Does anyone thinks that praying actually helps?

and for the most part it doesn’t help either*

I know that there are times when prayers are answered. I just cannot understand how it is determined that a prayer is or is not answered. I think GOD just does things the way he wants and we are not big enough to change that.

Actually, a recent study showed intercessory prayer to actually be harmful: http://bps-research-digest.blogspot.com/2006/05/could-prayers-be-harmful.html

(No, I don’t think it really is harmful - I think it’s useless, at least for the person being prayed for. But the result is amusing.)

I believe that the positive thinking helps. If you believe you will get cured, it can brighten your attitude and make you a more happy and positive person. It can be calming and it can help you think through your problems, fears and wishes.

Yes I do. Prayers are answered in many ways. Sometimes you receive what you ask for and other times what you want and what God wants for you are two different things. An unanswered prayer truly can be a blessing in disguise.

Your question wasnt phrased too clearly… Research has shown that praying clearly helps a lot of people… So yes I believe praying helps people emotionally… Do I believe the prayer actually has more than a placebo effect, no… Do I believe praying actually gets you what you’re praying for, no…

of course it does - but not in every situation. If you ask for more money etc then no! But of you ask god to be with people then he will be with them whether they are Christian or not. The power of prayer is so big and amazing but often we don’t realise that our prayers are being answered! God loves everyone and listens to everyone! Cool huh?!

Prayer helps, I agree with what cthulhu said. Also, God always listens, I know it sounds corny but it’s true. it took me a very long and bitter time to realize this, but when I did and began to believe it took on a whole new light for me. He/she might not always be there when you call, but he/she is always on time. When you are in danger, he carries you to safety, because it’s just not your time yet. You might feel abandoned and alone but you never are. Now, take a very big, very deep breath of fresh, clean air and say “I am a beloved child of God. I walk in his/her Grace and protection, even as I am being taught and tested. I am so grateful that I am your Child, Dear God.” Gratitude is one of the most powerful states of awareness to be in and will help you grow in the truest, the fastest and the strongest ways possible.

Yes.

For one it can be a calming ritual, like a form of meditation. Secondly, prayers can act as affirmations - kind of a mind hack. When you constantly focus on something, like a desire for a boyfriend, it tends to prime your brain for that wish. There’s nothing supernatural about it, you’re just strengthening neural pathways; bringing the desire to the forefront of your mind throughout the day. If you pray like this often enough, you might be more likely to be thinking about getting your boyfriend, and so will take more notice of romantic opportunities and be better prepared to act on them. The same principle goes for any small nugget of truth behind “The Secret”.

I don’t believe praying does anything supernatural, however.

As a Buddhist, I don’t believe in God, nor do I believe that praying to God will make things better

However, I do believe that certain types of prayers do help to ease the mind and make difficult things a little more tolerable

In the end, we are all responsible for doing what we must for the better good…don’t avoid taking the aspirin to cure a headache because you expect prayer to fix it!

yes it helps. I have been through tough times and praying does really help.

YES IT DOES.

It might temporarily allay fears in those involved in praying, but other than that, it’s pretty useless.

God only gives three answers, yes, no, and not yet. Most people don’t like the no or not yet answers.

F* NO nga.

wh0re.

My door is always open,

Pimpmister

Well I thank that sometimes it works but not all the time

YESSS! =) you may not get exactly what you pray for but He will give you something much better. keep at it.

<3 maddie

sometimes but its according what the situation is.

nnooo lol

hahaha yea NUP lol

I think its the power of prayer like cthulhu said its meditation and ritual it speaks to the very primal of us

Yes prayer helps. Ask jesus into your heart and trust in him. once saved always saved. Baptism dont save you, lords supper dont save you, church memebership dont save you its just soemthing that makes jesus happy like a rememberance of his death, burial and ressurection. pray and ask Jesus to save you and trust in him , then Jesus will answer prayers. Good works for him only gets you more rewards in heaven!

Praying doesn’t work, and for the most part it helps either, but it depends.