Perhaps only the most fundamental of theists actually believe that it was Manny’s prayers that got him to win fight after fight from one weight division to another. The moderate theists, on the other hand, probably believe that prayer has at least some bearing on his game, complementing his hard work and preparation, so if he ever should come face to face with an equally skilled fighter, prayer would tip the balance to his favor.
Now what if the opponent – as well as his mother and millions of fans – prays just as hard as Manny, Aling Dionisia, and the millions of Filipinos who support Pacman? What would God do? Would God just sit back and enjoy watching one hell of a fight?
A friend recently expressed his joy that his relatively new business has finally taken off. He of course acknowledged the role of prayer and divine blessing, but I just let it go. I did not bother to ask him if he didn’t think it could be because of the fact that he is a hardworking, talented and conscientious businessman that the odds are on his favor.
For as long as believers live by the words Nasa tao ang gawa, nasa Diyos ang awa – roughly God helps those who help themselves – I guess it really doesn’t matter whether God intervenes or not because the pertinent part for man is the gawa or work.
Which leaves one to wonder, what’s the difference between living your life on the assumption that God exists and living it on the assumption that God doesn’t exist if you’re going to have to work your ass off either way? I guess the difference is, believing in God boosts one’s confidence, which should have been a good thing except that it’s probably baseless; it’s one thing for a boxer to be confident because of the amount and quality of training he endured or for a businessman to be able to act decisively after years of experience – than for either of them to be cocksure because God is watching over and doing them divine favors.
Well I am confident that Pacquiao, despite his deep religious faith, has taken his training as if it’s the only thing that dictates the outcome of a match. I couldn’t care less about whoever he gives credit to after the fight. But if he ever gets beaten by Antonio Margarito on Sunday, I’m sure it must be God’s will.
how did you know what pacman is praying for? yes he prays but did you hear him pray?
take this huh?
if pacman prays to win and if his challenger also prays to win. is this a battle of prayers or skills?
if that is what you mean with prayers it is absurd. men should not live by bread alone.
even the most skillful player can be beaten. you dont know what is going to happen next.
when you were born in this planet what is it that is very certain that would happen to you? you dont know. right? but certainly you will die. this is very sure.
for one who is born, death is certain. for one who dies, birth is certain.
I guess the reason why pacquiao is praying its a sign of humility. despite of the hardwork and strength he has. He still admits that there is God who is stronger than him, the problem with people who don't admit that there's God is proudness.. you're too scared to admit that there is a God who controls everything. I hope one day you might listen to those people who's sharing the goodnews to you. before it get's too late. Unlike Pacquiao even he is on his position he remains humble and chose not being ignorant and believe in God.
And it will never be enough if it's always going to be run by ignorant, retarded, self-righteous pricks who are always going to protect their dogma over their flock – I'm looking at the current brood of bishops in the CBCP as a glaring example of this.
Prayer and Peptalk are the same in essence. But I hate answering born again Christians when they ask me "Do you pray?" or "Do you know where you are going when you die?"
Makes me want to kill.
HAHA same here. They really annoy me every effing time they ask me that question. "Have you heard the good news lately?" "Have you found jesus christ in your life" and many other more. Here's a tip, make fun of them, don't argue, don't debate. Just make fun of them. I assure you it will definitely make your day =D
The problem is that most Catholics in RP don't have your level of understand of what prayers are. And what is the church doing to educate people on this matter?
I agree, you are right about the problem but the Church is doing something about it, it is just that it is not enough.
the notion that prayers of a believer will change the mind of the god he believes in is wrong. prayer is not for God we believe in to change His mind and give us what we are praying for but to let ourselves receive/accept what God has decreed to give.
[prayer is not for God we believe in to change His mind and give us what we are praying for but to let ourselves receive/accept what God has decreed to give. ]
*Ahem*, over 126 bishops and priests in the US apparently think prayer's good enough to drive out demons in the US Reynor, so I;m not sure if they're following the same Catholic theology you are:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_romancatholic_exorc…
"In hearing our prayer God does not change His will or action in our regard, but simply puts into effect what He had eternally decreed in view of our prayer."
-Effects of Prayer, Catholic Encyclopedia http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12345b.htm
If it works, hospitals and cemeteries would be empty.