Do you believe in prayer?

Do you believe that praying for the wellbeing of others makes a difference in their outcome?

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

I choose yes, but I am not exactly sure. I certainly hope so and think of others all the time. I'd like to think it works, but I am not sure that we will ever know the answer to that. I often hear people say "my prayers have been ansswered" but how do we know for sure. As I said, I like to think it works and therefore will continue to think of others all the time.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

That would necessitate in believing that there is some kind of "higher power", which I don't, so no, I don't think prayer does anything. That's why I rarely, if never, use the prayer icon, and when someone asks for good thoughts and prayers, I send hugs.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

yes I do, but I'm not conviced that there is a god that is described by organized religion. I believe in energies & sending out the signals of what you want to receive, so its not a specific religious prayer for me.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

IMO, the very concept of prayer is believing. so yes

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

yes, I have to believe in something.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

Yes I do believe in prayer! I pray all the time!

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

No. I am an agnostic (leaning towards atheist), so I couldn't possibly believe in prayer.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

I answered yes. I'm not positive that my praying for someone else will necessarily help them, since obviously if God answered all earnest prayers we wouldn't lose so many good people. But I like to believe that it helps.

Sort of off the topic of the question (but to answer the more general question), but one reason I believe in prayer is I think any type of prayer/meditation at least helps the person doing the praying. It is a time to remind myself of what's important in my life. So when I pray I try to focus on things I can technically control but may need guidance- please make me a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, etc.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

Not usually-- but when desperate times come-- I have certainly said a little prayer. I think it's more beneficial from a mental perspective-- giving people comfort when they otherwise feel helpless.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

i believe so

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

I don't think that all prayers are answered, but I do think it helps even if its just as basic as "positive vibes" and sending good energy to someone.

It also makes me feel better to put some good thoughts out there for someone. There are lots of situations that it's really all you can do especially if they live far.

Message edited 7/13/2009 2:19:59 PM.

Re: Do you believe in prayer?

Absolutely I believe in prayer. Now.. you know that I know God and will not deny that when I pray it is a form of communication with God.

HOWEVER, I do not believe that supplication is only for the religious. Prayer is a form of communication and can be used to speak to your highest self if you do not believe in God.

So you can sit and 'pray' for another by merely requesting that something or ANYTHING can assist in effecting a change in that person's current state. Sometimes that quiet meditation is enough to let you come to a conclusion or an answer that might have evaded you otherwise.

Sometimes the mere OFFER of a prayer to someone creates a shift in the dynamic. It can be as simple as putting that offer out to them "I will pray for you" that makes them realize that they are NOT alone and that there could be some hope somewhere.

I don't pretend to understand that power that is prayer - or the intricacies involved. But it works.

Message edited 7/23/2007 12:09:50 PM.