[loan4younow]

I feel the same you way you discussed in your OP. People pray to their god because they want something mainly. They want someone cured of a terrible disease or they want to go to heaven. They want to influence their god even though they know they have no power. Their god is all-powerful and knows all and supposedly has already determined everything that is going to happen. Still they hope to influence him.

And I don't understand the mindset that equates disease with punishment from some god. Or a test. That sort of god is just sadistic IMO. Authoritarian personalities tend to believe in authoritarian gods. And they create authoritarian families. And so it is perpetuated.

[ambientambien]

For me prayer is a way to correspond with the Goddess. I don't expect an answer as She works things in Her own ways. A lot of my prayers come from this forum. I ask Her for love and healing to be given. I never demand. As was stated earlier it is an act of humility.

[TXmjLW9b]

MODS, PLEASE MOVE THIS ,IF THIS BE THE WRONG PLACE FOR THIS THREAD.

Dearest Inter-Tribal peeps of Inter- Yummy Trifle Goodness and Light,...hmmmmm!!..yummmy !!!



What is prayer for ?...specifically when one is praying for a particular cause........ like a recovery from illness............ a relief from frustration........... an alleviation of stress due to work.............. personal and family matters.


The reason I ask is , well....they don't seem to be a particular successful way of wishing for a thing, or asking God for assistance do they ?...in my opinion.

If the answer is somewhere along the lines of, ' well, what is supposed to be is supposed to be because of gods will' then why bother praying in the first place ?

Presumably one has faith in prayer yes ?...does not your faith diminish somewhat when your prayers are not answered ?....how does one remain so steadfast in a belief that doesn't seem to reward with resolution ?

I realise one might say that the reward is there when you die but then as I said why pray then for specific causes if they do not get answered ?...and how do you feel when they are not ?


Please note there is no hostilie intent in my questioing....I have nothing but the utmost respect....it's my way of learning...so please....if you see provocation in my questions....it is most certainly not intentional.

THANK YOU & HUGS YOU

[sonsayx]

Probably the purpose of prayer is something more than just asking for something. My understanding is that prayer is an act of humility.

Hermano Luis
Moriviví Hermitage

[Suentiend]

Probably the purpose of prayer is something more than just asking for something. My understanding is that prayer is an act of humility.

Hermano Luis
Moriviví Hermitage

Thank you..Thank you very much for this emalpaiz.

yes, yes I can see that very well indeed....I understand that the act of prayer is a humbling process.....one of release and of offering....perhaps one of servitude !

It still begs my inquiry as to how when one prays for a specific thing that for the most part (in my opinion) the prayers are not answered.

But your comment is definitely received with warmth and appreciation.

[DJkillos]

Hi Neil - Once again you asked a great question. Unfortunately I don't have a great answer......yet. Part of it is definately an act of humility, and trust, but for me there is so much more. I'm having alot of trouble this evening getting my thoughts together. This is such an important question that I don't want to risk screwing up the answer, so I'm gonna think for awhile about how I want to answer.

I'm not offended in the least by your question, infact I'm thrilled that you're asking.

Carolyn

[Spongebob]

Hi Neil - Once again you asked a great question. Unfortunately I don't have a great answer......yet. Part of it is definately an act of humility, and trust, but for me there is so much more. I'm having alot of trouble this evening getting my thoughts together. This is such an important question that I don't want to risk screwing up the answer, so I'm gonna think for awhile about how I want to answer.

I'm not offended in the least by your question, infact I'm thrilled that you're asking.

Carolyn

Carolyn,

THANK YOU so much for your support here.

I realise it's perhaps not an easy question to answer and I ask you not to work yourself so hard because ...well...perhaps there is no clear cut answer !!....though me...with my friggin mindset...wants one !!


I am just trying to understand the nature of faith and hopefully ...maybe...one day.....a chord will be struck that will open the door for me.....
...
...For me...right now....I can just never just take a leap of faith...I just can't !!....but I suspect that I may want to !!

Full of contradictions I know....but aren't we all ?.....and eveyrthinmg around us also !!

Thank You Carolyn Mam

[Plulpangepler]

Not offensive at all. I'll paraphrase someone whom I cannot remember who said something like prayers is the appeal that universe change its mind. In my experience, it's not unlike throwing oneself upon the mercy of the highest court.

The nature of faith being the belief in the unseen being what it is, one of the hardest lessons I've had to understand is that God/Goddess/Pete the Slightly Expanded Pizza/Whatever being the parent He/She/They/You get the Idea they are, has to answer with a no sometimes.

Further, the act of prayer, an prayer itself, such as the Rosary, can act as a meditative, a centering.

Not the only answer, mind you. Just mine. One the road of belief, stuff like that happens. A lot.

[boffincash]

Not offensive at all. I'll paraphrase someone whom I cannot remember who said something like prayers is the appeal that universe change its mind. In my experience, it's not unlike throwing oneself upon the mercy of the highest court.

The nature of faith being the belief in the unseen being what it is, one of the hardest lessons I've had to understand is that God/Goddess/Pete the Slightly Expanded Pizza/Whatever being the parent He/She/They/You get the Idea they are, has to answer with a no sometimes.

Not the only answer, mind you. Just mine. One the road of belief, stuff like that happens. A lot.

THANK YOU SO MUCH MADGEL for your wonderful reply.

Do you also ask as to why the answer must be ' no ' sometimes ?....

I think I am perhaps trying to learn the very same lesson as you found so incredibly hard.......I may never learn it!

Thank YOU again with fond appreciation.

[RilmAlime67]

I don't ask why 'No' as much now that I'm a parent myself. There are times to ingulge, others to teach, others to let the child learn on his or her own. It's far from fun, but they have to fall in order to learn how to get back up. The parent is there to help when needed. In my opinion, this is one of the most apparent or maybe obvious manifestations of God within us.

No problem. Glad to help!

[LoisCampon]

I don't ask why 'No' as much now that I'm a parent myself. There are times to ingulge, others to teach, others to let the child learn on his or her own. It's far from fun, but they have to fall in order to learn how to get back up. The parent is there to help when needed. In my opinion, this is one of the most apparent or maybe obvious manifestations of God within us.

No problem. Glad to help!

I have only recently been thinking that perhaps if I was to have a faith that I may find it within my children.

I think I understand what you are saying and it has given me much pause for thought.

Thank You so much.

[weightpillsnow]

No problem! Give a holler anytime.

[Goksiodiffeli]

A excellent question,that I feel holds many answers.


At times I feel our prayers are being answered, just not in the way we thought or expected or in the time frame that we feel should apply.

[Calluffence]

For myself, I find that prayer is really focusing energy on the issue at hand and trying to channel that energy into solving the issue or sending that energy to those who may need it for themselves. I feel it is the meditative process of evaluation of the issue by one's self and the revelation of potential solutions. I, myself, really feel that we, ourselves, hold the key to solving our problems. IMHO of course...

Either that or getting my answers from the "Magic Eightball"!

[Loxaeed]

Well, Rev. Dr. Rick,

I agree with your hummble opinion.

Myself, the closest I get to the concept of prayer is to give thanks for what I have been given.

Peace & Love!

[IRMartin]

A excellent question,that I feel holds many answers.


At times I feel our prayers are being answered, just not in the way we thought or expected or in the time frame that we feel should apply.

THANK YOU TC for your response here.

I suppose to expect that very prayer is going to be answered is akin to a child expecting to get what they want when ever they want it !!...

Perhaps it would show arrogant presumption if we were to expect that our every prayer was to be answered...and answered in the way we would like it to be.

Perhaps that is saved for miracles eh ?

I think I am seeing the bigger picture here.....I think !!

Thank yoo so much.

[MilenaJaf]

For myself, I find that prayer is really focusing energy on the issue at hand and trying to channel that energy into solving the issue or sending that energy to those who may need it for themselves. I feel it is the meditative process of evaluation of the issue by one's self and the revelation of potential solutions. I, myself, really feel that we, ourselves, hold the key to solving our problems. IMHO of course...

Either that or getting my answers from the "Magic Eightball"!

THANK YOU VERY MUCH REV.DR.RICK

I can see that this focusing of energy on the issue must most certainly help to aid resolution to a specific cause. Perhaps, it is when all attention is focused on the issue that finally clarity is revealed and the solution just shows itself.....as you say...like a revelation.

I would love to experience that kind of revelation....when it seems that all the pieces just fall into place and just seems so right....it must be a very cleansing experience.

THANK YOU so much for this

[DurryVony]

Well, Rev. Dr. Rick,

I agree with your hummble opinion.

Myself, the closest I get to the concept of prayer is to give thanks for what I have been given.

Peace & Love!

THANK YOU JIMBOB.

I understand your perception of this wonderful thanks......

I can see that showing gratitude is in itself a humbling act of recognition and appreciation.....and with that must come some sort of personal reward in the comfort of ones own grace


THANK YOU JimBob

[Seiblybiozy]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH REV.DR.RICK

I can see that this focusing of energy on the issue must most certainly help to aid resolution to a specific cause. Perhaps, it is when all attention is focused on the issue that finally clarity is revealed and the solution just shows itself.....as you say...like a revelation.

I would love to experience that kind of revelation....when it seems that all the pieces just fall into place and just seems so right....it must be a very cleansing experience.

THANK YOU so much for this

Another key is PERSPECTIVE... Don't hold the puzzle piece so close to your eyes that it blocks out the big picture. Keeping the piece in perspective with the rest of the puzzle helps to find it's place. IMHO of course...

Magic Eightball says "Maybe"

[fabrizioitwloch]

No, we Erisians seldom pray, it is much too dangerous. Charles Fort has listed many factual incidences of ignorant people confronted with, say, a drought, and then praying fervently -- and then getting the entire village wiped out in a torrential flood.