The Comfort Of Prayer To Jesus Christ

[Theland]

The last seven years have not been without high points in my life, for example, real joy at having five grandchildren, looking at how my own childrens lives have developed etc etc.
However, there have been very many negatives over the same period, that have affected me deeply, and continue to do so.
I find that especially when I am at my lowest, I find real comfort in prayer to Jesus Christ, and I am always left with the feeling that I am not facing my problems alone.
I am not presenting this as any kind of evidence that the objective scientist demands as proof for the existence of God, but simply presenting my own experiences for your consideration.
My questions are; 1) Is there anybody else here who also prays? 2) Do you find comfort in your prayer as I do?
Other comments from ABers of all pursuasions are of course, as always, most welcome.

[naomi24]

Jake, I can see why prayer may have a similar effect upon nuns as meditation has upon Buddhist monks, but because prayer necessarily involves another 'participant' it bears no comparison to the solitary occupation of meditation.

Coldicote, while religion remains, so will hatred.

[seadogg]

Have (another ?) look at Leigh Hunt's poem "Abou Ben Adhem". Makes as much sense as anything on this subject I think. (exit left with dog and ball)

[jake-the-peg]

Well I don't know about that. I have some Budhist friends - wen't to their wedding and there was the definate assertion that if you wanted something and you chanted for it the it definately would happen - no doubt about it at all.

No that other "person" may not be a human like God but there was definately a result of that meditative chanting.

[woofgang]

yes I pray and yes it helps. Interesting that on this thread, the abuse has come from the non prayers. Caldicote just go somewhere quiet and start talking, either aloud or in your head, about what your problem is and what you need...that's all you have to do.

[naomi24]

Jake, I understood you to be talking about meditation which as far as I'm aware doesn't involve speaking to anyone.

[ludwig]

Life can be pretty hard, and for some people having a religious faith is the way they get through it and make sense of it.
I'm not talking about people who are fed up because they have to get up for work tomorrow - I mean the many millions of ones living in poverty, fear, pain, loneliness etc etc. They do what they need to do to get from day to day, as we all do, and I don't have a problem with it.

Docspock says..
// I have always faced lifes challenges with only myself to believe in.
Sorry but I find that praying is for the weak and indecisive person. //

Good for you, but not everyone can do that. I don't despise anyone who needs a psychological crutch any more than I depise the person who needs a physical crutch.

Where I have a problem with religion is when it gets organised and wants to start telling the rest of us how we should be living our lives - that we're bad people,
and we're going to hell because we're not part of their club.
That we should change the way we behave to suit their beliefs, because it's offensive
to their god. When they want to teach religious belief as fact in schools etc etc.
That's when I start to have a big problem with religion.

[Clanad]

Simply put Theland... yes... daily if not hourly. I never make any important decisions without seeking wisdom from the Father through His Spirit. Often in Tongues., which, in the natural, I don't comprehend but my spirit always does... Amazing when the answer comes how appropriate it is... and always, always right on time.

Good to see you back again, by the way...
Keep in mind, the word "surprise" isn't in Yeshua's vocabulary...

[keyplus90]

Sherrardk – Sorry for the delay, To answer what you asked on the first page. First of all I would say that English language like many other aspects has limitations when it comes to word “Prayer”. One kind of prayer is your daily rituals which in my religion you do by “Salah” five times a day on specific times. Then there is something else known as “Duaa” and it is what you do to thank God for everything. And you ask for goodness and so on. It is like asking anyone for help in few matters. God knows what is in your heart (mind) so most of the time you may call it re affirming your own actions and what you believe in.

[woofgang]

interesting that the disparaging remarks on this thread are made by the non-prayers

[naomi24]

Clanad, that is seriously scary!

'Surprise' isn't in Yeshua's vocabulary? I think you'll find it was only in his case it wasn't a pleasant surprise. More of an unexpected disappointment. Matthew 27:46.

[naomi24]

Ouch!

[anneasquith]

hi wyz,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,i pray and i have a life,surely i and you can believe what we want. hope you are well.

[woofgang]

there you go, disparagement again.

[naomi24]

Woofgang, just an observation, but people who think it's nonsense are hardly going to praise and encourage it are they.

[woofgang]

"In my opinion prayer doesn't work and I believe its a load of nonsense"- comment

"it makes me angry when people offer to pray for me" -comment

"When I was younger and much more gullible than I am now, - Disparagement
"People have had world day of prayers for peace etc and still, nothing changes. " - Disparagement
." It makes me mad to think that people talking to fresh air will make any difference." "Complete load of botox... "- Disparagement"Get a life instead" - Disparagement

[woofgang]

fair comment doc to which i don't know the answer.