Does Praying Work

[LamieRobertson]

I'm curious to know what the OP thinks and why he started the thread

 

[Horses Arse]

Well does it?

I voted no, for obvious reasons.

However, thoughts and prayers must surely work. Why else would everyone trot out such statements at every opportunity..

 

[m20gull]

It worked for Rahul

 

[pastafarian]

I'm curious to know what the OP thinks

why, doesnt change your opinion does it

why he started the thread

Is that now a requirement to starting a thread

 

[Kalimantan Gull]

I was brought up by atheists, I am an atheist.

But I did go to Brighton College where they tried to force religion down us at every opportunity, so at the time I had the philosophy that 'I might as well say amen, it can't hurt'. Hedging my bets if you will.

Anyway I well remember the 1990 World Cup, I was 16 and England were playing Cameroon in the quarter-finals. We were into the last ten minutes and England were losing 2-1. So I did it. I prayed. 'Please God, let England score a goal'. I'm pretty sure that we were awarded a penalty within about 30 seconds of amen.

Emboldened by this I did the same part way through extra time. I think it took a couple of minutes this time before Lineker got his second of the game.

So, it works. However I also remember feeling very guilty and decided that praying should be saved for sick people and the like. If I'd had the courage of my convictions maybe we'd have won the World Cup

 

[LamieRobertson]

why, doesnt change your opinion does it



Is that now a requirement to starting a thread

Blimey excuse me for asking ......as I said ''curious'' maybe there was a reason behind it that was interesting....nevermind...have a good day though

 

[Dr Bandler]

Praying is a ritual form of "magick" as practiced by organised religions. Another example is the visualisation and positive thinking recommended by the Law of Attraction type stuff. It is easy to look at modern religions and their practices and think that they are pointless. They are often ineffective as they have become form without substance, and yet another hierarchical human control vehicle.

Anyone who has looked under the hood a bit deeper into stuff like the western mysteries, kabbalah and "magick" knows that there is something there, and to dismiss its existence is ignorant. Maybe the modern form of prayer doesn't work, but there are deeper invocations that do. Not suggesting anyone tries - it can be scary stuff for those not properly tutored.

 

[studio150]

I think we need to put this to a test. So if everyone can pray for me to win the National Lottery jackpot tomorrow we can then see if praying works.

 

[pastafarian]

Blimey excuse me for asking ......as I said ''curious'' maybe there was a reason behind it that was interesting....nevermind...have a good day though

Actually it does make me wonder if praying works as evangelicals will testify it does, why do people get cured of bad backs,cancer and other ailments and yet no amputee has ever had a limb grow back after praying for it........whats that all about?

 

[The Sock of Poskett]

In the Christian tradition, prayer is part of a relationship with God, so it's much wider than just asking for stuff. So not sure the question is right, really.
Do I pray? Yes. Have I had prayers answered? Yes. All of them? No. Do I understand why? Sometimes. Sometimes not. Am I good at it? No, not really.
Do I think it's a waste of time? No, because praying changes me, I think. That's my experience.
Jesus thought it was a good idea, so I'm in.

 

[pastafarian]

Someone prayed for the other stuff

 

[doogie004]

it's nonsense. End of thread.

In truth probably not but when my son was diagnosed with cancer ( nhs leg pain) I remember praying crying please God make him better most nights . He’s comming up for 5 years clear . Does praying work as said probably not did it help absolutely bloody yes . Each to there own


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[pastafarian]

sensitive bunch

 

[beorhthelm]

In truth probably not but when my son was diagnosed with cancer ( nhs leg pain) I remember praying crying please God make him better most nights . He’s comming up for 5 years clear . Does praying work as said probably not did it help absolutely bloody yes . Each to there own


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unless you're saying there was no medical care, reckon the NHS have more responsibility in his recovery.

 

[piersa]

In truth probably not but when my son was diagnosed with cancer ( nhs leg pain) I remember praying crying please God make him better most nights . He’s comming up for 5 years clear . Does praying work as said probably not did it help absolutely bloody yes . Each to there own


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Wouldn't argue with you for one minute on that score. I'm genuinely happy that your son is healthy.

 

[doogie004]

unless you're saying there was no medical care, reckon the NHS have more responsibility in his recovery.

I don’t disagree for one minute but it helped me


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[CaptainDaveUK]

During WW2 there was a national call to pray during our darkest days with defeat looming in northern France. People literally queued up outside churches and cathedrals. 250,000 men were saved at Dunkirk under circumstances considered by many historians to be a miracle. Particularly the order to stop the German advance for 3 days, weather that grounded the Luftwaffe and then a strangely calm sea that allowed 800 boats to rescue the men. Full story.... https://www.canonjjohn.com/blog/2017/07/194/national-day-of-prayer-during-dunkirk-1940

 

[Bold Seagull]

It's an existential question really.

Does it work for a person of faith to say prayers that may make them happy, in better mental health, and a general feeling of well being, then yes of course it works.

Does it work that some kind of omniscient deity is going to answer and deliver on what you've asked for, no of course not.

 

[S'hampton Seagull]

Praying is a ritual form of "magick" as practiced by organised religions. Another example is the visualisation and positive thinking recommended by the Law of Attraction type stuff. It is easy to look at modern religions and their practices and think that they are pointless. They are often ineffective as they have become form without substance, and yet another hierarchical human control vehicle.

Anyone who has looked under the hood a bit deeper into stuff like the western mysteries, kabbalah and "magick" knows that there is something there, and to dismiss its existence is ignorant. Maybe the modern form of prayer doesn't work, but there are deeper invocations that do. Not suggesting anyone tries - it can be scary stuff for those not properly tutored.

This sounds fascinating! Sod praying, tell me more about scary deep invocations please.

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[Thunder Bolt]

unless you're saying there was no medical care, reckon the NHS have more responsibility in his recovery.

You could also say the surgeons and consultants were blessed with their brains to treat his son.