The Power Of Prayer

[chikispirit]

I started going to church several years ago, to play the organ rather than pray, to be honest and have met loads and loads of kind people there but really I don't go to church to pray.

Not everyone goes to church for many reasons and not everyone believes in God, so when you are faced with troubled times and looking for optimism and hope, perhaps, which is your best way of communicating with an invisible higher power?

[ummmm]

Chiki - my mum is a born again Christian... I used to go to her church and I loved it. The people were lovely.

Although I'm an atheist I can completely understand why people are drawn to the church. It becomes like a family.

[chikispirit]

What suggestions would you have for others ummmmmm?

[ummmm]

I don't know what to suggest.

I was never asked about my beliefs when attending my mums church. They used to have 'family fun days' and it was great fun. If you didn't have transport they'd pick you up and drop you off. Youth clubs for the youngsters, days out at minimum cost. People from all walks of life. All were welcome.

This is/was an evangelical church. It was more like a very loving community rather than preaching. If the people bring you comfort, then attend, and enjoy. No one can force you to believe but that doesn't mean you have to deny yourself the friendship that is offered.

[TTG]

I usually find thinking about my grandparents helps me a great deal. I believe that even when people close to us pass away, they can stay behind in some form guiding and advising spiritually.

[RATTER15]

There is no power to prayer, praying to someone that doesn't exist will do nothing for anybody. However if as ummmm say's it help to get your thoughts in order I wont knock it, I just wouldn't really call it prayer!

[ummmm]

Ratter...I don't call it prayer either. I call it 'sitting down, thinking, telling yourself to cop on' but if it makes it easier to think they are talking to someone...so be it.

[RATTER15]

Exactly ummmm :-)

[ummmm]

No one actually likes to admit they're actually talking to themselves :-)

[chikispirit]

I love all your answers! I don't think I know any born again Christians, ummm but have been to an Evengelical church. The one I went to believed very much in the power of music.

Hello TTG, I hear what you are saying about your grandparents. I often wonder whether it is the memory of what they taught us that stays with us rather than something spiritual. I'm more inclined to find spirits in flowers, trees, insects, animals and the countryside.

Yes, ratter and ummm sitting thinking and putting our thoughts in order, wiping away our tears if they appear, unexpectedly, then moving on with our lives.

Thank you all for your thoughts. Much appreciated! xx