As a non beleiver, I can't see where prayer would amount to a thing, if it is not in god's plan, it isn't going to happen anyhow, and if it is in his plan the the prayer is moot as well.
2007-03-13 02:32:54 · 11 answers · asked by CrazyFarmer 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think that there is a distinction between the kind of prayer that you are referring to and the kind that is most common. I used to think that prayer was the 'ask the genie' kind of thing: where you would ask God to let you do good on that test, to make my aunt healthy again, etc. etc. But when I came to faith, I realized that prayer isn't just about that: prayer is also just talking. It's just keeping that door of communication open with God...just like a kid tells her mom how her day at school was, prayer is a lot of the time, just 'checking in'.....having someone to talk to when it feels like no one else could/would ever want to listen. To talk to someone frankly, and without censor...because I tell you what, I swear more at God than I do anyone else....I think the word 'prayer' can be so intimidating, and it can carry a stigma that your words must always be eloquent and 'right', but in reality, honesty is all it is. Really saying what's on your mind...being vulnerable, and letting God see that...prayer just solidifies the relationship between a person and God.
I hope that helps.
2007-03-13 03:12:12 · answer #1 · answered by Constellation 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The answer is yes. Praying and knowing that He is listening is such a powerful force. Thanking God for everything and knowing that when I walk around in the woods or look up or down or at anything natural...wow! Talk about perfection. Even the imperfect flower is perfection. Praying for guidence to show us the way and light of his plan is the point. We can't just want , want, want all of the time. We have to give, give, give too. Be thankful. I pary for not only others but for myself. Being healthy and safe. Guidence down the path that he wants me to take...which I have recently found...I'm 35. It took a while but it happens. You will fall off the bandwagon and have to get back on. It's ok. We were made in His image. But not perfect like Him. Be thankful. You are just as blessed as everyone else, you just have to believe that you are blessed.
My husband, who believes in God never truly believe that he was blessed until he met me. He still struggles but he gets it now.
No, I am not a goody, goody. I am not a Bible Banger. I love being who I am and I love living and helping others. I am the wealthiest woman in the world, yet have little money and work to "pay the man". lol
I tend to rant but, try it for a month. Thank him for blessing you. It's easy. Then bless someone else by holding open the door, helping an elderly person with their groceries. It's good and believe it or not, fun.
2007-03-13 03:08:52 · answer #2 · answered by Steff 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is not just presenting a wish list to some big Santa in The Sky.
No, it's a communication, meaning talking to and listening to. If I ask for something that is not in God's plan, through prayer, He will give me the strength to endure what is coming, or He will give me the wisdom to see that I ask with wrong motives, or give me insight to do things differently. I pray for lots of things, mainly wisdom to see things clearly, strength and determination to do the work He has for me.
but if you do not believe, then that makes absolutely no sense.
2007-03-13 02:40:53 · answer #3 · answered by Terri 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all, the biblical God does not destine all of us to something. He has the power too, but doesn't, that means he can make a miracle happen to save us if he wants to. So prayer would be beneficial if God would do a miracle. But he doesn't, and the biblical explenation would be that he is not doing any miracles in the "last hour" which is the hour that we are in.
So is prayer beneficial?
Scientifically, yes. It is like a placibo, that is 100% free.
In religion, yes also. It helps you overcome problems in your life.
So even if your agnostic, prayer can be used as a free placibo, and who knows, maybe it helps you become religious.
-Dominus-
P.S. I have prayed, and it does make me feel better.
2007-03-13 02:40:30 · answer #4 · answered by Master Dominus Ardor 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most religious people use prayers for ask God material benefits. Everyone get what he deserve, God is not obligated to satisfy our material needs. But still, like your little son keep asking you for a toy, you take that in consideration.
2007-03-13 02:58:08 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
prayer is benefical because it helps social lives, sorts out problems, and and it guides. Prayer is like a friend that u can take anywhere
2015-07-13 13:31:49 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are different kinds of prayers.
You're apprently talking about intercessory prayers.
Prayers of thanksgiving do wonders for the person praying. I don't want to repeat myself here, so if you want to know more about *those* prayers and my opinions about what they do for the person praying, go here:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ag57wgmqG4zIzYL6OmCvcEsAAAAA?qid=20070223194953AAN6FIT&show=7#profile-info-3GNGAvEGaa
2007-03-13 04:13:06 · answer #7 · answered by Praise Singer 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
it depend of you concience
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Matthew 6:8
King James Version
2007-03-13 02:49:39 · answer #8 · answered by arvin_ian 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is more for our benefit then G-d's
2007-03-13 02:40:38 · answer #9 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it serves as a kind of self-talk to those who do pray. y'know like when you're feeling a bit down - you can look in the mirror and say to yourself 'you can do this!!'.. that's what praying does - it's like you're saying 'god is on my side!!'
of course, it's all in the mind. positive attitudes attract positive results.
2007-03-13 02:40:23 · answer #10 · answered by deathbyrazorblades 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋