Prayer is a waste.

[Tymygy]

The irrational and nonsensical thought of a futuristic greater purpose dilutes us from taking action for what truly matters. An atheist like me, will take action rather then say a prayer and hope for the best. (see my signature)

Maybe for some people it is a last resort, when there is absolutely nothing they can do, they pray. but for those who pray, and who have opportunity to do something yet don't I find troubling. They place everything on a God, who (occording to my experience) has never done anything. I've prayed so much in my life, and maybe 10% got answered..? And of that 10% I can relate to naturual phenomena.

So what are peoples views of prayer here? Any remarks on my OP?

[flitzerbiest]

--we were true believers, we had genuine experience of prayer and worship, we were indistinguishable from other devout people. We weren't "wicked" or demon-possessed or any other such thing.

You are expressing an opinion based purely subjective belief. I respect people's beliefs of course but it must be recognised that your beliefs are not a universally recognised "truth" just what you *believe*. Belief does not make something true, no matter how deeply convinced you are of its truth. This is not to denegrade your beliefs, just pointing out its limitations.

Respect,
JW

No, I am responding to your contention that our beliefs and experiences were invalid while yours were valid, as evidenced merely by the fact that you still hold them. And, of course, that which you still hold is "purely subjective belief", making your post incredibly ironic.

[JehovahsWitness]

I am responding to your contention that our beliefs and experiences were invalid while yours were valid, as evidenced merely by the fact that you still hold them. And, of course, that which you still hold is "purely subjective belief", making your post incredibly ironic.

As long as you recognises that your "beliefs" [not facts] are just that and your "experiences"[not facts] are just that ie your personal "beliefs and experiences" they may be perfectly valid TO YOU but that neither means they are, in reality actually "valid" nor am I (or anyone else) obliged to agree with you. They are simply your opinion beliefs and experiences.

No offense was intended.

[theMadJW]

That is true of all the countless churchoids (those that worship their churches), however those that know God pray for guidance THEN act- counting on His direction.

The engineering in 'nature' shouts we have a Maker- for we DIDN'T make ourselves...

[wonderer]

Since I faced the fact that the God I believed in was horribly cruel, I could no longer bring myself to pray to him. What would be the point? Why would a cruel being who is willing to cause pain and suffering in this life and the next be interested in helping me? He's not the kind of being one could easily put trust in. He inspires fear and revulsion rather than love and trust.
At best, prayer could be a kind of meditation, which could be better than worrying about problems.

[theMadJW]

Ever wonder why He has an "Appointed Time" where its prophesied He WILL put an end to all the evil?

That implies He has REASONS for waiting.

AND He is not the imaginary Trio of Sadists as painted by CHURCHianity!

[Howlin Mad]

I meditate on my navel. It talks to me.

[wonderer]

Ever wonder why He has an "Appointed Time" where its prophesied He WILL put an end to all the evil?

That implies He has REASONS for waiting.

AND He is not the imaginary Trio of Sadists as painted by CHURCHianity!

But I don't care about his reasons for waiting, I care about why he's so cruel now.

[AmazingJesusIs]

The irrational and nonsensical thought of a futuristic greater purpose dilutes us from taking action for what truly matters. An atheist like me, will take action rather then say a prayer and hope for the best. (see my signature)

Maybe for some people it is a last resort, when there is absolutely nothing they can do, they pray. but for those who pray, and who have opportunity to do something yet don't I find troubling. They place everything on a God, who (occording to my experience) has never done anything. I've prayed so much in my life, and maybe 10% got answered..? And of that 10% I can relate to naturual phenomena.

So what are peoples views of prayer here? Any remarks on my OP?

You do understand that this sub-forum is for the debating of theology, doctrine, and dogma, right? Not the existence of God, or if He hears prayers.

You have not been blessed with salvation, and I will pray for you, that God shows his salvific grace on you. An unregenerate man cannot begin to understand the smallest thing about God or His Word. I refuse to debate the Bible and theology with unsaved people. It's pointless.

[Shermana]

Proverbs 15:29
"" - -"


KJV with Strong's
The LORD is far from the wicked but he heareth the prayer of the righteous

rasha = Bad in teh sense of "Guilty", as the concept of "Righteous" is one who does what's right.

Thus, prayer is in fact a waste for the Guilty while they are in their sin.

[AmazingJesusIs]

Proverbs 15:29
"" - -"


KJV with Strong's
The LORD is far from the wicked but he heareth the prayer of the righteous

rasha = Bad in teh sense of "Guilty", as the concept of "Righteous" is one who does what's right.

Thus, prayer is in fact a waste for the Guilty while they are in their sin.

This is the explanation that all Christians should give.