It doesn't matter, to pray means to solicit, beseech, supplicate...when we pray we pray because we want something, even if it is simply to be heard or acknowledged.
My objection was why pray if you believe God has predetermined everything and all. If you are predestined to hell, no prayer will help you avoid it. If you are destined to heaven, no prayer will change that either. And since you are certain of your resurrection and salvation, aren't you just making mindless repetitions with prayers?
So, why not just say "Thy will be done" and be done with praying, FK? No need to repeat it as if God didn't hear you the first time; as if He needs to hear you! He knows what you feel in your heart, so why don't the Refromed just go about their lives and not bother God with prayers? The end result is the same.
For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things--That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].
~Colossians 1:9-10
Prayer is a very complex issue that is difficult to discuss on a forum like this. Do a study on prayer and you'll find there are many, many reasons and purposes to pray and what we should pray for. However, I would submit that we pray not because we want something, but that we want to know what is the Father's will for us.
It doesn't matter, to pray means to solicit, beseech, supplicate...when we pray we pray because we want something, even if it is simply to be heard or acknowledged.
I completely disagree! :) In my view, while prayer certainly DOES include supplication, in no way is that the end of it. In my own prayer life, it is not uncommon at all for me to pray only in thanksgiving, without asking for anything at all. I see prayer as the primary means of communication between us and God. When a need is upon my heart, I do not hesitate to pray about or for it. However, when I have a praise, I will commonly say a short prayer in thanksgiving without asking for anything. I just cannot believe that is improper. :) I am repelled by the idea that the only time I should talk to God is when I want something from Him.
My objection was why pray if you believe God has predetermined everything and all.
Well, God HAS predetermined everything, but we don't know what that predetermination is. So we pray about it because the Bible tells us that prayer is good. I have never thought that my prayer has ever "changed" God's mind on an issue. My prayer is either in accordance with His will (in which case what I want happens) or it is not (I lose) or it is a "wait". With different prayers come different levels of confidence, but it is NEVER pointless. When I pray for the health of a sick relative, then who knows what God's plan is? However, when I pray for God to continue sanctifying me, I know that is a "no lose" prayer. :) The Bible SPECIFICALLY instructs us to pray. I need no other reason to do so.
If you are predestined to hell, no prayer will help you avoid it.
Correct. No one so predestined is able to pray anyway.
If you are destined to heaven, no prayer will change that either.
Also correct. Prayer is for OUR benefit during our lives here on earth. With more prayer comes a better quality of life while we are here.
And since you are certain of your resurrection and salvation, aren't you just making mindless repetitions with prayers?
You ask a valid question but no, I don't see prayer as being mindless, because I don't see prayer as being about changing things. It is communication with God, which He says He wants, and is always good. Communication with God is something that WE need as believers. It helps sustain us throughout our lives. Along with God commanding it, that makes it worthwhile.