2007-11-17 11:24:56 · 16 answers · asked by Linz VT•AM 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Right on, Barbara. Me too. Was just curious to see how those who pray think it helps them.
2007-11-17 11:30:28 · update #1
It gives me guidance and direction.
2007-11-17 11:27:41 · answer #1 · answered by Gardener for God(dmd) 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Prayer is not effective in helping people who undergo heart surgery a recent Harvard study showed, “The Harvard study showed conclusively that those who knew they were being prayed for fared significantly worse than those who didn’t. Also, more complications arose in those prayed for than those who weren’t.”
“The message seems clear, not only is it not a good idea to pray for people, it is essential to avoid that well- worn phrase ‘you are in our prayers’.
you can read the details of the study here for yourself:
http://web.med.harvard.edu/sites/RELEASES/html/3_31STEP.html
Also in "The Happy Heretic" by Judith Hayes. she describes how she started rubbing a stuffed penguin whenever she had the urge to pray, and got the same results.
2007-11-17 19:32:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd like to respond to the answer about the Harvard research study.
They used a control group of people who prayed and those who didn't and saw no difference.
Prayer only works when the prayer is rooted in faith. It doesn't work when a person doesn't believe in faith for an answer. Otherwise, it is like sending an open letter to "dear occupant". Just because someone mouths the words does not make it a prayer.
The effect is that when I pray, I'm amazed at how I receive answers for life's problems. Often in unexpected ways. Again, it's not about me, it's about the fact that God cares enough to listen.
2007-11-17 19:39:17 · answer #3 · answered by Searcher 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Prayer/spell casting is a great way to focus energy and if used positively is wonderful and useful. My favorite use of prayer/spell casting is used on people who cause you pain - I channel energy to help clarify ones perception of pain and to aid in their ability to know when they inflict it, afterwards you pray for peace within their minds to help settle their destructive urges. I find that the prayer effect works best when you ask for a positive affect on the subject to balance a negative action. Prayers/spell castings of revenge or ill will perpetuate negative energy. I pray/spell cast for myself frequently to strengthen my resolve when confronted with problems, never to resolve them for me.
2007-11-17 19:43:52 · answer #4 · answered by M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer gives me guidance and an incredible sense of peace and I've had quite a few answered in amazing ways - honest!
2007-11-17 19:31:10 · answer #5 · answered by mandy r 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Wonders. I asked for prayer last nite for my father, and someone reported it. Guess what, it worked. How could I have gotten a violation notice? Oh well. Thats sad.
2007-11-17 19:29:30 · answer #6 · answered by Ace of Spades 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It has absolutely no effect as I do not pray. I tackle my problems head-on as that is the only way to get them resolved.
2007-11-17 19:28:49 · answer #7 · answered by genaddt 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
I dont use prayer in that way babe ...
infact I very seldom pray
but when I do , it is more of an after thought .. a kind of *phew* it is all sorted now
I dont look to God to sort my problems .... I do that
2007-11-17 19:35:44 · answer #8 · answered by ☮ Pangel ☮ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Prayer is meditation to me.
It has calmed me when I have needed calming. It has helped me think when I was confused.
I know that God will never answer or interfere but I still talk to Him.
2007-11-17 19:29:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
If it wasn't for prayers, many would have died, and I perhaps wouldn't be here since God has answered many of my prayers.
2007-11-17 19:49:11 · answer #10 · answered by inteleyes 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only if the person praying is so loud they interupt what I'm trying to read.
2007-11-17 19:29:21 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋