Does the purpose of prayer differ from religion to religion...?

In my opinion, the purpose of prayer does not differ from one religion to another, but rather, from one person to another... from person to person. The purpose of prayer is a very personal thing, and it is not something like "organizational". It's personal. It's our communication with our God.

Actually, I do believe that prayer is used differently in different faiths. Some faiths use prayer as meditation, to take them deeper within themselves. They use it to block out the material world so that all that is left is the spirit within. This is different from the christian way of praying and glorifying the christ figure in a church full of people all singing and praying loudly together. It is also different from the islamic call to prayer, which is rote prayers to allah the moon god said at set times 5 times a day. These prayers do not change and are mandatory in their faith. These are another part of islamic law that forms a mandatory routine in islamic life.

In answering your post I would not criticize other religions. I will also not discuss how followers of different religions pray. I am a Christian. Jesus Christ taught his disciples to pray. He began his prayer by saying, "Our father, who is in heaven; hallowed by your name, your kingdom may come, and your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven; give us our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen" Jesus Christ was against that form of prayers in which people repeat the same words again and again. The prayer he taught was just an example to show how one must pray. One must begin his prayer by glorifying God, by thanking him, and then ask God what you need the most. Seek forgiveness for the wrongs we do, and to give us an ability to forgive others too. Finally end the prayers for gaining an ability to overcome temptation. It is just a sincere prayer one has to utter not at any fixed time but whenever one is idle, or in waiting. He must not even utter it loudly, but one may say it silently.

I don't think the purpose varies. Religion, though different in beliefs are of the same root. Prayer is the communication channel. It is how we talk to our Gods. You pretty much have narrowed down the reasons for prayer. 1. Praising God 2. Asking something from God 3. Enlightenment I think these 3 are the root reasons for praying. Of course I'm not sure if these hold true for all religions as I have not followed other religions aside from Roman Catholicism, but I think it is true for most religions

for me whatever your reasons may be why you pray, your prayer must be genuine and selfless cause God is always there to listen to His children!!God bless you

I think it does not mater to which religion you belong. What maters is that you should have that connection with the almighty. the way of worship in different religions is different but the motive of worship is the same. i personally don`t pray that often but within me i have that special connection with god and that is all that maters.

Well the Bible said ask and you shall recieve. So there are those moments that I pray and ask God for something. But mostly i pray telling God how grateful I am to have him in my life. How grateful I am that i am blessed with a great family, a good job, and the idea to create my two online businesses. I don't know why others pray, but I really hope they are praying to praise the Lord

Hi chaya, Its not my own version but of the scholars and the philosophers that they might be different from other in worshiping God and doing the rituals the ultimate goal is to seek well being of all the people in general and of our kith and keens in particular.

I believe that the purpose of prayer is the same in all religions. We all show our faith and belief through the power of prayer. I don't think it differs just because religions differ.

For me yes it is matter in the way we have to do in our prayers specially you worship the only true God.

The dictation of when to pray, how to pray and what to pray for differs from one religion to another! I was brought up Catholic. I've always been a curious person. One day the priest said "Let us all pray in silence for our.... I wondered what that was? When I asked the priest said that is your own personal connection with God, your creator. My deep bond with God started then! He has helped me walk though my most troubling times and has told me because I work with him rather than ask him for favors he will always be there for me. Am I nuts? Maybe!

Whatever prayer means to different religions, it is still a praise to God. Prayer is a sacred conversation with God to ask Him to forgive us for our sins, thank Him for His blessing and ask for guidance to face our problems.

It does'nt matter what your religion is. I am presently working in a country of multi-culture. And multi-culture means multi-religion. I dont see any difference. What is important, they never forget to pray no matter how many times.

Religion is where we think we belong to, but prayer comes from our hearts and mind and a desire to make it happen that's why we pray and also becuase we want to have strong relationship with god and be with him for his coming that's why we pray and thats the way i pray to god, its not because of my religion its about my faith in god. does it help?

Good Day! I don't think so. No matter what kind of religion we have God always hear our prayers as long as it comes from within out hearts. :)

Hello, chayapathys. I think the one thing we all have in common is that we all use prayer to communicate with God. There are many different ways of prayer, even within the same religion. Sometimes when I pray it is to intercede for others, to ask God to help them in some way, to either heal them of some sickness or to bless them for some specific need they may have. Sometimes when I pray I am just wanting to get close to God, to spend time with Him and feel His presence. To encourage my spirit and strengthen my faith. We all pray when we have a need for something, or when we are sick and need healing. While in church we often join together in prayers of thanksgiving and praise and worship. We do lift our voices together and find encouragement and strength in doing this together, in unity. We are all communicating with God in our own ways. That's all that matters.