Can Prayer change God's mind?

Prayer can indeed 'change God's mind'. (Luke 18:1-8, Jonah 3:10, Amos 7:1-9)


God does not repent, though, as if his first decision was 'wrong' (Num 23:19.) When God changes his mind, it is out of mercy - not because his first decision was in any way unjust. (I Chron 21:15, Gen 18:16-33) As such, one of the reasons for prayer is to appeal to God's mercy. "And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?" (Luke 18:7) "The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." Psalm 6:9

 There are many other reasons to pray:

* For forgiveness (1 Kings 8:30-34, II Chron 6:24-25, Jer 36:7)
* For various requests concerning the body of Christ and other believers (Eph 6:18-20, II Cor 9:12-15)
* For intercession (Acts 8:24, II Samuel 12:23, James 5:16) or the reverse of not praying to intercede (Jer 7:16-19, 1 John 5:16)
* So that our hearts are humbly turned towards God (Hosea 7:14)
* Because God finds it pleasing (Rev 8:3-4) For adoration of God/glorifying God: (Matt 6:9-13, II Chron 29:11, Psalm 66:3)
* For confession: (James 5:16, For thanksgiving: (II Cor 9:12, Eph 9:19-20)
* To determine God's will: (Judges 6:39)
* For discernment: (Luke 21:36)
* For reprieve from oppression or affliction (Psalm 10:17, Psalm 119:134)
* To turn our hearts from troubles or anger to righteous response: (Psalm 77; Psalm 4)

 This is hardly an exhaustive list! God does hear our prayers, made in Jesus' name. In fact, to pray something in Jesus' name is to put the seal of Jesus' authority on it. Even if you feel sometimes that God wouldn't or doesn't listen to you, even though He does, understand that God the Father does listen to His own son! This is for God's own glory. (John 14:13) This does not mean God will grant every wish or change every circumstance. We are stewards under Christ, and so our requests must be in line with the character of Christ.