Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

Xelindrya Posted: Oct 17, 2003 06:11 PM

Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

Curious

jannshari Posted: Oct 17, 2003 06:15 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion

OK, so I was the first. I don't pray, mostly because I consider myself an agnostic Jew...I believe in the customs, traditions, and heritage of Judaism, but don't really know if there's an omnipotent figure ruling the universe, but I do feel badly for those who are asking for prayers when appropriate. The ones who ask for prayers that they get the pair of tickets they've been wanting forever get no such sympathy from me.

BTW, I posted on your thread on BHB. Brat.

Xelindrya Posted: Oct 17, 2003 06:22 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion

Honestly I always see 'pray for this' and 'Pray for that'. I dunno I guess if you believe it will help out than fine.

I believe though that things are just meant to be sometimes.

After 9/11 I spent days barely being able to move without extreme pain. But I found my way into a church that night (hell they didnt even speak in ENGLISH but i didnt care) and found the strength to get to my knees (NOT an easy thing to do with both knees badly injuried). I prayed. I prayed those who were looking for loved ones that they found peace, I prayed that those injured worse than me found strength to hang on. I never prayed healing, or saving of a single person. The church knew where I came from (my friend told them) and the priest guy asked the if I wanted a prayer for calm. I said no. Who cares about me? There' are much bigger things to pray about then the injuried (then). If you're alive (injured or not) that is a blessing. One I think we often forget. Life.

If someone dies, it's ok with me. I am often disappointed in myself for not taking advantage of that person's life while they were here, but that's my problem and that's alright. If a child is dying of cancer (like my cousin is) .. well I hope she finds the help she can, but mostly I hope she doesn't have pain for too long.

I don't even feel guilty about this. Am I weird? Am I heartless?

I don't sit down and 'pray' I think I have an open dialogue. I don't think much that I wish I could pray for is necessary, so I don't. I don't think praying for my cousin to be cured or go into remission is my place. That's God's decision no matter how much we want it otherwise.

So I see all this 'pray for this, pray for that' and I wonder.....

Why? &
Do you?

PS:
I don't mean to offend ANYONE. Just questioning. I've always questioned.

ChristineC68 Posted: Oct 17, 2003 06:22 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion

I don't actually pray so I won't say that and it's not because 'that's life' but I will keep someone in my thoughts and think about them during the day and hope things are going better or what have you.

MrsTC Posted: Oct 17, 2003 06:26 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion

I say a prayer for a mutitude of reasons...I was raised Catholic and I just KNOW that there is a higher power than us...

Xelindrya Posted: Oct 17, 2003 07:02 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

interesting totals..

Marcela1654 Posted: Oct 17, 2003 07:38 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

Posted by FutureMrsTC

I say a prayer for a mutitude of reasons...I was raised Catholic and I just KNOW that there is a higher power than us...

Ditto

WithThisRing Posted: Oct 17, 2003 07:40 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I say a little prayer b/c I think it helps somehow. When I go to church I light a candle.

June 13th is the Feast of St. Anthony and mom and I go to a family friend who does the novena's and I always light a candle that it may help in some way.

Xelindrya Posted: Oct 17, 2003 07:42 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I grew up with a Pedicostal (im talking revivals with people talking in tongues) mother and a Catholic (non practicing) father who decided I needed to go to Catholic school (which only lasted a year)

I've been kicked out of a church and called Devil's Spawn when I was little and sat on the steps crying that God didn't love me because I asked why children die if we were innocent.

I've been through the 7 discussions of Mormonism, cornered but never quite dunked by the baptists or most other people who feel being dedicated at birth isn't good enough.

I KNOW there's a god.. (only cause I can't imagine there not being one)

That doesnt mean I feel right praying for things that are truly in my mind, his business.

The poll was on the assumption to you believe in a higher being (Call it what you want).

Edited because the Morons became a whole new word by accident.
2nd edit.. in my 1st edit they stayed Morons.. SORRY!

elle Posted: Oct 17, 2003 08:21 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I pray often -- not so much because I think it will be answered-- but more because it helps me deal with situations in my life. I have had many prayers answered-- and many not answered-- but it makes me feel better to get whatever the problem is off of my mind.....

Xelindrya Posted: Oct 17, 2003 09:01 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

wow.. tons of views.. fewer actually selected a choice though.

Interesting turn out. With all the pray this and pray that I'd figured it would be a land slide.

I was wrong.

shamma Posted: Oct 17, 2003 10:28 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I pray all the time, even when people don't ask, I never know what people are going thru, but God knows and he sees all. So whether or not they ask or I see I thread, I am always sending up prayers.

I believe that prayer changes things.

jennbaby Posted: Oct 17, 2003 10:42 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I pray for everyone everynight, ffrom family to ladies on LIW

Sassyz75 Posted: Oct 17, 2003 11:56 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I believe in God, but I do not pray. I don't think I have to... God is omnipotent. I don't believe God makes bad or good things happen- I really don't think s/he's that involved in our daily lives. But since s/he's omipotent- no need to tell him/her what's up.

I think it's all about being a good person no matter if it gets you to heaven eventually or not. When people start praying or doing good deeds just to get into heaven, well.. that's sort of messed up. It should be unconditional and they should never be quantitfied.... the same with 'bad' things

endlessluv429 Posted: Oct 18, 2003 12:18 AM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I pray--I agree with Shamma 100% Prayer Changes things. I pray not only to offer up thanksgiving and requests to God, but also to have fellowship with Him. I am one of those people that if I say that I am praying for you--I WILL and I AM - I just don't say that to say it.

yabbobay Posted: Oct 18, 2003 03:03 AM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

I chose none of the above...I'm not heartless...just athiest...I do think of the person and hope for the best...I guess thats the atheists version of prayer

ChristineC68 Posted: Oct 18, 2003 11:10 AM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

Posted by Xelindrya

wow.. tons of views.. fewer actually selected a choice though.

none of the options really applied to me and I didn't want to default to the closest one.

interesting thread.

deby Posted: Oct 18, 2003 01:35 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

Jenn, that is so sweet that you pray for us

NIHA Posted: Oct 18, 2003 03:08 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

That doesnt mean I feel right praying for things that are truly in my mind, his business.

I think ultimately yes, what was meant to be will happen and that might be God's will. But, I think prayer brings the person praying closer to the person that they are praying for. I think prayer brings us to a different level that does make us cloer to a higher power. When you pray it's not regular thinking, it's not really just a thought, but it's communication.

I posted recently for prayers for my best friend's sister who is terminally ill at 37. I am not praying for her to necessarily get better at this point, but I am praying that she dies in peace, and that her family heals from this devastating experience soon. I often pray for whatever is in the person's 'highest good'.

I've read parts of Deepak Chopra's 'How to Know God', and it has a very interesting peice on prayer.

Jordan Posted: Oct 18, 2003 06:04 PM

Re: Controversal Question about Relgion 'pray for this, pray for that'

None of the above, I guess. I don't pray - not b/c I lack empathy and compassion, but b/c I'm atheist. I think of people often and wish the best for them...