We are suppose to believe that everything God does is for the best, and I do believe that. Therefore, I accept what He gives me because it’s the best (even though I can’t necessarily see it). But then, am I supposed to not pray for him to take away my problems?
Thank you for your great (and important) question. This has been asked by many sages for literally thousands of years.
I think the answer has two parts:
(1) Why do we pray anyhow? Doesn’t God know what we are thinking? Doesn’t he understand us better than we do? He’ll do what’s really best.
Well, let me ask you: Why do I talk to my wife? The question doesn’t make sense, right? We share a life together. We have to talk frequently, as part of our partnership, about a hundred different issues. If we never spoke, God forbid, we would grow apart.
The same is true with God. Human beings link by talking. If we talk to God, we have a relationship with Him. If we would never speak to Him, it wouldn’t matter if we believe — we would lose any perception of having a relationship. Conversely, the more a person talks with God, the more he asks for what he needs, the more he thanks Him for what He’s given, the more He tells Him how he is feeling… the more his relationship with God will become real and tangible.
This is not just a psychological issue from our side; this is part of how God made the world — so that we should talk to him. Our prayers are answered; when we ask Him, He will turn to us and answer. Of course, He might not do what we ask, any more than a parent would always do what the child wants. But prayer will always have an impact.
(2) You’re quite right. We should try not to tell God what to do. We rarely, or perhaps never, know what’s really for the best. But our prayers can include how we feel, and what we want. Ask Him, and understand that He’ll choose what’s really best for us.
Best wishes,
Michoel Reach
[Editor: Please see here for more on the topic of “Purpose of Prayer.”]