What is your relationship with/thoughts on prayer?

[JDMS]

EDIT: This is specifically about request type prayers, as defined "a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God/gods or an object of worship." Sorry for any confusion. Feel free to talk about other types of prayer, just be aware that this is the main focus of the thread.

After reading a couple threads on this forum that discuss the idea of prayer, I decided I wanted to start a thread where anyone can share their relationship with/thoughts on prayer regardless of religion or belief. I imagine the responses will probably vary a lot!

For me, I have a complex relationship with prayer. When I was around Christian influence all the time, I struggled with the concept of prayer. To me, it seems like a Christian is communicating with an all-powerful and all-knowing God that can answer any prayer in favor of the request if He wants to, but for reasons unfathomable by man, He often chooses not to, and doesn't explain either. Prayer also seemed odd to me since the idea is that He knows everything already, why do I have to ask first? This made prayer a bitter concept to me. I am well-acquainted with the explanations that people have for Christian prayer, and I understand them at a cognitive level, but these explanations were never satisfying to me. There's also the fact that, considering I don't believe in a all-powerful and all-knowing God, the explanations always felt like cop-outs to me. But I respect that those who do believe will naturally feel differently. I am being genuine when I say that I respect Christians who are happy with their relationship with prayer and don't resent your God for denying certain requests.

As someone who now doesn't necessarily believe in any god, but chooses to pray anyways, my relationship with prayer is completely different. Now when I pray, I am putting out a request with the knowledge that it may go unheard or unanswered. I am praying with a genuine intent and hope that perhaps something will hear and help me, but with an understanding that it may not even be possible, and in the end, things are up to me. I can't rely on anything or anyone else to support me. If they do, then it's a bonus, but I wouldn't rely on it. Whenever something good happens in my life, I usually put out a general 'thank you', just in case something is listening and gave me a boost somehow. Overall, I no longer resent the idea of prayer since I have no real expectations. But it also makes the action feel cheap, and I wish I could have the genuine faith that some people do.

I'm also curious about how you guys think prayer works. Assuming God or gods are capable of answering prayer, how do you believe they do it? How do they influence the world to guide you to your preferred outcome when they do? By praying for certain things, it's implied that God or gods are choosing to influence or control the actions of others. Does this contradict the idea of free will that certain faiths believe in? In the case of polytheistic faiths, how are these gods interacting with different forces in nature and humanity to steer the outcome?

Personally, since I'm unsure of what I think of those questions myself, I only pray for certain things. Clarity during tests, driving, decision making, etc. If these gods have power and can influence anything, then let them have power and influence over me. I'm inviting it. Prayer for anything else, I'm not sure about. If I pray for good weather, what am I really asking? What would negatively be effected by a positive response? If I pray for an application to be accepted, to win a raffle, etc., then aren't I just asking for someone else to lose? These aren't the outcomes I would wish for, so I don't.

Anyways, that's enough rambling from me. I'd love to hear from you guys about what you believe, what thoughts or doubts you guys have about it, etc.

Thanks!

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Prayer is just talking to God. I really don't see why this is so difficult for people. It seems that many people think that prayer has some very specific definition that must meet all sorts of requirements. But it's simply when you're directing your thoughts or words to God. Obviously, as a Christian, I believe there's a more respectful and spiritually ideal way to go about this, but you find figures throughout the Bible just talking to God, arguing with Him, cursing Him, bargaining with Him, praising Him, crying out to Him in despair, repenting to Him, etc. Those are all types of prayers.

But maybe it depends on how you view God. To me, it's about having a personal relationship and always being in dialogue with Him. If to you, "God" is some impersonal force or whatever, that won't make much sense.

 

[JDMS]

Prayer is just talking to God. I really don't see why this is so difficult for people. It seems that many people think that prayer has some very specific definition that must meet all sorts of requirements. But it's simply when you're directing your thoughts or words to God. Obviously, as a Christian, I believe there's a more respectful and spiritually ideal way to go about this, but you find figures throughout the Bible just talking to God, arguing with Him, cursing Him, bargaining with Him, praising Him, crying out to Him in despair, repenting to Him, etc. Those are all types of prayers.

But maybe it depends on how you view God. To me, it's about having a personal relationship and always being in dialogue with Him. If to you, "God" is some impersonal force or whatever, that won't make much sense.

It may also depend on your definition of prayer. Prayer as defined by most dictionaries is a solemn request, petition, etc. That's the kind of prayer I am asking about as well. It slipped my mind that I should clarify that. I still appreciate you sharing though!

 

[loverofhumanity]

EDIT: This is specifically about request type prayers, as defined "a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God/gods or an object of worship." Sorry for any confusion. Feel free to talk about other types of prayer, just be aware that this is the main focus of the thread.

After reading a couple threads on this forum that discuss the idea of prayer, I decided I wanted to start a thread where anyone can share their relationship with/thoughts on prayer regardless of religion or belief. I imagine the responses will probably vary a lot!

For me, I have a complex relationship with prayer. When I was around Christian influence all the time, I struggled with the concept of prayer. To me, it seems like a Christian is communicating with an all-powerful and all-knowing God that can answer any prayer in favor of the request if He wants to, but for reasons unfathomable by man, He often chooses not to, and doesn't explain either. Prayer also seemed odd to me since the idea is that He knows everything already, why do I have to ask first? This made prayer a bitter concept to me. I am well-acquainted with the explanations that people have for Christian prayer, and I understand them at a cognitive level, but these explanations were never satisfying to me. There's also the fact that, considering I don't believe in a all-powerful and all-knowing God, the explanations always felt like cop-outs to me. But I respect that those who do believe will naturally feel differently. I am being genuine when I say that I respect Christians who are happy with their relationship with prayer and don't resent your God for denying certain requests.

As someone who now doesn't necessarily believe in any god, but chooses to pray anyways, my relationship with prayer is completely different. Now when I pray, I am putting out a request with the knowledge that it may go unheard or unanswered. I am praying with a genuine intent and hope that perhaps something will hear and help me, but with an understanding that it may not even be possible, and in the end, things are up to me. I can't rely on anything or anyone else to support me. If they do, then it's a bonus, but I wouldn't rely on it. Whenever something good happens in my life, I usually put out a general 'thank you', just in case something is listening and gave me a boost somehow. Overall, I no longer resent the idea of prayer since I have no real expectations. But it also makes the action feel cheap, and I wish I could have the genuine faith that some people do.

I'm also curious about how you guys think prayer works. Assuming God or gods are capable of answering prayer, how do you believe they do it? How do they influence the world to guide you to your preferred outcome when they do? By praying for certain things, it's implied that God or gods are choosing to influence or control the actions of others. Does this contradict the idea of free will that certain faiths believe in? In the case of polytheistic faiths, how are these gods interacting with different forces in nature and humanity to steer the outcome?

Personally, since I'm unsure of what I think of those questions myself, I only pray for certain things. Clarity during tests, driving, decision making, etc. If these gods have power and can influence anything, then let them have power and influence over me. I'm inviting it. Prayer for anything else, I'm not sure about. If I pray for good weather, what am I really asking? What would negatively be effected by a positive response? If I pray for an application to be accepted, to win a raffle, etc., then aren't I just asking for someone else to lose? These aren't the outcomes I would wish for, so I don't.

Anyways, that's enough rambling from me. I'd love to hear from you guys about what you believe, what thoughts or doubts you guys have about it, etc.

Thanks!

Thanks for sharing your views. My relationship with prayer is that it is very mystical. I never know if God listens or not or takes notice or not as I have no way of detecting God’s Presence or His Absence.

Some things though.

1. I never ever ask God for anything and even if I’m unwell I try not to ask for healing because I trust He knows what’s best for me not that I know what’s best for me.

2. Verbally, I thank Him but really can I ever thank God enough for giving me life and then spiritual life and then awakened me in this age to recognise His latest Messenger, and for my wonderful wife and awesome friends both here on RFA and elsewhere, for the air I breathe, the delicious food I eat, that I am not involved in crime or vices and am surrounded by good people, how can I thank God enough for these things and many more? I can’t. I can only tell people that we are so fortunate to be born as humans to be able to experience humanity.

So I try and do what God would like in order to thank Him. And what does God like most?

He wants us, all races, religions, nationalities basically all humans to treat each other with kindness and to get along so I try to do that. And apart from that I mention how God has sent us so many Prophets and Teachers to try and educate us so we can have true happiness.

True prayer to me is the way we act or behave because it is much better if we act out our prayer than just say it verbally. But we can do both.

 

[danieldemol]

EDIT: This is specifically about request type prayers, as defined "a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God/gods or an object of worship." Sorry for any confusion. Feel free to talk about other types of prayer, just be aware that this is the main focus of the thread.

After reading a couple threads on this forum that discuss the idea of prayer, I decided I wanted to start a thread where anyone can share their relationship with/thoughts on prayer regardless of religion or belief. I imagine the responses will probably vary a lot!

For me, I have a complex relationship with prayer. When I was around Christian influence all the time, I struggled with the concept of prayer. To me, it seems like a Christian is communicating with an all-powerful and all-knowing God that can answer any prayer in favor of the request if He wants to, but for reasons unfathomable by man, He often chooses not to, and doesn't explain either. Prayer also seemed odd to me since the idea is that He knows everything already, why do I have to ask first? This made prayer a bitter concept to me. I am well-acquainted with the explanations that people have for Christian prayer, and I understand them at a cognitive level, but these explanations were never satisfying to me. There's also the fact that, considering I don't believe in a all-powerful and all-knowing God, the explanations always felt like cop-outs to me. But I respect that those who do believe will naturally feel differently. I am being genuine when I say that I respect Christians who are happy with their relationship with prayer and don't resent your God for denying certain requests.

As someone who now doesn't necessarily believe in any god, but chooses to pray anyways, my relationship with prayer is completely different. Now when I pray, I am putting out a request with the knowledge that it may go unheard or unanswered. I am praying with a genuine intent and hope that perhaps something will hear and help me, but with an understanding that it may not even be possible, and in the end, things are up to me. I can't rely on anything or anyone else to support me. If they do, then it's a bonus, but I wouldn't rely on it. Whenever something good happens in my life, I usually put out a general 'thank you', just in case something is listening and gave me a boost somehow. Overall, I no longer resent the idea of prayer since I have no real expectations. But it also makes the action feel cheap, and I wish I could have the genuine faith that some people do.

I'm also curious about how you guys think prayer works. Assuming God or gods are capable of answering prayer, how do you believe they do it? How do they influence the world to guide you to your preferred outcome when they do? By praying for certain things, it's implied that God or gods are choosing to influence or control the actions of others. Does this contradict the idea of free will that certain faiths believe in? In the case of polytheistic faiths, how are these gods interacting with different forces in nature and humanity to steer the outcome?

Personally, since I'm unsure of what I think of those questions myself, I only pray for certain things. Clarity during tests, driving, decision making, etc. If these gods have power and can influence anything, then let them have power and influence over me. I'm inviting it. Prayer for anything else, I'm not sure about. If I pray for good weather, what am I really asking? What would negatively be effected by a positive response? If I pray for an application to be accepted, to win a raffle, etc., then aren't I just asking for someone else to lose? These aren't the outcomes I would wish for, so I don't.

Anyways, that's enough rambling from me. I'd love to hear from you guys about what you believe, what thoughts or doubts you guys have about it, etc.

Thanks!

I sometimes pray because it gives me comfort to do so, but I don't believe it changes anything.

In my opinion.

 

[Aupmanyav]

It is OK for those who cannot manage without it, but not for me, no one to pray to, Ayam atma Brahma, this self is Brahman. But let that not turn him\her into a terrorist.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Prayer should change the one praying. You should not walk away from prayer unchanged. At minimum it should reaffirm your commitment in some way. Otherwise the phrase 'Prayer and fasting' makes no sense to me. Why are prayers answered? I don't know. Seems like sometimes they are. Suppose that you pray for healing for a friend, but you are unchanged. You may not get the healing you request, and you have not yourself been changed. Seems like a prayer should be more than making wishes or chit chat.

 

[VoidCat]

To me if you are asking your god to help someone else who isn't you or are praying them changing someone else who isn't you then you should get permission from the person you are praying about

 

[Kenny]

For me, I have a complex relationship with prayer. When I was around Christian influence all the time, I struggled with the concept of prayer. To me, it seems like a Christian is communicating with an all-powerful and all-knowing God that can answer any prayer in favor of the request if He wants to, but for reasons unfathomable by man, He often chooses not to, and doesn't explain either. Prayer also seemed odd to me since the idea is that He knows everything already, why do I have to ask first? This made prayer a bitter concept to me. I am well-acquainted with the explanations that people have for Christian prayer, and I understand them at a cognitive level, but these explanations were never satisfying to me. There's also the fact that, considering I don't believe in a all-powerful and all-knowing God, the explanations always felt like cop-outs to me. But I respect that those who do believe will naturally feel differently. I am being genuine when I say that I respect Christians who are happy with their relationship with prayer and don't resent your God for denying certain requests.

Appreciate your candor and your acceptance of other people.

I suppose that there are many people who have had to confront those important questions and need for understanding. At some point, I could say "I was there".

What I have found is that, through time, understanding (and questioning and through study) has given me the peace and the knowledge of what to do and how to proceed in prayer.


Yes, it needs to be an answer that satisfies you. And thank you for letting me be satisfied/

At the core, IMU, lies the fact that God placed us as the authority on earth and thus we start the process.

In another issue, many times the word "ask" isn't the "ask" that we understand but rather the establishing of God's will through command.

I do enjoy my time in communication (prayer--if you want to call it that) - it becomes a dialogue in many cases.

 

[Deadworm]

What gets me is that even devout Christians are vexed by apparently unanswered prayers, but ignore 2 mitigating facts:
(1) The Bible identifies an array of subtle conditions that enable effective petitionary prayer, but few Christians, including myself!, thoroughly consider whether their state of consciousness satisfies all these conditions.
(2) Many Christians wrongly assume that answers to prayer are limited to Yes, No, and Wait. But the Bible makes it clear that "the answer" can often take the form of addressing the spiritual need behind the request rather than these preconceived answers.

 

[syo]

"a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God/gods or an object of worship."

Gods are deist. They can only pinpoint what can help you.