why doesnt prayer work, when the bible promises that it will (john 14:14, for example)?

Yes. It is purely for comfort, and a way to avoid confronting your problems because "God" will take care of them... until he doesn't.

John 14:12-14 I, (Jesus) tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things that these, because I am going to the father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me anything my name and I will do it.

People mistake this verse to meaning that whatever they want, (a girlfriend, boyfriend, trip, money, etc. But that is not what this verse is talking about. He is talking about serving. Jesus was saying that anyone who wishes to do what He did can. What was Jesus doing? He was healing the sick, feeding the poor and crippled and teaching the scripture.

Do you want to do these things? Just ask Him and He will provide anything you need to do it. That is His promise.

A common and understandable question. Let me answer by example.

What if I told you, "You can buy a pack of cigarettes for $6." Would you assume that ANYone under ANY circumstances can buy a pack of cigarettes for $6? Or do you know enough about the situation to realize that there are several restrictions (requirements) that need to be met before the successful purchase of cigarettes (for example):

- you have to be someplace where cigarettes are sold

- you have to be legal age

- you have to have ID if you look young

etc.

So: it **is true** that "You can buy a pack of cigarettes for $6." - but it is not true in all situations. There are several other requirements that must be met before you can *actually* buy a pack of cigarettes for $6.

Likewise with this verse. Just as possession of $6 is only **one** of several requirements that must be met before you can actually purchase of pack of cigarettes, likewise "If you ask Me anything in My name" is only **one** of several requirements that must be met for Jesus to perform the request of a prayer. The Bible - in other passages - mentions some of these other requirements, such as:

- not babbling vainly with the idea that many words will cause the prayer to be fulfilled

- not praying for the sake of a public show of piety

- in certain cases, fasting also required

- some necessary amount of faith

etc. (several other requirements or "prayer-aiding acts" mentioned in the New Testament)

One should also note that Jesus was speaking specifically to the Philip in this passage. It could be argued that Philip already met all of the other requirements (though that seems unlikely at that particular time) and that this was the only additional requirement that Philip personally needed to complete to have his prayers fulfilled.

A lot of preachers get hung up & preach this to their congregation but it isn't that simple. Who was talking ? Jesus. Who was Jesus talking to ? His disciples, apostles the Jews. Did Paul repeat this to the gentiles ? No. This was meant for the disciples & apostles of Jesus Christ. He would be with them & empower them as they were sent out to the preach the gospels. But this was never given to the gentiles. Be very careful what you read & how you interpret it.

But to help you, Yes God answers prayer. He's answered my prayers more times than I can remember. But prayer is a funny thing. It has to be in harmony with his will & his plans. And sometimes, the answer is not no, but not now. In hind sight, I'm sure you can see where prayers went unanswered & now you think . .. THANK GOD ! Well thank him because He knew better. Our Father will not do what is bad for us. He wants to be a part of our lives & give us good things.

God loves praise & worship. So if you start thanking him for EVERY THING ... you might be very surprised.

Peter recognized that “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”

The determining factor, then, is the heart of the individual and what his heart is moving him to do.

Those who observe God’s commandments and do “the things that are pleasing in his eyes” have the assurance that his “ears” are also open to them.

Conversely, those who disregard God’s Word and law, shedding blood and practicing other wickedness, do not receive a favorable hearing from God; their prayers are “detestable” to him.

The individual must have faith in God and in his being “the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him” (Heb 11:6), approaching in “the full assurance of faith.” Recognition of one’s own sinful state is essential.

(One’s nationality, the color of one’s skin, or one’s economic circumstances have no bearing on the matter. But the motivations of one’s heart and one’s way of life do.)

Are you praying to God or Jesus. When Jesus died and the sins of Humanity were forgiven, humanity was given to Jesus. It states in the Bible that ye can not go to God except through me (Jesus). That is where you direct your prayers. Jesus represents you before God.

This may sound illogical and some will say this is wrong, but carefully read what the Bible says.

Since you cant prove that you REALLY have faith the size of a mustard seed, they can just use an ad hoc explanation that you just aren't believing enough, or that you aren't to Jesus' standards yet.

That is how BS works, in order for you to not back them in a corner , they set up more BS for you to clean up...

It's not that God doesn't love you it is that there is a plan for everything according to Gods grace and mercy. We also can't see everything around us and God knows what is best for us and maybe something bad like a loved one dies from cancer but then another family member is now inspired to find a cure for cancer and helps to find the cure. But no matter what God will always love you and he always has a great and wonderful plan for you :) and prayer is important because that's how you are able to talk to God and have a personal relation ship with Him , like a best friend you don't really know them until you spend time with them . I hope I helped :)

Prayer doesn`t work because there is no god.