Theoretically, yes. However, God tells us to pray anyway. Why is that? It must be because there is more to prayer than simply asking for things. I am absolutely fine in accepting that without question. So, I pray.
This is like you telling me that you are married. I know that already! Communication should be meaningful and not stupid repetitions.
I do not tell my wife over and over again that we have two children. However, I do tell her over and over again that I love her. Both are very repetitious, but one still has meaning.
The most basic (dictionary) meaning of the word "to communicate" is to impart knowledge of; make known. My point is that we don't make anything known to God by praying; He already knows what we want or feel or intend.
Yours is certainly a valid definition, and I think mine is also. I think that part of the communication is the intent behind it. So, when I tell God that I love Him, AGAIN, I think it is worthy, even though He already knows it. When I share something menial with Him off the cuff in prayer, I know He already knows it, and He knows that I am sharing out of love. I am imitating the way I share with my earthly loved ones. I know He understands that, and I "hope" that He likes it.
Just a thought:
Perhaps when we share with earthly loved ones we are 'imitating' the way God shares with us.
We are made in His image and likeness, amen.
Maybe our differing view points are directly related to the surety that my side has, and the state of flux that the Apostolic are constantly in.
There is no state of flux in the Apostolic Church. We know that those who, in their hearts, are Christ-like are saved. I know I am not. I can't speak for others.
For you all, salvation is based on human performance, which includes going to church and taking the sacraments, etc.
Not on performance, FK. On spiritual state. Big difference.
When I go to church the last thing on my mind is earning points toward salvation.
We don't go to church to "earn" points. We go to church to praise God and ask for His mercy which we don't deserve.
The salvation part is already done and over with. All that's left is the living out of the rest of my life.
It's a feel-good thing. It's not what faith is. Faith is hope, not a guarantee.
When God changed me, He made me WANT to do those things for the first time. So, it isn't "work" (most of the time :).
That is so transparently wrong, FK, I can't believe people believe it. It's what Adam said to God "that woman You gave me made me eat the fruit." And Eve said "the Serpent made me do it." It's called passing the buck. God knocked on your heart and what you do from there is your doing. And for that doing you shall be judged (believe it or not).
OK, fine. But why would I want to take out the promise? What is the purpose?
To show you that's it's not about God but about us.
God created humans that seek self-interest.
Where did you get that from? The Bible?
Prayer is for us to die unto ourselves and submit to God's will. The less of you (fallen man), the more of God will be in you. The less flesh, the more spirit. The less mud the more His light will shine through you.
I do not tell my wife over and over again that we have two children. However, I do tell her over and over again that I love her. Both are very repetitious, but one still has meaning.
Why does it have meaning? Are you doing something that would cause her to doubt? (you don't have to answer that, of course, it wasn't meant to be a personal question but a rhetorical answer).
I think that part of the communication is the intent behind it.
But he knows your intent as well. So, you are not revealing anything to God he doesn't know. The purpose is for you to reveal to yourself that it is He that matters and His will be done.