Prayer is useless?

[00scuba]

I can see focusing on the now...and maintaining the level of respect for others. But as someone that does not believe in god or an after life..I have already been making each day my best. Someone who is terminal just knows, most likely what they will die from and a timeframe...or they may walk out and get hit by a bus. As referenced in a post above...it is part of humanity to die.

No matter what your personal physical state...we should all be "acting" the same...I would think...if we are secure in our positions when you have the feeling you could live forever.

 

[El Orans]

But I believe prayer can help give us strength and understanding, and peace.

Amen.

 

[Green_Manelishi]

a system of belief wherein a supernatural God created the world and has an afterlife
waiting for us.

there are some harsh realities in the universe. one of them is that biological
things die and rot.

that is the truth. best to accept it.

not to hide it with pretty fineries of never-never lands.

the truth is out there

I am well aware of the so-called harsh reality of death. Nothing in the Bible states otherwise.

I do accept the truth that there is a God who loves me (and you).

Anyway, prayer does "work" when prayed to God and if one is rightly related to Him, or is genuinely seeking that relationship. But it doesn't always work the way we would like. God's ways are not our ways and He is not a cosmic santa claus.

Matthew 7:6 tells me it's time for me to leave and attend to other business.

 

[BIGSAGE136]

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --


Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.​

 

[H2Andy]

Matthew 7:6 tells me it's time for me to leave and attend to other business.

i really appreciate being called a dog and a swine. thanks.

this lack of respect is what makes discussing "faith" issues with some
people so frustrating

i riposte with Matthew 7:1

"Judge not, that ye be not judged"

 

[redacted]

i really appreciate being called a dog and a swine. thanks.

Don't blame GM. Blame the guy that wrote such nonsense. Or maybe the guy who said that was what it ment. Or the guy who said that's what the guy said when he said what the author ment. Or....

I prayed last night this thread would be gone. It didn't do any good.:06:

 

[Lisa0825]

Don't blame GM. Blame the guy that wrote such nonsense. Or maybe the guy who said that was what it ment. Or the guy who said that's what the guy said when he said what the author ment. Or....

I prayed last night this thread would be gone. It didn't do any good.:06:

LOL! I agree on all points except your last sentence. I've actually found this thread to be quite entertaining.

 

[jepuskar]

Yeah, I'm suprised this is still going....I think it has maintained its civility.

 

[redacted]

Yeah, I'm suprised this is still going....I think it has maintained its civility.

Yeah, but it's just a matter of time before someone runs out of cheeks.:fruit:

 

[bedmund]

Although I must admit I have no idea what a Spaten Optimator is :huh:

The best dang German dark beer you'll ever taste.