Do you believe in prayer?

Yes, I believe in Prayer. I think it helps if you are believer. In a crisis, many people who would not describe themselves as "a person of faith" will pray - even if that is silently. As humans, we have a need to believe in something, even if that is only ourselves. It may well be that "religions" were invented by people- some of them good, and others not so good, but in my opinion, any form of belief that encourages us to be kinder and more considerate towards others cannot be a bad thing! Praying for others can't do any harm, but I certainly wouldn't have said a prayer in the hope of acquiring a cashmere jumper (or indeed, any other sort!).

For me, any kind of religious belief is akin to believing in the tooth fairy and my OH has a similar view. So, no, I don't pray.

At the weekend, OH was knocked down by a speeding car and is now in Critical Care with more injuries than I can begin to describe and no guarantees of any sort that he will survive. I have put my trust and faith in the good, skilled and kindly people at Queens Medical Centre who are trying so hard to mend him. However, I have been moved to tears by the friends and acquaintances who do believe and say they are praying for him and for me and also asking others to do so. I have no idea whether their prayers will be effective but it has made me feel very loved.

Scribbles I am so sorry this has happened. Yes, put your faith in the skilled medical team, and also that you are touched by the prayers of others.
I hope they can support you in other ways too.
Hope it doesn’t sound too glib (as I don’t know you), but I pray he will make a full recovery. Lean on your friends.

Scribbles I will pray for your husband tonight I hope that is ok

Sorry to hear that Scribbles All good wishes.

My day starts and ends with a prayer of thanks.

I think the person who has joined your social group, calls herself a Christian , then boasts of praying for bargain price luxury items and caps it off by saying someone shouldn't read Greek Mythology to their grandchildren is the complete opposite of a good Christian. I suggest you avoid her at all costs. She is NOT a good person , Christian or otherwise.

Oh my goodness Scribbles, what a dreadful thing to happen. If ever I pray it is at times such as you find yourself in. It's when I have no other resources left but to believe that there will be a solution.

Praying may give you focus, but it is the skill of the medical team that will save your DH. Rest assured they will be working hard for him. That others are thinking of you both is healing because you know beyond doubt that you are loved.

I am so sorry Scribbles. If it is ok with you I will say a prayer for both you and your husband. Please keep us updated, now you have told us about your husband.

With love and prayers for your DH's full recovery Scribbles and prayers for his medical team for wisdom and guidance. Please keep us updated.

Your post is lovely lemongrove.

I dont pray.

I think when it comes right down to it, everyone prays. Everyone looks to some sort of higher power in hopeless situations. I have lwys been an tjiest but prayed for good news in times of deep stress and worry x

Always been an atheist that was meant to say

Our Minister used to say there are no atheists in lifeboats.

No, not everyone prays Yennifer, no matter what the situation. I can't imagine why there'd be a 'higher power'. I see it as a cop out and convenient denial of responsibility.

Scribbles what a terrible shock for you. Healing thoughts and prayers sent for DH's full recovery.

Almost everyone lol. Anyone who in dark times whispers anything along the lines of "please let it be ok" when there isn't another person to hear is technically praying

When friends ask for prayers for their kids or grandkids who have cancer or who are sick or at risk...I often wonder why they think this could possibly help. Do they not think those in crashing planes, those with cancer, those kids caught up in wars, soldiers under fire, people caught up in fires, plagues and floods don't pray? apparently all but the most hardened Atheists pray, but look at all of those killed in wars, in plane crashes, etc. If there were a God would he have allowed the Germans to gas all those Jews? would he allow the Jews to kill all of those Palestinian children? I am firmly of the belief that there is and never has been any greater deity.

Solange I always see it as "please support us". If you can't physically help someone or send them something they need, you can let them know they have your support. So I see it the that way x

Lovely post Doodle. This is what I believe too.

I’m an atheist so you can imagine my answer..... but I do need to ask a question. Why do so called Christians pray? If they really believe in a good and loving god who knows what’s best for them.... why pray to make him change his mind? Also ... why pray for a loved one to live when they’re suffering from a serious illness.... surely if the afterlife is wonderful, beautiful ,and god is waiting for them....why would you want to delay that experience. Is anybody out there got an answer for me. I’ve never u derstood.

As a non-believer, if somebody says that they'll pray for me, I just think that they're completely nuts! (Sorry, but they don't seem to realise that you can't 'project' your religion onto others.)

I am a non believer too Hetty58 but I think it's a lovely thing if someone wants to pray for me, so I thank them with good grace.

SueW11: When I read comments like yours, I feel so sad that your life must have been so full of suffering that you can say such a dreadful and blasphemous thing about our dear Heavenly Father. I know you feel that God is non-existent and that He has been absent throughout all your problems, but if you could just open your heart and perhaps go and tell a member of the church how you feel, you may yet find comfort. Many of us Christians are absolutely certain of the distance of God and He has revealed Himself to us in many ways and enriched our lives. If your heart is closed to God, how can he help you?

I also pray, but only that God should help if it's the right thing to do.
And also, as mumofmadboys says, He should give the doctors the wisdom etc to heal.
@ Scribbles - we're all trying to help in our own way.