Do You Think Praying Works?

anti-christ of suburbia:

im not sure if God even exists. but i pray a lot when im in trouble, or something bad might happen. ive spent a lot of nights begging some higher power to help me and its never worked.

i think there's something out there, but whatever it is it doesnt listen to me.

IMRO You're supposed to pray all the time, not only when you need help. Just like for anything,the day,and that you got to breathe and see the next day. Thats just me.

Lucifers Angel:

Capri:

fancy pants:

I see it as more of a placebo.

It doesn't do anything on it's own. I don't believe in higher beings that we can communicate with through prayer. But people do it and they believe it works, and it's just like when someone takes a pill that they think will make them better, even though medically the pill does absolutely nothing, their faith in it will contribute to the favorable outcome.

That's a very interesting way of looking at it.
Personally I don't think it works. As an atheist I don't believe in getting down on my knees and praying to a higher power... because there is no higher power.

how do you know there is no higher power? (just curious has to how you can know that)

i think that what works for one person wont necessary work for another, i know that on the occassions that i have prayed they have been answered, for example when i was told by my dr's that i should abort my son because he was going to be born disabled and he wasnt, (he has adhd)

How is your son now?

Praying doesnt really work. Peopel pray just because they believe that God will hear their prayers.
I believe in miracle, but I never pray

2000~lightyearsaway:

Praying doesnt really work. Peopel pray just because they believe that God will hear their prayers.
I believe in miracle, but I never pray

To you, praying doesn't work. But it means different things to different people, and for some people, it does work.

I pray sometimes out of school and sometimes, it does sometimes it doesnt but its God's desision. I go to a catholic school and I'm not catholic, I dont know what I am. I use to go to a mormon church some months ago but I left cause I had second thoughts about it cause (please dont take offense) they had so many rules that I couldnt follow what ever I did, so I dont know what to do now.

[quote="<greendayfan>"]I pray sometimes out of school and sometimes, it does sometimes it doesnt but its God's desision. I go to a catholic school and I'm not catholic, I dont know what I am. I use to go to a mormon church some months ago but I left cause I had second thoughts about it cause (please dont take offense) they had so many rules that I couldnt follow what ever I did, so I dont know what to do now.[/quote]

yeah they're reules are amoungst the reasons why i left, shouldnt drink coffee, tea, you shouldnt drink, you shouldnt smoke and there are so many rules and if you do somthing wrong you have to answer to the bishop, but to me you practice religion in your own way and believe in your own way.

the answer to that question depends on in what sense do you mean work? physical evidence or mental help?

i think it works.
as long as you belive it will work.

It can be soothing, like a sort of counselling to your self. if that makes any sense. If you mainly, there is some people who just pray for advice, help or whatever. They'd be better off talking to a counsellor (spelling is bad, I know) or whatever.

Let's put it this way, I'm not getting my next tattoo; Jumalen Selan takana (Behind God's back) for shits and giggles.

the thing is, christians believe that god knows and has mapped out their destinies. . . so what use would praying for something to happen be if your future/destiny is already set?

I believe in God and I pray. I dont go to church and I only pray once I day, but I know that deep in my heart I believe in God and I dont need anything else. I thank God and I pray for something, but not material stuff, just when something bad happens or when I worry fro somebody or just when I want something good to happen. I think praying helps me feel better, I dont know if it really works, but I believe so.

billies_rebel111:

the thing is, christians believe that god knows and has mapped out their destinies. . . so what use would praying for something to happen be if your future/destiny is already set?

..no they don't. I was raised in a Catholic family, I grew up in a community where people reguarly attend church, I went to a Christian school.

They don't believe that.

Praying does work for me and for my family. Im very thankful for that in every way. I pray to God every night for my brother, and it never ceases to amaze me that my brother is alive and well AND safe at that. :] Forget a new house Id rather have my brother alive anyday.

Bloodraine:

If you want something enough, anything can work. I think this issue all comes down to how strongly you believe in something. I don't pray as such, but I believe that it does have a great deal of benefits.

Ditto

keyboard not found:

Bloodraine:

If you want something enough, anything can work. I think this issue all comes down to how strongly you believe in something. I don't pray as such, but I believe that it does have a great deal of benefits.

Ditto

Double ditto. That was exactly what I was going to say.

if you mean it and belive, then yes, otherwise, no

I only ever pray when I am desperate, annnnd I think it depends on your faith in whether it works, personally I think it helps, but whether it works depends on the person really.. .

billies_rebel111:

the thing is, christians believe that god knows and has mapped out their destinies. . . so what use would praying for something to happen be if your future/destiny is already set?

Because God can show you the way. He wants a relationship with you; he wants to be everyone's friend. Think about it this way- If you never talked to your friends, do you think you would really be friends? God is the creator of everything. He loves you more than anyone else does unconditionally. He's your father. He just wants to know you have faith in Him.

Some people see prayer as a ritual. Like it's something you have to do exactly right. For instance, I've seen people pray the exact same thing over and over agian every single night. To me it just doesn't make sense. You wouldn't tell your friends or family the same exact thing every single time you talk to them. Praying to God is just like that.