When I Pray, What Does God Do?

The question of how, and whether, God answers prayer has been intellectually shaped by the rise of science, the problem of evil and the nature of the biblical records.

Scientist and theologian David Wilkinson shares his own struggles with the question of how God answers prayer. Science does not rule out God acting in the universe in surprising ways; the Bible shows a God who acts in the world in response to people's prayers. Yet there is always a mystery about the nature and outcome of prayer, not least in the experience of unanswered prayer.

The author shares his struggles with praying in the midst of his wife's long-term illness. What we believe affects how we pray. God is neither a slot machine, nor an indulgent parent, nor a divine dictator, nor a ruler in absentia.

Questions covered include:

How does God work in a world of science?

Why doesn't He answer more often?

Has God acted in history?

How did Jesus pray?

How, in a world governed by law and grace, should we pray?

DAVID WILKINSON is the author of God, The Big Bang and Stephen Hawkingand several other books. Professor Wilkinson has earned doctorates in both astrophysics and theology. He is principal of St John's College Durham, a commentator on popular culture, and a regular contributor to Radio4's Thought for the Day.