lost1607307474 Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 This may seem like a strange question... but one that has been lingering on my mind nonetheless. I am not religious in any way. I don't even know if I believe in a God. However this New Year's I went to my boyfriend's house, and his dad made a very touching speech. He commented on how he had gone through some hard times in 2008, but his prayers to God had helped him through. He encouraged us to do the same for 2009, saying if there are non-materialistic things that we desire, we should pray to God, and if we really want these changes to happen, they will. All of his family and brothers all pray to God on a regular basis and they are the most happy, wholesome people I have ever met. I have been going through some hard times lately, and I'm finding it hard to articulate what I really want for this year, and how I want to change. Maybe I could try praying, it sounds weird, but I really think it may be cathartic. I don't know. Maybe I'm just rambling and talking crap. How do you guys pray to God? (Or pray in general)? Link to comment
CallingAllAngels Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I just talk to God like I am talking to a friend. No "formalities". I just speak to Him...tell Him how I am feeling, my fears, my hopes and my dreams. Keep it simple. Just speak to Him. He hears us all. My best to you... ~Allie Link to comment
lost1607307474 Posted January 2, 2009 Author Share Posted January 2, 2009 ^ Do you close your eyes, go to a quiet space, lie in bed, clasp your hands? I'm sorry for all these strange questions, I'm just really intrigued. Link to comment
CallingAllAngels Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 ^ Do you close your eyes, go to a quiet space, lie in bed, clasp your hands? I'm sorry for all these strange questions, I'm just really intrigued. No, I talk to God at different times. I might be emptying my dishwasher for example. I make sure the TV is off and there is no music on so that I can give Him my full attention just as I would any other friend, but no, I don't make a big deal out of it. Just keep it simple and start talking. And be sure to listen... Link to comment
IndigoEye Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 That's good explanation you just got there from CAA. My favorite place to pray is on the beach. Outside on the deck in the morning sun for prayer meditation is an excellent way to start the day. Enjoy the connection. Link to comment
cyberdog Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Well if you don't currently believe in a god then you have to first ask which god you would be praying to. I don't pray because there are so many religions and denominations of each and they all pretty much say the same. Take any devout person from any faith and they will tell that theirs is right and others are wrong, etc. I don't really see a purpose to pray either way. If there is an all-knowing god then he already knows any needs I have. If not it is a waste of time/breath/etc. Anyway if you have a goal you want to achieve you have to work to get there, god or no god. So many religious people I know pray that things will be all right and then just expect their god to do all the work. Also maybe you don't need to pray at all. Everybody has to define and find their own happiness, and just because your boyfriend's family is a very happy family doesn't mean that people are not just as happy without prayer and religion. It is just one of those areas that you really can't go to other people for because quite frankly I don't think anybody knows for sure and any person you ask for details from are almost always biased towards their religion. Link to comment
lost1607307474 Posted January 2, 2009 Author Share Posted January 2, 2009 ^ I understand this completely, and although I'm open to all offers of input, I wasn't necessarily referring to praying as religious help but also cathartic help. I think praying helps a lot of people visualise and articulate their goals, whether there is a God or not. I was intrigued by this and so curious as to how people go about praying, that's all. Link to comment
CallingAllAngels Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 ^ I understand this completely, and although I'm open to all offers of input, I wasn't necessarily referring to praying as religious help but also cathartic help. I think praying helps a lot of people visualise and articulate their goals, whether there is a God or not. I was intrigued by this and so curious as to how people go about praying, that's all. Keep an open mind....... Link to comment
cyberdog Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 ^ I understand this completely, and although I'm open to all offers of input, I wasn't necessarily referring to praying as religious help but also cathartic help. I think praying helps a lot of people visualise and articulate their goals, whether there is a God or not. I was intrigued by this and so curious as to how people go about praying, that's all. I guess I can understand that. When I was a kid I used to believe anything I was told including churches so I believed in God (as well as Santa, the tooth fairy, the easter bunny, etc) and prayed each night. As I started studying (out of interest/curiosity) various cultures, ancient religions (mythologies, etc) and other modern religions I guess I just stopped believing. At first my emotions told me 'this one is right', but I knew that those emotions were practically programmed into me from the day I was born and were not based on fact. Even as I became agnostic I still prayed for a while just out of that comfort, but eventually I didn't need it anymore either. Link to comment
prinzbsr Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 I pray at anytime and anywhere. When I do, I prefer it to be somewhat quiet so I can focus on talking. I firmly believe that pray can help us...if your request truly is in and truly comes from your heart and you believe in it. Link to comment
NowandZen Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 For me, it's like this: There is an energy in the universe, and if you align yourself with it, the universe loves to dance with you. If, on the other hand, you insist it be done your way, it will often fight you and there will be suffering. Imagine doing something that you are not good at, or that you do not want to do. You struggle and force, and the result is something from the Three Stooges. In the middle of this, stop. Slow down, learn to appreciate everything that is around you. Another example: Opening a stuck jar. Sometimes twisting hard gets you nothing but sore hands, but steady, even pressure will open it. So aligning yourself with the energy (God) is a form of prayer. But you're not asking God to do for YOU, you're asking God to help you get with HIS (HER?) plan. I really think this is what is meant by - THY will be done. HTH Link to comment
shes2smart Posted January 2, 2009 Share Posted January 2, 2009 Wow...that's a really well-put sentiment and pretty much what I believe as well. Link to comment
veneratio Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I pray whenever. If I'm in the car and I feel myself "slipping" I pray. Or if I'm out doing something and I feel I need prayer for whatever reason, I pray. It's just a talk. I imagine it as my internal blog. It doesn't always have to be done with closed eyes and hands folded. When things are really tough for me and I feel lost, I usually go out into the woods, find a spot, think, pray, and just take it all in. It relaxes me a lot. So to me it's not just prayer, but also a form of meditation. Link to comment
kuiks8 Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 my prayers are more like conversations...just telling God what's up and how i am feeling...asking for strength when it is needed thanking him for the beauty that overwhelms me, praying can be a ritual or it can be very casual, you have to make it work for you. I like to pray before going to bed...more of a list of what i am grateful for and a list of things i hope to do better... Link to comment
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