“The most important aspect of prayer is that it changes the prayer and not so much the external world.”
2007-06-25 11:24:31 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yup, I meant the one who prays.
2007-06-25 11:31:34 · update #1
I would tend to agree. Prayer can work in much the same way that meditation does, in reducing stress and focussing the mind on some of the more positive aspects of life.
2007-06-25 12:42:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist say that if you repeat
"Nam Myoho Renge Kyo,"
Enough times you will get anything you desire (so you can get past it to enlightenment) or know why you'd be better off with out it.
The prayer changes the person who prays to a greater extent than it changes the world. If you pray for a pink Cadillac and get one, it will change how you live but the sun will still rise and set from your viewpoint. The tides will still go in and out. Babies will be born and people will dye their T-shirts and shoes.
2007-06-25 18:44:01 · answer #2 · answered by hairypotto 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
correct me if I am wrong, I think you meant:
"The most important aspect of prayer is that it changes the "pray-er" and not so much the external world." in other words prayer changes the one who prays.
if that is what you meant, then I can accept that as a viable maxim.
2007-06-25 18:30:24 · answer #3 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it is a both and, prayer does change the one who prays - the whole idea of turning over our troubles can lift the burdens we carry to some extent. However, the idea that God can influence nothing in the external world is a little extreme for me, I want to beleive that God, when push comes to shove, can do something.
2007-06-25 18:29:16 · answer #4 · answered by Terri 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I see prayer as something that comforts the person doing it but has no bearing on the people and world around it; in essence action speaks louder than words. Of course many would disagree with me on that and they are welcome to. To me prayer is nothing more than empty words when you can be using the time to fix what you are praying about. I have never prayed, I never will.
2007-06-25 18:29:44 · answer #5 · answered by genaddt 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I am going to agree with you. With all the different religions and beliefs out there, I think that all of the various methods of contacting their god/goddess/spirit helps the person who is praying....no real changes are ever made to the world.
2007-06-25 18:37:33 · answer #6 · answered by country_girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the most important aspect of prayer is that it changes the PERSON not so much the outer world my friend.
2007-06-25 18:27:46 · answer #7 · answered by bboyballer112 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Prayer doesn't change things. The One we pray to changes things.
I do think prayer impacts my life, though. It focuses me on Him and gives perspective. Prayer is extremely important and does work changes in me.................... However, when you intercede on another's behalf - you are simply asking God to do something. You don't have any power yourself.
2007-06-25 18:31:57 · answer #8 · answered by fanofchan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Since prayer does not work, and this has been scientifically proven, lots of rationalizations and apologies are needed. This is one of the more imaginative ones I've heard (even with bboyballer's correction).
2007-06-25 18:28:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 4⤋
Nope...it changes what you pray for....
I'll be praying for you.
2007-06-25 18:29:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋