One of the most scientifically rigorous studies yet published found that the prayers of a distant congregation did not reduce the major complications or death rate in patients hospitalized for heart treatments.
(Please don't use the NY times article of 2nd Oct. 2001 as proof prayer works, it has proven to be completely fraudulent)
2007-02-15 16:10:54 · 26 answers · asked by Jason Bourne 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Prayer isn't a waste of time, please give me the 10 pts, we almost have the same user name.
2007-02-15 16:13:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is not a waste of time for the people doing the praying. It gives them hope and a feeling that they are doing something to help. It doesn't hurt anything. I have had a lot of prayers answered and some that weren't.
The thing about scientific studies is that there is always a new study that refutes an earlier study and another study that refutes that study.
2007-02-16 00:21:53 · answer #2 · answered by marchhare57 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Old Jewish saying - Prayer doesn't change God
Prayer changes the one who prays.
Same thing for the world.
It is also the case that if you believe, things tend to happen. And THAT, my scientific friend, has been established over and over in studies with placebos.
So no, prayer is not a waste of time. You, perhaps, put expectations on prayer that are not met. But that's you - not the prayer
2007-02-16 00:14:21 · answer #3 · answered by Uncle John 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You have free will. I believe a prayer will not change what will be. I believe prayer helps you get through life especially when you have no one else to talk to. I know it has helped me for 50 years. At times ... things happen that defy logic .. and who knows.. maybe God steps in. But in the end it is mainly you .. you have to take charge. Prayer simply gives you the strength.To try and prove prayer works is silly. If you remember the movie "Contact" there was a scene where a question was put to Jodie Foster ... "did you love your Dad?" She said "of course I did." The next question was "prove it." Prayer works.....believe it.
2007-02-16 00:19:54 · answer #4 · answered by Texas Mike 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I believe in Faith. God is not going to allow you to put him under a microscope and measure Him. That would be proof, not faith. Can you imagine the consequences if we had a measurement of just how efficasious Prayer was? Every pill bottle would have to be updated with the dosage requirements and what they should be with and without prayer. 2 pills, or just one with a prayer of no less than 30 seconds...
Prayer is about 2 things: Getting guidance from God, and holding up someone elses needs or situation before the throne. For me, its about getting my mind off myself and petittioning God in behalf of someone else. I always find that the things I'm concerned about seem to melt away when I pray for someone else.
2007-02-16 00:24:04 · answer #5 · answered by Nash 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No prayer is not a waste of time. God is always there and answers in His time, not ours. Prayer is a great way of relieving stress, and is also a great way of communicating with the Father. Prayer works and is not a waste of time.
2007-02-16 00:15:20 · answer #6 · answered by tebone0315 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
No- EVEN if God doesn't exist, prayer is a form of meditation. It helps you get in touch with what you want, and it gives you faith. With faith, you can begin to believe in yourself, and by doing that, you can do anything. Prayer may not accomplish much in the physical sense, but in the mental sense- it can truly do wonders...if and only if YOU believe in it.
2007-02-16 00:15:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It all depends, although by praying a person might not be able to cure or save someone, the person praying might find inner peace by doing it. Making it not a waste of time for that individual.
2007-02-16 00:21:15 · answer #8 · answered by jomar 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Okay, then you will have to explain that to a elderly white couple who came here to Las Vegas about two years ago. While here, the wife went into a coma and was expected to die. But while in the hospital, the husband heard my pastor praying for people in the hospital. My pastor went and prayed for the woman in the coma and she came out of it. The elderly couple still write and stay in contact with my pastor. The are living witnesses of the power of God.
2007-02-16 00:17:37 · answer #9 · answered by super saiyan 3 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Yes, waste of time indeed.
It's also one of the best and most commonly used excuse when you do not want to help someone, just say "I'll pray for you". It means, in a socially accepted way :"I am not going to do anything about it for you".
2007-02-16 04:04:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
For those who say that praying has had a restful, fulfilling, thearapeutic, cleansing and benevolent affect on them, who could say it was a waste of time.
For the rest of us, a nice glass of Jack Daniels on the rocks is just about as effective.
2007-02-16 00:21:59 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋