Do you pray? / LJWorld.com

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Asked at Massachusetts Street on May 6, 2006

“Occasionally. Two or three times a month not including church. I usually pray for the general welfare of people I know.”

— Helen Sangster, Bonner Springs High School senior, Bonner Springs

“Yes, pretty much every day. I do it through meditation and yoga. I don’t think God is an exterior being. I think he’s within us.”

— Aaron Bart, Kansas University sophomore, Lawrence

“Sometimes. Maybe once every two months, just for family and friends.”

— Amy Overstake, paralegal, Lawrence

“I do, but prayer and meditation are kind of in the same realm for me.”

— Joe Nadeao, choir director, Kansas City, Mo.

Residents offer prayers for city, state, nation

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canyon_wren 7 years, 10 months ago

Am I actually first?

canyon_wren 7 years, 10 months ago

And it's an hour earlier here in Utah. Guess the posters must sleep in, on Saturdays.

Yes. I do pray morning and night, and I firmly believe prayer is effective.

trinity 7 years, 10 months ago

i totally agree canyon, and i pray every day.

enochville 7 years, 10 months ago

I used to pray 6 times a day: morning personal prayer, blessings on each meal, evening family prayer, and evening personal prayer.

Now, I don't pray at all because I don't believe in God anymore.

Well, I have prayed once after no longer believing, not because I had any doubt that God might exist, but because my mind and body have become conditioned to become calm through the act and I have yet to condition my mind to get that calm that quick through another activity.

lunacydetector 7 years, 10 months ago

A growing body of evidence has found that religious people tend to be healthier than average, and that people who pray when they are ill are likely to fare better than those who do not. Many researchers think religious belief and practice can help people by providing social support and fostering positive emotions, which may produce beneficial responses by the body.

I pray many times a day. It's such an easy thing to do.

mommy3 7 years, 10 months ago

Yes I do! God is real, how can anyone deny that? People cause the bad stuff to happen. I think it is important to ask God's forgivness, and tell him how we feel. I've prayed for help, and turned it all over to God. I've seen him perform miracles right in front of me, when I had no control over the situation, and no where else to turn. Then I've also seen God Take my 50 year old Daddy home, after a long fight with cancer. I wanted my Daddy to be healed more than anything, but I've finally come to grips with the fact, that God had something greater in mind. I still miss my Daddy so very much, I just hope one day I will understand. I know God is in control.

mommy3 7 years, 10 months ago

let me change that. I know God is in control....AS long as we let him be!!

lunacydetector 7 years, 10 months ago

just remember mommy3 that God willing, you will see your daddy again. sorry for your loss.

paladin 7 years, 10 months ago

Continually.

O' Great Spirit, Whose voice I hear in the winds, and whose breath gives life to all the world, Hear Me!

I am small and weak. I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.

Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people.

Let me learn the lessons that you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.

Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when Life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.

From the Sioux, Dakota and Mandan

Jayhawk226 7 years, 10 months ago

I pray the Cubs will win the World Series, in my lifetime...

...I pray da Chicago Bears will again do da Super Bowl Shuffle...

...I pray that Bill Self will cut down nets after doing a little dancing...

I've been praying, but not great results yielded yet!

Well as we say in Chicago, wait 'till next year!

OldEnuf2BYurDad 7 years, 10 months ago

The apostle Paul said "Pray at all times", so I make it a goal to fill my down-time with prayer.

So, Enoch, tell us what "happened". There must have been an event, sin, or disappointment in life that caused you to change. What was it that angered you? What divided your heart? Where did God "let you down"?

Do you actually believe that you continue to pray out of "conditioning"? You are not Pavlov's dog, you are a man with a soul. It is your soul that can't live without it, not the chemicals in your brain.

dejady 7 years, 10 months ago

I once knew a young man named Enoch. When I knew him he was reaping the rewards of living a spritual life--he had turned his life over to the care of God (as he understood him). I hope he still is. I will pray for you Enoch. Don't give up until the miracle happens

mooseamoose 7 years, 10 months ago

I like this prayer - "Lord , save me from your followers!"

dejady 7 years, 10 months ago

I'll pray for you too, mooseamoose..............

mooseamoose 7 years, 10 months ago

I don't need your prayers. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling! ha!

enochville 7 years, 10 months ago

OldEnuf: There was no event, sin, or disappointment. Nothing angered me, and God did not let me down. Believers have easy ways to accomodate all those things everything from acknowledging that fellow believers aren't perfect to God having reasons for doing or not doing what he does. I don't have time to go into it today.

Actually, lots of people get the same comfort and peace out of meditation.

dejady: I don't believe that there is a God anymore, so I am not turning my life over to Him and I don't believe in miracles either. Every previous experience that I have had in the past that I used to credit to God, I have found other ways to explain.

jonas 7 years, 10 months ago

Yeh, but do I beseach you, great Beast of Slurg In your cellestial home of Hyperandromache VII That you may, with your infinite care, slurkp me from this ball of waste and debris, and reclaim me into your illustrious colon.

Save me from my pride, great Beast So that I may remember my place and purpose, as your fecal decomposer And perform my duties to the best of my abilities, To once again rejoin your magnificent spleen.

Lay your sacrosanct, grasping sucker upon me, and take me up, whenever you're ready.

paladin 7 years, 10 months ago

I am a Spiritual Being having a Human experience, and not a human being searching for a spiritual experience. We must each come to realize within ourselves the Spiritual Truth, (not necessarily, I might add, the religious truth), the truth that we ALL are the SON OF GOD, both individually and collectively, inheriting equally from the Father the same inherent rights and responsibilities to Him and to each other. That right and responsibility is to LOVE one another as we LOVE ourselves. We must realize that we are created for HIS purpose that HE has for HIMSELF in our lives and WE and THEM in HIS LIFE. We must realize that nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in GOD's Universe by chance, that everything is an opportunity for Spiritual Growth. These opportunities are given to ALL of us to do with as we choose, for without this loving Gift of Choice we would be unable to distinguish Light from Darkness, Right from Wrong, Love from Hate. This is, of course, an individual thing, the making of choices. Only "I" can come to Peace, only "I" can search within to find Gods Domain, only "I" can KNOW GOD. And it is to the "I" of each of us that I appeal, so that each will know the Peace that surpasses all understanding, the Pearl of Great Price, Peace of Mind, for without this one thing we are as nothing and in total rebellion with our CREATOR. We each must come to grips in our own way with the very first spiritual truth, "As a man thinks, so it is with him", that "Thinking is Creating", and "As I think, so it manifests in my life". I must accept responsibility for my thinking, all of it, including the results of my mistaken choices based on self. I have observed many over the years, of every religious and non-religious persuasion, who have proclaimed their righteousness to the world in that "They Know God in Their Lives" . When I have questioned how they KNEW, I have found only ONE legitimate answer-- "I LOVE YOU AS I LOVE MYSELF". We have had many individuals in the past to show us the true path, to lead us by their example. They have maintained the ethical, moral and spiritual principles of Freedom, never confusing their True Self with their ego, with their worldly wants and desires. In their Humility before their Creator they have maintained these principles, even unto death. They have been the true defenders of Truth, although the Truth needs no defense. They have known that "Nothing real can be threatened, Nothing unreal exists, Herein lies the the Peace of God." The Truth is that "This world is not governed by the rules and laws that mankind makes up. It is governed by a power that is in us but not of us". After all is said and done, what can prevail against the will of God?

"Take comfort, You who would seek ME, for in your seeking You have already found ME, and ---- YOU WILL KNOW and UNDERSTAND that I AM LOVE".

Purell 7 years, 10 months ago

I pray that God gives phred & family what they deserve.

Jayhawk226 7 years, 10 months ago

I honestly don't pray anymore...I used to so much as a child when I was more devout.

I do a lot of reflection and take time to really think things through. I reflect on the events in the world and actions of society.

It's very sobering, and sad.

This state, nation and world may be a much better place if more people would reflect on the good and bad, pleasures and evils of this world and collectively make necessary changes.

paladin 7 years, 10 months ago

Even as gnarled and windblown by life as we may be, within each there is LIFE... When that is seen in all its simplicity, it is a Joy and a Beauty Forever. Religious doctrines, dogmas, ideologies, philosophies, world-models, value systems, ethics, moralities, and all the like, will stand or fall depending on the kinds of answers that are revealed to the collective mind of mankind. It all comes together in the mind of each individual, and becomes his reality, and to that extent only. Each is unique. Grandfather says the Eagle taught him that, "In all living beings there is a courage, a strength, a daring that we do not know we have until suddenly we need them. And then, when we find out we're no longer the cowards that we thought we were, our hearts and minds are open and eager for what you might call ~~~ a miracle!" "For all of us, Grandfather?" "For All Of Us!!!" - Grandfather in the movie "Heidi" from the book by Johanna Spyri "The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we have had deep and effective spiritual experiences which have revolutionized our whole attitude toward life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe. The central fact of our lives today is the absolute certainty that our Creator has entered into our hearts and lives in a way which is indeed miraculous." - Bill Wilson (1898-1971) - Page 25, BigBook From my experience, seeing into the nature of God does not lay in scholarship, philosophy, in doctrines, and not even in meditation . . . It lies in one thing alone, namely seeing into the God-nature that is in each person and thing. "Jesus said, If you bring forth what is within you, what you have will save you. If you do not bring forth that from within you, what you do not bring forth [will] kill you." - Gospel of Thomas 70

Peaty 7 years, 10 months ago

[Quote] A growing body of evidence has found that religious people tend to be healthier than average, and that people who pray when they are ill are likely to fare better than those who do not. Many researchers think religious belief and practice can help people by providing social support and fostering positive emotions, which may produce beneficial responses by the body.[/Quote]

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,11069-2112892,00.html

enochville 7 years, 10 months ago

Peaty: Yeah, I thought of that study, but it doesn't really refute the claim LD made, because the study you linked to was looking at praying for others who are ill, whereas LD appears to be talking about sick people who pray.

A good control for sick people who pray and sick people who meditate. I am sure both groups would get the same benefits. It is testable and may have already been done.

enochville 7 years, 10 months ago

that should have read "sick people who pray are sick people who meditate".

dejady 7 years, 10 months ago

Hope you are ok Enoch. I have always respected and admired you........that hasn't changed. It's even more difficult to have faith when one is as young as you are. I did notice that you capitalized the word "God", and referred to "Him". I suspect that you still really WANT to believe. Peace be with you. I am still a friend of Bills'.

GreenEyedBlues 7 years, 10 months ago

I believe in prayer and a personal relationship with a higher being. I DON'T believe in trying to make others believe what you do, or anything at all, for that matter.

"What? You don't believe? I'm praying for you" is one of the most smug and self-righteous things a person can say to the other.

The person who tries to "save your soul" is really just trying to save their own. For every ONE person "saved", a Christian can pat themselves on the back and breathe a little easier thinking that they've brought themselves one step closer to heaven.

It's just a "Free Toaster!" gimmick from the National Bank of Jesus and Co. :(

badger 7 years, 10 months ago

Enoch - I hope that you are, though no longer practicing your faith, happy and fulfilled. If so, then put me on the list of people who won't try to convince you to pick up that which you've laid down. I wish you peace and wisdom on your path.

For myself, I do what one might call 'prayer' in a major way eight times a year (major pagan holidays), smaller meditations at the full and new moon, and a few minutes of peace and inward thought to start and end each day. Also, I 'pray' (which consists of either a quick thought directed at my patron deity or an actual ritual at my altar) when I need support or guidance, or wish to give thanks for something, be it a 'lucky break', an averted catastrophe, or a remarkably beautiful day/flower/moment.

I did just, a few minutes ago, walk out among the things I've planted with my SO, and say a quiet blessing upon them, as one of the trees doesn't seem to be taking (though everything else is going gangbusters with all the rain we've had and the drip irrigation system we put in).

adavid 7 years, 10 months ago

i prayed god prove his existance that was september 10th, 2001

dejady 7 years, 10 months ago

Everyone has the right to believe/not-believe whatever they choose. My own faith is very personal. I have no interest in "toaster gifts"...... maybe that's because I don't thrive on Bacardi. I like badgers comment, and wish the same for Enoch. Prayer, too, is personal and very individual. To each his/her own.

DaREEKKU 7 years, 10 months ago

GreenEyedBlues...I agree with you. Prayer is a personal thing and should not be forced on other people and certainly shouldn't be in schools, government institutions etc. I won't bash Christianity, but I will say (as I did on the other article in the paper today) that I have not a problem with the religion itself, just it's followers. Prayer should be a multi-religious thing, so lets just keep it where it belongs...to ourselves.

enochville 7 years, 10 months ago

badger: I am as happy and fulfilled as ever. Thanks for wanting that for me.

dejady: How old do you think I am? I'm 30, the same age as Christ when He started his mission and not that far off the ages of the apostles when they first started to believe. I don't think my age has anything to do with it.

I capitalized God because I have done so all my life. I am not bitter, confused, or anything else, and I no longer want to believe (or don't want to believe) secretly or otherwise. I don't not only believe in my former religion, but any religion that believes in things supernatural at all (gods, spirits, karma, life after death, etc.)

Who is Bill?

enochville 7 years, 10 months ago

That sentence should read, "I not only don't believe..."

Landon1973 7 years, 10 months ago

I lost my faith after mom died; wife left me and now my best friend has Leukemia. Not saying that I don't believe on God; I'm just angry that he takes everything away from me.

badger 7 years, 10 months ago

Dejady - 'Toaster gifts' have nothing to do with Bacardi. You must be too young to remember when banks offered gifts for opening accounts. "Open an account here, get a free toaster!" sort of thing. That's what the reference means.

When you say you're a friend of Bill's, is that Bill W or another Bill? Not everyone knows what it means to be a friend of Bill W, and if it's another Bill it looks like you may have mistaken Enochville for someone else.

Confrontation 7 years, 10 months ago

I pray that people will wake up and realize that religion kills far too many people every year.

dejady 7 years, 10 months ago

I should have just minded my own business.....Bill IS Bill W; I am plenty old enough to remember what "toaster gifts" were, and my reference to Bacardi came about after I read GreenEyedBlues bio....upon further investigation, I realize that Bacardi is just ONE of her favorite beverages. I may very well have been mistaken about the identity of Enochville. In any case, some of my character defects are showing, and I am becoming sarcastic and judgemental, so it's time for me to opt out of this discussion.

yourworstnightmare 7 years, 10 months ago

I bet Osama bin Laden and Zarqawi pray constantly.

bugmenot 7 years, 10 months ago

Why is it that god's undefeated in competitions and sporting events. The loser never says that they lost because god wanted them to lose. The winner's always thinks god helps them. Plus, no I don't pray. God doesn't exist, or at least not in the way the bible or any book has us believe.

canyon_wren 7 years, 10 months ago

Even the great pragmatist/philospher William James, in his book "The Varieties of Religious Experience," admitted that he couldn't take the "risk" of not believing in God. It seems pretty presumptuous--not to mention egotistical in the extreme--for anyone to claim there IS no God. Of course, it is quite another matter to say he or she doesn't BELIEVE in God--that's everyone's prerogative. God doesn't cease to exist because some mere mortal claims he doesn't believe in Him.

C.S. Lewis and a friend were passing a tombstone which read, "Here lies an Atheist--all dressed up and no place to go!" Lewis said to his friend, "I'll bet he wishes that were so!"

jimincountry 7 years, 10 months ago

Just said a prayer for SOMA members!

Dixie Jones 7 years, 10 months ago

i Pray that bush will pull his head out of his ass and bring our soldiers home !

DaREEKKU 7 years, 10 months ago

Don't pray for SOMA members, we don't need your sympathies. Might I also add that I can respect diversity, including Christianity....but that goes BOTH ways. Christians need to respect Gays, Athiests, Agnostics, people of other faith etc. Not all Christians have this problem....but a large majority here in the midwest do. Don't try to legislate your beliefs, don't offer to "pray for us" it's insulting, and don't force your beliefs into government, school, on other people if you want respect maintained for your faith from the public. End of story.

sanctuary 7 years, 10 months ago

GreenEyedBlues: "For every ONE person "saved", a Christian can pat themselves on the back and breathe a little easier thinking that they've brought themselves one step closer to heaven."

That is NOT true of a true Christian. Christians are to be advocates of God's love. One HUGE way of doing that is to lead others to Him, to "further his kingdom." It is not so that we can pat ourselves on the back, it is to be able to know that the angels are rejoicing in heaven. Knowing that a person is saved and has gained eternal life is the most blessed fact that you can ever know about them.

I also try to "pray continually." I'm not actually there yet, but I do try to pray often.

Peace to all of you, and God bless those of you who posted such loving and inspired comments!

sanctuary 7 years, 10 months ago

Also, GreenEyedBlues, our souls aren't saved by helping others to come to Christ: it takes a personal decision, just between you and God, to do that.

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." -Romans 10:9

dejady 7 years, 10 months ago

I just have to ask....what is SOMA?

GreenEyedBlues 7 years, 10 months ago

Posted earlier by DeJady: "I have no interest in "toaster gifts"...... maybe that's because I don't thrive on Bacardi." ". . . I read GreenEyedBlues bio. . . upon further investigation, I realize that Bacardi is just ONE of her favorite beverages."

~ What exactly are you getting at?

GreenEyedBlues 7 years, 10 months ago

SOMA = Society of Open-Minded Atheists/Agnostics [Not that I'm affiliated by any means. An organized group unified to rally against group belief structures?]

hottruckinmama 7 years, 10 months ago

I have kids and i drive a truck. yep i pray and i pray often. and you know what? it seems to help. i've been in some pretty sticky situations and it seems to help. at the very least it makes me feel better. i feel sorry for the folks who say that they have lost faith. not passing jugdement you understand. to each his or her own. and i can see how if you had some terrible things happen it could happen. but still how sad.

jayhawktownie 7 years, 10 months ago

sanctuary - Romans was a propaganda device, as were most of Paul's letters, not a divinely inspired statement of spiritual fact. if all christians took the time to become historically educated on the bible as a scholarly text, as opposed to "the word of god", there would be a lot fewer christians.

badger 7 years, 10 months ago

sanctuary -

The regrettable fact is that the most vocal representatives of Christianity are so rarely good Christians or true Christians, and forget the supreme doctrine of 'Love thy neighbor as thyself' in favor of correcting and condemning those whose sins personally offend them.