Why pray?

[MWB]

Why pray? If it changes God's mind then he is not sovereign. If it does not change God's mind then it is superfluous.

[starmack]

Sometimes it changes OUR mind.....

[ummmm]

And to say sorry....

[paraffin]

I reckon some people can derive comfort and peace of mind from it - but, there again, we're all "different", aren't we?

[Nannyjill]

Some people pray to give thanks.

We don't all pray to ask for things

[society]

...and some pray for others salvation.

[flobadob]

It's like wishing. Why not wish?

[Jan1957]

There is no God - Wake up!

[flobadob]

Think of all the things you do willy nilly and all the things you've done. Then read the bible. Now, shalt thou get into heaven. NO. Now go and enjoy yourself. But be nice, just in case.

[tamborine]

It's comforting and helps with sleep. Prayer is not so much as asking favours but more of giving thanx.

[flobadob]

It's all about being content with your own actions, not considering them.

[mibn2cweus]

Praying is kind of like masturbation. Fantasising aside, there�s no one to complain about their dissatisfaction with your contribution to the conversation . . . not that I�ve ever experienced this myself.

WTF?

[chakka35]

I agree, RoaldoM. USALady is particularly bad that way. She says something contentious then, after you taken the trouble of responding, lapses into silence - only to pop up later with something new that she also doesn't respond to.

Why pray, indeed? Isn't God supposed to be omniscient? If so, he knows what's going on in your mind, so all you're doing is telling him something he knows already. Irritating for him. I'm sure.

Sorry, I forgot. Religion doesn't do logic.

[keyplus90]

Why take medicine when you are sure that it would not save you from death?

[MWB]

Here I am. I have a life outside.

mibn2cweus. That is indeed WTF!!!

No-one has answered this question correctly. You've only given reasons WHY you pray. The whole question is "What is the point of praying?"
Meaning if the prayer works & you've changed gods mind, he is no longer a supreme lawmaking authority - not sovereign.
But if the prayer doesn't work he is useless, not needed - superfluous.

[hippyhoppy]

Crikey - that's a bit deep for a monday morning!! I concurr with an earlier poster.. praying is a bit like wishing to those of us who are less religious..

[Nannyjill]

Meaning if the prayer works & you've changed gods mind, he is no longer a supreme lawmaking authority - not sovereign.
But if the prayer doesn't work he is useless, not needed - superfluous.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
MWB - you seem to be assuming people pray merely to ask for things - if you're praying to give thanks I can't see how the above statement is relevant

[naomi24]

We've had a similar discussion before, MWB. If everything is pre-determined by God, then what, indeed, is the point of praying? God cannot change his mind.

As for praying to give thanks, success is the result of either human endeavour, or happy coincidence, and so gratitude offered elsewhere is unwarranted. Credit where credit is due.

[mibn2cweus]

Just once, when I hear someone say "Thank God!"
I would like to see the sky open up with a bearded guy (or girl) adorned in a white robe saying . . .
"Your welcome!"