So, what do you want God to do for you ?

La Fenetre

I found Sunday's Gospel passage from Mark 10, quite poignant when I read it . . .(thank you Manach for posting it)

Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus,
sat by the roadside begging.
On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth,
he began to cry out and say,
"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."
And many rebuked him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more,
"Son of David, have pity on me."
Jesus stopped and said, "Call him."
So they called the blind man, saying to him,
"Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you."
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
Jesus said to him in reply, "What do you want me to do for you?"
The blind man replied to him, "Master, I want to see."
Jesus told him, "Go your way; your faith has saved you."
Immediately he received his sight
and followed him on the way.


It also reminds me of the passage in Matthew 7:

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts (Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13) to those who ask him.

So what do you want God to do for you ?

Isaiah

I ask God to forgive me my sins. I thank him for listening to me, for granting me this gift of life in his creation. For giving me my family and loved ones. I pray for myself and my family that we may be healthy, safe and at peace. That we will have what is needed to get by financially and that he protects us from evil. I, like many here I would imagine, have many non Christians in my life that I love and care dearly for. Some family members are either without faith or have some warped idea of Christianity like Angel worship etc.

I pray that Jesus reveals himself in their lives and that he will change their hearts and open their eyes to Christ. I pray that I may be granted strenght and fortitue by the Holy Spirit so that I may be better able to resist temptation and not be so quick to sin. I pray for past regrets, that I may be forgiven for my mistakes and deliberate sinfulness.

I pray that my family may grow in Christ and that my wife and I will be blessed with a baby and the ability to afford and provide a good home for our child. That things will work out for those who are suffering in the world in the name of Christ. That one day god might grant me success in my life so that I can be more equipped to help those around me. So that I can be a good example to others and when they see me and my wife, our happy home and peaceful hearts, they will know that Christ made it so, so they may too be inspired to come to Jesus.

Like many I have suffered through much strife in my life and hardship. Without Jesus I could not have rebuilt my life, my soul and found my path that I am on. When I was totally lost and completely faithless, it was Jesus that called me to him and saved me. It was his Grace that saved me, I can never be worthy by my own deeds but his Grace makes me want to deserve it and I strive to be as worthy as I can even though I know I will always fall short of the Lord.

I Pray also that I might meet more Christians as besides my wife, mother and mother in law, I don't know any and am surrounded by either secular athiests or people of other faiths.

katydid

Isaiah wrote: »

I Pray also that I might meet more Christians as besides my wife, mother and mother in law, I don't know any and am surrounded by either secular athiests or people of other faiths.

Do you live in Ireland? Surely not everyone you know is an atheist or non-Christian? Do you go to church or to Christian fellowship of some kind?

hinault

"Jesus, son of David, have pity on me."

That for me is what I want from God.

Isaiah

katydid wrote: »

Do you live in Ireland? Surely not everyone you know is an atheist or non-Christian? Do you go to church or to Christian fellowship of some kind?

Hi Katy, I moved to London a year ago, previous to that I spent my whole life in Dublin. I'm early 30's so most of my friends and people in school, college and then work would have been of a similar demographic. I found in my life that practically every guy and girl my age discounted religion as either - stupid, dangerous or something they can pick and choose from. Outright atheist or new age beliefs tended to be more popular with my peers. Maybe it's different outside Dublin but that’s certainly my experience.

I have rarely attended Catholic mass over the years and not accepted communion in years as I know I am not allowed to because I haven't confessed to a priest. I confess to Jesus in prayer regularly but I wouldn’t want to interrupt the Catholic ritual when I have not participated properly.

I find it difficult to reconcile what I read in the bible with the practices of Catholicism to be honest. I guess that makes me a protestant but I am really confused as to what Church to attend.

There are Anglicans, Baptists, Methodist, Presby, 7th day Adventists, revival, Orthodox etc. etc...

Bit lost really.

Like most people I work a lot, but would be nice to have somewhere even for an hour a week to pray and be amongst believers.

Benny_Cake

Isaiah wrote: »

There are Anglicans, Baptists, Methodist, Presby, 7th day Adventists, revival, Orthodox etc. etc...

Bit lost really.

Like most people I work a lot, but would be nice to have somewhere even for an hour a week to pray and be amongst believers.

You could try visiting a few churches in your area? There is every variety of church in London so perhaps pick out a few that are in your area, check out their websites, and visit on a Sunday. Most churches are quite welcoming to visitors, and a lot will have tea/coffee after services where you can ask questions and find out what they're about.

katydid

Isaiah wrote: »

Hi Katy, I moved to London a year ago, previous to that I spent my whole life in Dublin. I'm early 30's so most of my friends and people in school, college and then work would have been of a similar demographic. I found in my life that practically every guy and girl my age discounted religion as either - stupid, dangerous or something they can pick and choose from. Outright atheist or new age beliefs tended to be more popular with my peers. Maybe it's different outside Dublin but that’s certainly my experience.

I have rarely attended Catholic mass over the years and not accepted communion in years as I know I am not allowed to because I haven't confessed to a priest. I confess to Jesus in prayer regularly but I wouldn’t want to interrupt the Catholic ritual when I have not participated properly.

I find it difficult to reconcile what I read in the bible with the practices of Catholicism to be honest. I guess that makes me a protestant but I am really confused as to what Church to attend.

There are Anglicans, Baptists, Methodist, Presby, 7th day Adventists, revival, Orthodox etc. etc...

Bit lost really.

Like most people I work a lot, but would be nice to have somewhere even for an hour a week to pray and be amongst believers.

I understand that you are coming from. It must be difficult to be surrounded by people who are cynical about their faith. But you know, underneath that cynicism it may be that they are just rejecting the trappings of traditional Christianity, and have a faith of their own.

Not much help to you, I know. But there are Christians around if you look for them. If you're not sure where to go, try out different places and see what suits you. Most churches won't hassle you if you or want to sit quietly and either pray or participate, but will be welcoming if you want to talk to them. You might find out about prayer groups or other places to get together

Isaiah

katydid wrote: »

I understand that you are coming from. It must be difficult to be surrounded by people who are cynical about their faith. But you know, underneath that cynicism it may be that they are just rejecting the trappings of traditional Christianity, and have a faith of their own.

Not much help to you, I know. But there are Christians around if you look for them. If you're not sure where to go, try out different places and see what suits you. Most churches won't hassle you if you or want to sit quietly and either pray or participate, but will be welcoming if you want to talk to them. You might find out about prayer groups or other places to get together

I work in IT Engineering, it has it's fair share of militant athiest too, which can be a challenge sometimes.

Thanks for the advice. Yes I think I will drop in to a few places over the next few sundays, and try get a feel for what's out there.

katydid

Isaiah wrote: »

I work in IT Engineering, it has it's fair share of militant athiest too, which can be a challenge sometimes.

Thanks for the advice. Yes I think I will drop in to a few places over the next few sundays, and try get a feel for what's out there.

I enjoy militant atheists. They give me a chance to stand my ground and argue my corner.

La Fenetre

Isaiah wrote: »

I find it difficult to reconcile what I read in the bible with the practices of Catholicism to be honest.

There's isn't any contradiction between scripture and Catholicism, it's an oft peddled sectarian myth, particularly used on those who like scripture, but have mostly been fed selectively quoted parts of it. Read or watch on you tube anything by Scott Hahn, a former Presbyterian minister and Presbyterian seminary professor, who converted to Catholicism after studying it, rather than what people said about it.

But it doesn't have to be Catholicism . . . as long as it's genuine Christianity that works for you, that's even more important.

Isaiah wrote: »

I guess that makes me a protestant but I am really confused as to what Church to attend.

There are Anglicans, Baptists, Methodist, Presby, 7th day Adventists, revival, Orthodox etc. etc...

Try them all, until you find one you like. Even in a small area you can find a great variation between churches and the people there, even though they might be of the exact same denomination. It should be pretty easy to find a good church in London, that has social activities as well. Also consider volunteering at a few charities etc. and trying them out, you'll at least meet people of the right frame of mind, and many of them will be Christian.

Isaiah

La Fenetre wrote: »

There's isn't any contradiction between scripture and Catholicism, it's an oft peddled sectarian myth, particularly used on those who like scripture, but have mostly been fed selectively quoted parts of it. Read or watch on you tube anything by Scott Hahn, a former Presbyterian minister and Presbyterian seminary professor, who converted to Catholicism after studying it, rather than what people said about it.

But it doesn't have to be Catholicism . . . as long as it's genuine Christianity that works for you, that's even more important.



Try them all, until you find one you like. Even in a small area you can find a great variation between churches and the people there, even though they might be of the exact same denomination. It should be pretty easy to find a good church in London, that has social activities as well. Also consider volunteering at a few charities etc. and trying them out, you'll at least meet people of the right frame of mind, and many of them will be Christian.

Thanks for the advice, just on the Catholic topic though; while I understand your point I wouldn't fall into the category of people who haven't read the bible myelf. I've been reading it since I was a child and I found a dusty old kjv on the shelf. I now read the esv and nasb. I agree that genuine Christians come in many denominations.

La Fenetre

Isaiah wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, just on the Catholic topic though; while I understand your point I wouldn't fall into the category of people who haven't read the bible myelf. I've been reading it since I was a child and I found a dusty old kjv on the shelf. I now read the esv and nasb. I agree that genuine Christians come in many denominations.

I would still recommend Scott Hahn though, you still might not agree with Catholicism, and prefer another denomination, but at least you'll be getting an accurate view of it, rather than the straw man / misrepresentation of it that is sometimes commonly peddled . . . but we digress. Christianity first

Thanks for your answer to the OP, one of the carefully thought out ones !

robdonn

Isaiah wrote: »

Hi Katy, I moved to London a year ago, previous to that I spent my whole life in Dublin. I'm early 30's so most of my friends and people in school, college and then work would have been of a similar demographic. I found in my life that practically every guy and girl my age discounted religion as either - stupid, dangerous or something they can pick and choose from. Outright atheist or new age beliefs tended to be more popular with my peers. Maybe it's different outside Dublin but that’s certainly my experience.

I have rarely attended Catholic mass over the years and not accepted communion in years as I know I am not allowed to because I haven't confessed to a priest. I confess to Jesus in prayer regularly but I wouldn’t want to interrupt the Catholic ritual when I have not participated properly.

I find it difficult to reconcile what I read in the bible with the practices of Catholicism to be honest. I guess that makes me a protestant but I am really confused as to what Church to attend.

There are Anglicans, Baptists, Methodist, Presby, 7th day Adventists, revival, Orthodox etc. etc...

Bit lost really.

Like most people I work a lot, but would be nice to have somewhere even for an hour a week to pray and be amongst believers.

Hi Isaiah,

I seem to have had the opposite experience as you! I am an atheist and when I moved from Dublin to London 2 years ago I found myself living in a house with 7 Catholics, some more devout than others. Only one of them attends mass weekly but they all go sporadically and they range from early twenties to early thirties.

I can speak from experience of the awkward feeling of staying seated during communion when everyone around you is making their way up, but you're rarely the only one and it's not just unbelievers. Christianity is one of those faiths that has so much crossover between denominations that you can attend almost any church and get all of the goodness without having to participate in all of the rituals. As long as you tuck your feet in while people pass then you aren't interrupting anything.

Isaiah

La Fenetre wrote: »

I would still recommend Scott Hahn though, you still might not agree with Catholicism, and prefer another denomination, but at least you'll be getting an accurate view of it, rather than the straw man / misrepresentation of it that is sometimes commonly peddled . . . but we digress. Christianity first

Thanks for your answer to the OP, one of the carefully thought out ones !

Thanks I will check him out, I am open minded about Catholicism so getting a learned perspective on it would help.

hinault

Isaiah wrote: »

Thanks I will check him out, I am open minded about Catholicism so getting a learned perspective on it would help.

Hahn's book "Rome Sweet Home" is an excellent read. Hahn tells his spiritual life journey from fervent Presbyterian and anti Catholic, to being a convert to Catholicism.
The book also tells of the conversion of his wife from Presbyterian to Catholic.

It's an excellent read.

What is apparent from the book is that Hahn began to realise that Presbyterianism's raison d'etre - opposing Catholicism - was contradicted by Scripture and further by the writings of the Church Fathers.
Hahn admits that he was converted initially academically!

La Fenetre

hinault wrote: »

Hahn's book "Rome Sweet Home" is an excellent read. Hahn tells his spiritual life journey from fervent Presbyterian and anti Catholic, to being a convert to Catholicism.
The book also tells of the conversion of his wife from Presbyterian to Catholic.

It's an excellent read.

What is apparent from the book is that Hahn began to realise that Presbyterianism's raison d'etre - opposing Catholicism - was contradicted by Scripture and further by the writings of the Church Fathers.
Hahn admits that he was converted initially academically!

Even though I'm a firmly convinced Catholic, there is a lot of things I really like about Presbyterianism, particularly their love of Scripture and their attitude to God in daily life and work. Whatever denomination someone decides to go with, Hahn does a very accessible job of dispelling the misconceptions and usual misrepresentations about Catholicism (much to his own surprise, and not without stress).

But again we digress, so sorry to be strict, but I really don't want this thread to turn into a denominational spat (and that's not directed at anyone specially), there's way too much of that on the forum, a new thread can be started, or one of the mega threads can be used if anyone wants to explore another topic, so as the OP can I ask everyone to stick with OP question, and see if we, as Christians, call all learn from each other, whatever our denomination.

hinault

La Fenetre wrote: »

Even though I'm a firmly convinced Catholic, there is a lot of things I really like about Presbyterianism, particularly their love of Scripture and their attitude to God in daily life and work. Whatever denomination someone decides to go with, Hahn does a very accessible job of dispelling the misconceptions and usual misrepresentations about Catholicism (much to his own surprise, and not without stress).

I've no knowledge - and more accurately no interest - in Presbyterianism to be able to offer a view.

What struck me about Hahn's book is Presbyterianism's virulent anti Catholicism stance.

That stance should be more than instructive enough for you.

Benny_Cake

hinault wrote: »

I've no knowledge - and more accurately no interest - in Presbyterianism to be able to offer a view.

What struck me about Hahn's book is Presbyterianism's virulent anti Catholicism stance.

That stance should be more than instructive enough for you.

The Presbyterian Church sits on the both the Dublin Council of Churches and Churches Together with the Roman Catholic church so while some Presbyterians may hold sectarian views, that certainly isn't the case for the majority of Presbyterians in this country.

La Fenetre

hinault wrote: »

I've no knowledge - and more accurately no interest - in Presbyterianism to be able to offer a view.

What struck me about Hahn's book is Presbyterianism's virulent anti Catholicism stance.

That stance should be more than instructive enough for you.

I've always found anti-Catholicism, or anti another denomination, is far more about the person spouting it, than the denomination they belong to. but back on topic.

hinault

La Fenetre wrote: »

I've always found anti-Catholicism, or anti another denomination, is far more about the person spouting it, than the denomination they belong to.

Scott Hahn says otherwise in his book "Rome Sweet Home"

Have you read that book?

If you haven't, I strongly suggest that you do. It will teach you about Presbyterianism's anti Catholic stance.

La Fenetre

Yes, and I didn't find that.

Does anyone want to discuss the actual topic ?

If not the mods can close this one as well, thanks.

hinault

La Fenetre wrote: »

Yes, and I didn't find that.

Really? You couldn't find it?

Page 6 of his Hahn's book "Rome Sweet Home" states

lets face it anti-Catholicsism can be a very reasonable thing. If the wafer Catholics worship is not Christ (and I was convinced it was not), then it is idolatrous and blasphemous to do what Catholics do by bowing before and worshipping the Eucharist. I was convinced of this and did my level best to share this.

Maybe you didn't read page 6?

Fluffy Cat 88

Saw this thread, had to reply!

When a family member was ill in hospital a few years ago I used to go to the oratory in the hospital just to pray and ask God for his help to make him well again, but also to keep me strong, keep me working to pay the bills, and get us through.

One day I was sitting there just at peace with God knowing he was with me and something amazing happened. I met a wonderful C.o.I minister there, she sat with me, we chatted together. I met her for prayers the next day and we prayed together with a small group.

I wasn't raised with the Anglican faith. I'm very much a typical lapsed Roman Catholic. Her kindness has stayed with me to this day.

She printed the verse "Footprints" for me, it meant so much.

Three years later all is great, he is fully recovered. Thank you God for everything. Thank you for sending such a kind person when I was in need.

La Fenetre

Thanks for sticking with the OP, and sharing that positive story with us.

ScumLord

La Fenetre wrote: »

[/B]It also reminds me of the passage in Matthew 7:

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts (Holy Spirit in Luke 11:13) to those who ask him.

So what do you want God to do for you ?

Sounds a bit like, if at first you don't succeed, try, try, and try again. When you do finally achieve your goals, Jesus will take the credit for it.

EirWatcher

Isaiah wrote: »

Thanks for the advice, just on the Catholic topic though; while I understand your point I wouldn't fall into the category of people who haven't read the bible myelf. I've been reading it since I was a child and I found a dusty old kjv on the shelf. I now read the esv and nasb. I agree that genuine Christians come in many denominations.

You are studying versions of the Bible that do not include the books on which some of the practices of Catholic Church are based - which might be one reason why you are finding it a struggle to reconcile the bible with Catholic Tradition.

The Douay-Rheims Bible (or the modern Jerusalem Bible) represents the closest basis as used by Doctors of the Catholic Church for formation of Catholic Tradition over the centuries.