Prayer.

[Theland]

Do you ever derive comfort from prayer, or feel you have received guidance?

[david small]

Yes, and yes to both questions.

[hereIam]

He 'replied' to me as a 10 year old child nailit and the feeling I had at the time is always with me because I can't explain it. I asked for help and I got that help. I'm not saying God exists, but why should we ridicule those who do believe?? It's not hurting us, is it ?

[douglas9401]

"I'm not saying God exists, but why should we ridicule those who do believe?? It's not hurting us, is it ?"

It depends on which flavour is being promoted and by whom.

[agchristie]

I've not prayed since I left school.

[vulcan42]

I have a friend who prays for me and tells me she's done so. Occasionally, when some thing that she has prayed for occurs she takes full credit and says her prayer was answered. When her prayer isn't "answered" it's never mentioned again. I'm not sure if it's selective prayer or selective amnesia.

[jennyjoan]

yes I do - when I feel I can't turn to anyone with my innermost thoughts - I pray and get some satisfaction.

[jennyjoan]

just a few months ago I prayed for a friend who had lost touch with her son and there was absolutely no way they could get together.

I sent her a card telling her I had prayed for her and lit a candle - that was on a Thursday and on the Saturday son called to the house - mind you he came looking for his tools but the connection was made.

Every single time I lose things - I just keep saying "Jesus lost Jesus found" and am in a panicky state - somehow they turn up. I'm not a Holy Joe but I would miss my praying.

[Zak51arc]

I have mixed feelings about the power of prayer. If praying is a source of comfort to an individual then it is worthwhile. If it helps people to get through life in a calm and peaceful way I would encourage prayer.

[vulcan42]

I cannot see how people can get comfort and live a calm and peaceful life if their prayers go unanswered.

[Khandro]

//I cannot see how people can get comfort and live a calm and peaceful life if their prayers go unanswered.//

That may depend on what you pray for;
https://www.lords-prayer-words.com/lord_traditional_king_james.html

[Theland]

Prayer has to be in accordance with Gods will, and an answered prayer must leave its mark on us and bring about change, large or small, to help us in our walk of faith.
That is what it should do, and that has been my experience.

[andy-hughes]

I believe that prayer works in exactly the same way as The Samaritans - I was a volunteer for three years.

Chad Varah who formed the organisation, used to make himself available to listen to parishioners' problems, and he asked a couple of ladies to make tea and chat to those waiting to see him.

Eventually he discovered that the waiters didn't need him, they had chatted with the volunteers and got their issues aired, and went home happy.

That was the basis of the Samaritans' philosophy - if you give someone a chance to speak out loud, put their thoughts in order when they are spinning around inside, it helps people to see things more clearly.

I believe prayer works in exactly the same way.