an intervention on free will.

    ReplyDelete
  5. These are cool thoughts. Yes, I think you definitely have to be as proactive as possible, so very good point!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I think that by hoping or especially praying, which is an active thing, you are yourself able to petition another person in a way that you could not do with words. If you can communicate with your enemie's heart you can possibly change his mind. Take it as literal or metaphorical as you want.

    ReplyDelete

All comments are moderated in a speedy fashion.