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And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Indeed. Thank you, a very good example of prayer, but then again, look at the source. I was paying attention in Church yesterday and after the intentions for the world, the sick and suffering, the dead; the priest closes in the same vein by asking that these prayers be fulfilled according to the father's will.

So we recognize that the Father's will will prevail. Of what use is it then to have a congregation pray, for example, for our country to have wise leaders who will uphold the sanctity of life, when we know that that doesn't seem to be the case?

Is the articulation of our needs of any benefit to God, who knows what we need, or is it to build the community?

God wants us involved in His work. This is where I think the binding and loosing comes into play. We only bind and loose what God wants bound and loosed, but He, in His divine mercy, wants us involved in His work. I go back to the story of Daniel where he realized that the 70 yrs of captivity by the jews was about to be up. Rather than just standing by and watching God in action he prayed earnestly. Fasting with sackcloth and ashes. Why would Daniel pray so, if God said he would do this after 70yrs. Why would Daniel earnestly pray to God to fulfill His promise?? Did God need reminded of this?? I think its because God wants us involved in His work on this earth. God could do all these things without our help, but I think he delights in having His children involved in His work. So when we pray for His will to be done, you can be guaranteed that it will be done, but He may delay in doing it if His people are not of the same heart. Does that make any sense???

JM

Good questions all. I suspect prayer and worship are close relatives and please God. Here is an example of a use of prayer not commmonly considered, to sanctify food. I do not pretend to know the full meaning of this instance.

1 Timothy 4

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.