Why do we pray if everything is predestined?

I have really been praying about this myself. This question has always been in my heart.I have read lots of books and commentaries, but they just seem to go over my head. I have truly been seeking and researching this question, and I feel like the Lord finally spoke to me. You see, I need practical, down to earth example to make it click for me. Since He laid it out so plainly for me, on my level, I also pray this may help someone else.

In answer to the question...

We have what we want because we prayed for it AND it was God's will. It isn't one or the other, it is both. The prayer is an act of obedience to a command of God. The answer to that prayer is predestined, but so is the prayer. The prayer is not asking to receive so much, as asking to understand His will.

Here is the "practical" example He laid on my heart....


If my daughter wants to date at 13, she will ask, knowing that I already have an answer. I will tell her no, and she will be upset. We will talk about this and open the lines of communication, thus building on our relationship with each other. She will not fully understand my reasoning now, but she will one day. How will she ever know if she doesn't ask? How can she tell others that she cannot date because I love her and I don't think it is best if I don't have the chance to explain that to her. It is about her obedience to ask for permission because we have commanded that of her, and her acceptance of my response, knowing I love her and know better than she, what is best. Maybe she will be able to use that experience to help another girl who's communication with her parents is not that open.

In the same way we pray to God for things, knowing He already has an answer. We may not like His answer, but one day we will understand. The prayer is an act of obedience to a command. It is God's way of communicating with us and building a relationship.

Prayer is not so much asking God to grant our wishes, as it is about building that personal relationship with Him. We may ask and He may say no, or He may let us have the desires of our heart, so we will fall. Then He will use that as a teaching moment or to grow us. Then we may be able to help someone else. We pray because it is a commandment. He will reward our obedience with the peace of knowing we are in line with Him.

I believe God gave us free will. If we are seeking Him through prayer and His word. It is His desire that our will would be in line with His. If we do not pray and seek Him, there will be no relationship, and there will be no peace in our storms.

Eventually, after seeking Him and knowing His will for our lives, our desires will line up with His. There will be a peace beyond our understanding about the ups and downs. One day it will all make sense. I can't wait!!! Until then stay strong in your faith, that as long as you are living out your life with Godly standards and seeking Him without ceasing, that it's okay. he understands our frustrations, He wants us to bring them to Him, not always to take us OUT of the storm, but to carry us THROUGH the storm.

I'm not sure if my thoughts help or not (hopefully I didn't confuse you even more... LOL), but do know that you are not alone!! Many of us have been through similar situations and have the same questions and doubts. Don't be ashamed for asking.