What's The Point of Prayer?

[birdie1971]

Why do religious people pray?

It seems like a singularly pointless thing to do. If God is omnipresent and omnipotent, then He knows your deepest desires � you don't have to tell Him � He already knows doesn't He?

Actually, isn't praying the most presumptuous thing imaginable? Surely you're asking God to change His plan to benefit you specifically?

[poltergeist]

praying is for the weak

[birdie1971]

Not sure I'd put it in quite such blunt terms, but I agree with the sentiment!

[Ice.Maiden]

No, it's f-comfort for those who believe in the power of God.

[Ice.Maiden]

Oops - sorry. Typo.

I can't say as I'd find it of benefit, but it's unfair to sugest that prayers are useless to those who believe.

[tamborine]

If you're taught a faith - a prayer is for one's own comfort. Not necessarily for requesting favours but more giving thanks.

[pastafreak]

Prayer may be seen as an indication of faith and trust in god....and prayer is not always for OUR benefit....those i know who pray-do it for others.

[birdie1971]

Okay. But why thank a deity? He knows you're grateful. How does vocalising it or even thinking it let that deity know that you're grateful? He knows already doesn't He?

He knows your very soul.

So why waste your time thanking Him when you could be doing something more valuable with your time?

[pastafreak]

To those who believe it is never seen as a 'waste of time' to thank god. And it is always difficult for a non-believer to see things from the point of view of those who DO believe and have faith.

[Ice.Maiden]

I'd imagine that some people find it more personal to speak the words.

[pastafreak]

Besides..I tend to think that if there IS a god....he just gives us th etools...and then lets us find our own way. He has NOT planned everything out for us. So that is why 'we' may ask for guidance thru prayer.

[tamborine]

Depends when you do it.....for me its 'night' and couldn't sleep otherwise - habit!

Remembering the words of the Lords Prayer dispels dementia, and it has to be mouthed rather than thought, else I just go round in circles ;)

[birdie1971]

I agree. As a non-believer, I do find it difficult to see why you feel the need to try and intervene in God's plan.

[pastafreak]

Then it is a comfort for you,tambo....

[pastafreak]

I just remarked that I don't think god DOES have a plan.....

[birdie1971]

Tamborine - �Remembering the words of the Lords Prayer dispels dementia�


Err....


Sorry?

[tamborine]

After over 50y of Lords Prayer you wouldn't expect to forget the words - though I have my moments!

[naomi24]

Actually, isn't praying the most presumptuous thing imaginable? Surely you're asking God to change His plan to benefit you specifically?

Imagining that there is an almighty god who takes any special interest in individuals at all is not only presumptuous, it's arrogant. Prayer, like religion in general, is wishful thinking.

[R1Geezer]

Birdie, you are making the mistake of assuming there is a rational reason for religous activities. It doesn't matter which version of fairy tale the whole lot is steeped in illogic and irrational behaviour so unless you are a believer you will never be able to make any sense of it.

[jason.p]

I think verbalising any mantra or prayer probably gives you a physical connection with something that is imaginary, thus making it seem more real and re-inforcing the belief. A bit like a child talking to an imaginary friend