I have heard from many that are non-religious that they keep other's in their thoughts when going through a difficult time. What is the point of this? If someone believes in a 'God' that answers prayers, then I can see the point of someone saying they will pray for another person. I am not trying to be mean, but what is accomplished with thinking about another person. Isn't it basically powerless? Yes, I know that some believe prayer is powerless, but the person that is praying does NOT think that way. If someone is simply thinking about another person's situation, what is that person believing they are accomplishing?
2007-11-25 06:04:01 · 9 answers · asked by One Odd Duck 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is never useless to think good thoughts about another person. If someone tells me that they are keeping me in their thoughts I feel blessed even if the person does not believe in God.
2007-11-25 06:10:49 · answer #1 · answered by Pamela V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am offering emotional and empathic support, letting them know that they are not alone.
That is really all you do when you tell someone you will pray for them. Prayer is just a monologue in your own mind with yourself, whatever else you may think you are doing.
While we know prayer is silly and useless, it has also been shown that "positive thinking" is equally useless. This is a major blow to the New Agers who think they can channel universal energy with some of their odd ritualistic healing practices. It has been shown conclusively, for example, that cancer patients who do positive thought exercises etc do no better at survival than others.
The concept of prayer is fascinating to me. Why do believers do it? Do they think God doesn't know about the object of prayer? Do they think he just needs reminding? That doesn't sound like an omniscient supernatural sky daddy who is aware of every sparrow.
If you want to learn more about the futility and silliness of prayer, please go to this link with an open mind.
http://www.whywontgodhealamputees.com
2007-11-25 06:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's just a nice thing to say. It's good to know others are thinking about you and that they care.
Beyond that, just because someone doesn't believe in prayer doesn't mean they don't believe in the power of positive thinking, especially in numbers.
2007-11-25 06:08:58 · answer #3 · answered by Linz VT•AM 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's simply a way to let someone know you care about them. It has no literal meaning, any more than saying that the sun goes up or down does: it's merely a figure of speech.
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2007-11-25 06:12:35 · answer #4 · answered by YY4Me 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Praying to a God is pointless. But our thoughts can cause things to manifest.
2007-11-25 06:11:54 · answer #5 · answered by Jasumi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cant redeem our past but may bring the plates of dividence back into a pyramid puzzle Lafferin.
2007-11-25 06:18:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
People get lost in thoughts.
The more you think, the imagination becomes more real.
2007-11-25 06:10:12 · answer #7 · answered by Laff -Hugs 4all- 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think it's just something people say, to be courteous and show they care. or, they subconsciously are praying to "something", they just don't understand what exactly they are thinking or whatever.
2007-11-25 06:11:00 · answer #8 · answered by justme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
:) I would much rather have prayer! :) thanks for the question.
2007-11-25 06:09:27 · answer #9 · answered by sisterzeal 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋