Non-Believers And Prayer

[nailit]

As a long time atheist, I have found the notion of prayer not only useless but also absurd and ridiculous. HOWEVER....

I have Christian friends. One of my friends is a retired minister and I know that both he and his wife pray for my mums health (she has terminal cancer) and for my own well being. I have other Christian friends...who all know my own views...who also pray for me.
At one time I felt that I ought to bite my tongue when the subject came up in conversation. These people are my friends after all and Im willing to let differences of opinion slide. We hardly ever discuss religion, just enjoy each others company and we all know where we all stand as re: faith.

BUT, Im recently starting to view their prayers (however much I view them as impotent and useless) as actually been an act of love and kindness.
Useless yes! But the *intention* is one of love.

Not so sure how they would react if I were to dance under the full moon, naked, in the woods for them tho while calling upon Cernunnos…

[pixie374]

A Christian offering a prayer for you should be appreciated, imo. They believe it... is is an act of goodwill. It will make no difference, but positivity, comfort and hope, might help.

[237SJ]

So what's your point?

[rowanwitch]

One day we may discover that electrical energy from focused thought can effect minute changes in reality, be nice if It was the act of prayer not the imaginary being prayed to that had a power.

[nailit]

//So what's your point? //

Does a discussion have to have one?

[237SJ]

Yes

[nailit]

//Yes //
Well sorry to disappoint, this one doesn't!
Just an observation!

[woofgang]

Whatever floats your boat Nailit......

[237SJ]

"Not sure how they would react if I were to dance under the full moon, naked, in the woods for tho while calling upon Cernunnos" Maybe they would dengirate your beliefs as much as you denigrate their's. It goes both ways.

[xenoblast]

Basically the OP wishes to inform others that despite him not being a Christian he has the Grace to accept Christian prays intended both for himself and loved ones. However, he doubts they would afford him the same beatitude should he bestow on them the Blessings of a Pagan God.
Not quite sure how this is supposed to encourage discussion.

[nailit]

//Maybe they would dengirate your beliefs as much as you denigrate their's. It goes both ways.//
Denigrate or question??

[237SJ]

Denigrate or question - why does what other people belive bother you?

[237SJ]

*believe*

[nailit]

237,
I see the point of my post is lost on you...

[naomi24]

Prayers emanating from kindness I appreciate. Those that implore my conversion I don’t.

[hc4361]

I pray for people but don't always tell them. :)

[ummmm]

My Mother prays for me to find God.

[pixie374]

I'll get you a Satnav, umm ;-)

[Calicogirl]

I agree with Naomi on this 100%

[ummmm]

Cheers Pixie :-)

[woofgang]

I would never ever pray for anyone else to change in any particular. To my mind that would be being rude and judgemental.