The Idea of Prayer
By MRconrad01
@MRconrad01 (148)
United States
November 4, 2011 4:26pm CST
I'm not trying to incite an argument, but a discussion (obviously, since these are all discussions). What do you pray for? Do you pray at all (if you're religious and you don't pray, why don't you?)? I personally don't pray because I'm not a very religious person, but I'm very curious to see people's responses.
1 person likes this
6 responses
@peavey (16936)
• United States
5 Nov 11
Prayer is not necessarily praying "for something." It's simply communicating with our God. Sometimes we ask for things, sometimes we tell Him things, other times, we talk things out and sometimes we praise Him, sometimes we simply thank Him. For those who don't know Him, it can be hard to understand what prayer is, but just "communication" covers is pretty well.
@peavey (16936)
• United States
5 Nov 11
But He does "talk back" in many ways. Sometimes it's a feeling that I should do this or that. Sometimes, it's just knowing that He is there. Other times, things happen that only He and I know about. Lots of ways. As I said, for those who don't know Him, it can be hard to understand, but communication is a two way thing.
@mantis36 (4219)
• Philippines
5 Nov 11
you said doesn't talk back?
i think you have a point there too....
it doesn't talk back if we using sense of hearing and sight
sense of feel?
there are still plenty of reasons and it isn't it clear type of reply....
i don't know....
i just think that there is a designer to a designed matter....
@MRconrad01 (148)
• United States
5 Nov 11
But again, how do you communicate with someone or something that doesn't talk back? Or is the response in actions, not words? Or is there no reply at all?
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
4 Nov 11
I am atheist and so I do not pray. I see no sense in trying to psychically communicate with entities that threaten me with eternal damnation even though that entity knows all and knew what I would do beforehand.
I think that religion is all allegory and I think there is a lot of truth in the background, so the origin of prayer makes a lot of sense to me. Give awareness to our intentions and putting out a certain energy. However, I think the very point is lost when we are demanding what we want instead of seeking guidance, and certainly without the understanding that we are not a lower being.
I believe in meditation. Like prayer, but directed inward.
@MRconrad01 (148)
• United States
5 Nov 11
So how exactly do you meditate? If it's inward, I'd imagine you're not trying to connect with any spiritual or force of nature, but maybe have a connection with something inward? At any rate, I really enjoyed your response. I hadn't really given much thought to meditation to be honest.
@_sketch_ (5742)
• United States
5 Nov 11
We are a spiritual force and a force of nature. I disagree with the idea that we are separate from nature and with the notion that we are disconnected from anything of the universe.
@mantis36 (4219)
• Philippines
5 Nov 11
Roman Catholic is my religion...
but i never pray in repetition anymore just what we did yesterdays...
for i am sure that God will totally listen to my prayer if whatever i said is directly comes to my mind,
sounds like talking and having a conversation with God....
at least, its not a repetitive type of prayers for 15 times a day....
@iuliuxd (4453)
• Romania
4 Nov 11
This is an easy question.The christians are praying because Jesus told them to do it every time they need help.Some of them will find it useful and they will pray daily or every time they have a problem,some will think it`s useless to pray and they won`t do it.It`s nothing bad in praying to god,it helped a lot of people (for example my granny was very happy praying every day and it helped her a lot ) and everyone is free to do it or not.
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
4 Nov 11
I will only speak for myself. Prayer to me is like a discussion. The same things that apply to discussion apply to prayer. Sure we could argue or even be rude to each other but what could that achieve? I think rather everyone feels better and will see some kind of gain by sharing views with respect and care. Prayer to me is part of a relationship. Without communication how could we work things out or feel anything about the other in any depth. Prayer is a personal thing but we can discuss it too. Keep in mind though that once we talk about more than just prayer itself but more about spiritual things it can become a prayer.
Do hope that the idea of a prayer made sense.
@Bluedoll (16773)
• Canada
5 Nov 11
Prayer is a discussion (please see first paragraph) just as we are having a discussion here. We can most certainly take notice and read a discussion and not respond but this action does not mean we do not grant or deny anything until we actually put it all aside. Like the expression "on deaf ears" communication can sometimes seem to be a one sided event.
The fact is though that sometimes we do respond (I've read in another discussion where you commented on prayer but did not respond to that one for example)and the same applies to prayer. I have had my prayers answered many times.
@MRconrad01 (148)
• United States
5 Nov 11
I guess I just have a hard time wrapping my mind around this because I base all of my discussions off of logic, and the dictionary definition of discussion seems to say that it's more of an informal argument, which would include talking on both sides. I can see what you're trying to say for sure though.
@MRconrad01 (148)
• United States
5 Nov 11
If prayer itself is like a discussion, is there only talking at the person who's praying's end? Or is it both ways by the person praying asking for things, and the response back is the granting or denial of these things? I'm just curious.
