When should we PRAY?

[chess9]

Some of you may have heard the piece on BBC World News at 6 a.m. this morning regarding the Lutheran minister who prayed for his soccer team to win. This bit of news engendered a lively debate among religious folks, some of whom felt that there are some things that are too trivial to pray for.

When I heard the piece I was on my way to the General Van Fleet Trail for a solo 80 mile training ride and I got to thinking that maybe I should ask God for a new pair of legs. I'd like the pair Dave Scott had at age 28, thank you.

Is this request too trivial, or should I be praying for Kerry's election, or peace in Sudan, or that hunger be diminished in Bangladesh?

With only 5.5 days until the Duke iron distance race this has become a critical matter for me because I missed 8 weeks of really hard training thanks to FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES down here in VENUS, USA.

I mean, since God screwed up the weather, doesn't she owe me?


-Robert

 

[AFB]

*smirk*

 

[GrGr]

She might give you new prostetic legs, but something tells me you weren't thinking along those lines. After all, don't they say she works in mysterious ways? I don't want to be morbid or anything but when I hear questions like these I think of the proverb "beware what you ask for - you might get it" :Q

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: chess9

When I heard the piece I was on my way to the General Van Fleet Trail for a solo 80 mile training ride and I got to thinking that maybe I should ask God for a new pair of legs. I'd like the pair Dave Scott had at age 28, thank you.

Is this request too trivial, or should I be praying for Kerry's election, or peace in Sudan, or that hunger be diminished in Bangladesh?

With only 5.5 days until the Duke iron distance race this has become a critical matter for me because I missed 8 weeks of really hard training thanks to FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES down here in VENUS, USA.

I mean, since God screwed up the weather, doesn't she owe me?


-Robert

How is this POLITICS or NEWS?

I supposed this is based off of a news story, so what the heck..

The general consensus is that God hears each and every prayer. If you want to appear selfish and trivial, then that's your perogative. I'll save my prayers for the well-being of others, as opposed to winning the lotto, making a good grade, etc. To each their own, as they say.

 

[chess9]

So, how do you know which prayers are, er, "KOSHER", gunslinger?

I also have limited time so I want to make prayers that have a high probability of reaching their target and getting action.

Anyway, how do you know God doesn't want you to be praying for a new Ferrari, rather than for the soul of Bush? The bible doesn't instruct us to pray only for Republicans, just sinners. Hey, that would be everyone and I certainly don't have time to be praying for that n'er do well Moonbeam.

Yes, this was a news story and is quite relevant to politics inasmuch as Bush says he prays for America. Does it do any good? Do you see evidence God is reponding to Bush? Do you think God cares about America since America doesn't have a soul? Hmmm....

Sheezh, these questions are really thorny.

Some might suggest that this whole topic amply demonstrates the stupidity of religion and prayer.

-Robert

 

[Isla]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: chess9

When I heard the piece I was on my way to the General Van Fleet Trail for a solo 80 mile training ride and I got to thinking that maybe I should ask God for a new pair of legs. I'd like the pair Dave Scott had at age 28, thank you.

Is this request too trivial, or should I be praying for Kerry's election, or peace in Sudan, or that hunger be diminished in Bangladesh?

With only 5.5 days until the Duke iron distance race this has become a critical matter for me because I missed 8 weeks of really hard training thanks to FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES down here in VENUS, USA.

I mean, since God screwed up the weather, doesn't she owe me?


-Robert

How is this POLITICS or NEWS?

I supposed this is based off of a news story, so what the heck..

The general consensus is that God hears each and every prayer. If you want to appear selfish and trivial, then that's your perogative. I'll save my prayers for the well-being of others, as opposed to winning the lotto, making a good grade, etc. To each their own, as they say.

To a lot of people, religion and politics are basically the same thing.

This thread makes me think of an article I read this morning, about those who are all for bringing about war in the middle east so that Jesus can hurry up and come back. The voters Karl Rove has in his back pocket. I know some of these people, unfortunately. They seem pretty normal up front, but then they start talking about politics and what they believe re: the End Times and you want to run away screaming.

Sometimes, when I pray for peace, I wonder if I'm not praying for a world-wide catastrophic event.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: chess9
So, how do you know which prayers are, er, "KOSHER", gunslinger?

I don't. I only know which ones I am comfortable engaging in. I attempt to make no judgements on others' beliefs or practices.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: chess9

Yes, this was a news story and is quite relevant to politics inasmuch as Bush says he prays for America. Does it do any good? Do you see evidence God is reponding to Bush? Do you think God cares about America since America doesn't have a soul? Hmmm....

Interesting, as many here would have you believe that Bush is so utterly incompetent and moronic, that the only way that he could be maintaining such a close election is through the intervetion of some supernatural entity. I have no problem believing that some of these same people would rather believe this than consider the possibility that they *might* be mistaken, and Bush isn't quite the personification of evil, greed, and stupidity that they once thought. But that would require some degree of humility, which is quite rare in internet forums.

 

[element]

Originally posted by: Isla

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: chess9

When I heard the piece I was on my way to the General Van Fleet Trail for a solo 80 mile training ride and I got to thinking that maybe I should ask God for a new pair of legs. I'd like the pair Dave Scott had at age 28, thank you.

Is this request too trivial, or should I be praying for Kerry's election, or peace in Sudan, or that hunger be diminished in Bangladesh?

With only 5.5 days until the Duke iron distance race this has become a critical matter for me because I missed 8 weeks of really hard training thanks to FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES down here in VENUS, USA.

I mean, since God screwed up the weather, doesn't she owe me?


-Robert

How is this POLITICS or NEWS?

I supposed this is based off of a news story, so what the heck..

The general consensus is that God hears each and every prayer. If you want to appear selfish and trivial, then that's your perogative. I'll save my prayers for the well-being of others, as opposed to winning the lotto, making a good grade, etc. To each their own, as they say.

To a lot of people, religion and politics are basically the same thing.

This thread makes me think of an article I read this morning, about those who are all for bringing about war in the middle east so that Jesus can hurry up and come back. The voters Karl Rove has in his back pocket. I know some of these people, unfortunately. They seem pretty normal up front, but then they start talking about politics and what they believe re: the End Times and you want to run away screaming.

Sometimes, when I pray for peace, I wonder if I'm not praying for a world-wide catastrophic event.

Well ya gotta break some eggs to make an omelette.

 

[chess9]

Isla:

Exactly my point. This prayer business is quite dicey.

Wouldn't God be more interested in something more important than, say, to stick her finger into the complex question of whether the English should beat the Brazilians in the World Cup final? I mean, this would have all sorts of bad implications for the piety of the English if they lost to Brazil. (Passing without further comment the obviously superior soccer talent of the Brazilians)

I know what you mean about the FUNDIES. They seem to be praying for the end of the world or for some supernatural sign of the primacy of Jesus, as if their faith in the bible needed bolstering. I suspect that FUNDIES are closer to atheists than agnostics. They are one miracle short of a full belief system.

-Robert

 

[chess9]

gunslinger:

Well, if God is on our side, why did she give us Bush? I mean, is Bush the best she could have done? Or, is God trying our souls with Bush? That must be it. This is a test, right?

By the way, I don't think Bush is evil. But a man who readily admits the last time he read a book was in college probably shouldn't be leading our country unless he has some extraordinary skills.

-Robert

 

[Ozoned]

Originally posted by: chess9
So, how do you know which prayers are, er, "KOSHER", gunslinger?

I also have limited time so I want to make prayers that have a high probability of reaching their target and getting action.

Anyway, how do you know God doesn't want you to be praying for a new Ferrari, rather than for the soul of Bush? The bible doesn't instruct us to pray only for Republicans, just sinners. Hey, that would be everyone and I certainly don't have time to be praying for that n'er do well Moonbeam.

Yes, this was a news story and is quite relevant to politics inasmuch as Bush says he prays for America. Does it do any good? Do you see evidence God is reponding to Bush? Do you think God cares about America since America doesn't have a soul? Hmmm....

Sheezh, these questions are really thorny.

Some might suggest that this whole topic amply demonstrates the stupidity of religion and prayer.

-Robert

:roll: Make the strawman big enough and no-body will notice it.



For the bolded part may I suggest a prayer in the form of a big fat check to the RNC with emphasis to their continued support of the big drug companies. They are finding new ways to extend, as well as enriching, life . Isn't it rational to pray for what you desire?



Thorns, slippery slope, can of worms, and all of that not withstanding.......

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: chess9
gunslinger:

Well, if God is on our side, why did she give us Bush? I mean, is Bush the best she could have done? Or, is God trying our souls with Bush? That must be it. This is a test, right?

By the way, I don't think Bush is evil. But a man who readily admits the last time he read a book was in college probably shouldn't be leading our country unless he has some extraordinary skills.

Um, why are you posing questions to me, as if I am responsible for defending the things you ask? I never suggested that God was "on our side" or that He "gave us Bush."

Some people may believe that God (or a god) holds influence and guides each and every action that happens. I'm not one of them. I assume God made us, gave us free will, and let us loose. But the simple fact that we are still here after 1000's of years of hatred, ignorance, lust, wars, and such nonsense leads me to conclude that it's quite likely that some divine intervention has transpired over the course of time.

 

[chess9]

Ozoned:

The only problem with that approach is that I might not be able to afford those drugs. For instance, Advair alone is about $180 per month. You can get it from India for about $30 per month, fortunately.

-Robert

 

[chess9]

gunslinger:

"1000s of years" is a blink of an eye. It means little, and besides the cockroaches and gators have been here much longer.

-Robert

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: chess9
gunslinger:

"1000s of years" is a blink of an eye. It means little, and besides the cockroaches and gators have been here much longer.

Ttrue, but they don't have the ability to make nerve gas, bio-weapons, or a nuclear aresenal. Nor do they post on P&N.

 

[Ozoned]

Originally posted by: chess9
Ozoned:

The only problem with that approach is that I might not be able to afford those drugs. For instance, Advair alone is about $180 per month. You can get it from India for about $30 per month, fortunately.

-Robert

Maybe, but the odds are much more in your favor with my approach than with your approach of asking God for a new pair of legs.

 

[chess9]

Ozoned:

Uh, now that IS true. Somewhere in my modest life I must have offended God because I never get anything I ask for but am always getting things I don't ask for.

So, yeah, but giving to Bush would probably give me a fatal MI.



-Robert

 

[Yo Ma Ma]

Originally posted by: chess9
Some of you may have heard the piece on BBC World News at 6 a.m. this morning regarding the Lutheran minister who prayed for his soccer team to win. This bit of news engendered a lively debate among religious folks, some of whom felt that there are some things that are too trivial to pray for.

When I heard the piece I was on my way to the General Van Fleet Trail for a solo 80 mile training ride and I got to thinking that maybe I should ask God for a new pair of legs. I'd like the pair Dave Scott had at age 28, thank you.

Is this request too trivial, or should I be praying for Kerry's election, or peace in Sudan, or that hunger be diminished in Bangladesh?

With only 5.5 days until the Duke iron distance race this has become a critical matter for me because I missed 8 weeks of really hard training thanks to FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES down here in VENUS, USA.

I mean, since God screwed up the weather, doesn't she owe me?


-Robert

Prayer is like a conversation with God, so really I'd say nothing is too trivial, nor too great. Your prayer requests might change over the years since your relationship with God may change as well. I pray for the health of my family, and you asking for younger legs is sort of a similar thing, I guess

 

[Ozoned]

Originally posted by: chess9
Ozoned:

Uh, now that IS true. Somewhere in my modest life I must have offended God because I never get anything I ask for but am always getting things I don't ask for.

So, yeah, but giving to Bush would probably give me a fatal MI.



-Robert

Who said anything about giving to Bush?

 

[alchemize]

You can pray for whatever you want.

I feel you are being more honest with yourself if you are willing to accept whatever the outcome is, however


Someday this will be my world famous quote:

Neither the most devout zealot nor the most logical aethist will know the truth until the day of his death. But who will be more pissed if he is wrong?

 

[chess9]

Ozoned:

Uh, right now a gift to the RNC is a gift to Bush because even if the money goes to Congressional candidates they will support Bush.

-Robert

 

[jhu]

Originally posted by: chess9
Some of you may have heard the piece on BBC World News at 6 a.m. this morning regarding the Lutheran minister who prayed for his soccer team to win. This bit of news engendered a lively debate among religious folks, some of whom felt that there are some things that are too trivial to pray for.

When I heard the piece I was on my way to the General Van Fleet Trail for a solo 80 mile training ride and I got to thinking that maybe I should ask God for a new pair of legs. I'd like the pair Dave Scott had at age 28, thank you.

Is this request too trivial, or should I be praying for Kerry's election, or peace in Sudan, or that hunger be diminished in Bangladesh?

With only 5.5 days until the Duke iron distance race this has become a critical matter for me because I missed 8 weeks of really hard training thanks to FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES down here in VENUS, USA.

I mean, since God screwed up the weather, doesn't she owe me?


-Robert

did you ever watch that snl skit where this one lady would keep praying for the most trivial things? jesus (as played by phil hartman) arrives and tells her to stop praying so much because he has other important things to do. it was pretty funny.

 

[Cobalt]

Originally posted by: chess9
Some of you may have heard the piece on BBC World News at 6 a.m. this morning regarding the Lutheran minister who prayed for his soccer team to win. This bit of news engendered a lively debate among religious folks, some of whom felt that there are some things that are too trivial to pray for.

When I heard the piece I was on my way to the General Van Fleet Trail for a solo 80 mile training ride and I got to thinking that maybe I should ask God for a new pair of legs. I'd like the pair Dave Scott had at age 28, thank you.

Is this request too trivial, or should I be praying for Kerry's election, or peace in Sudan, or that hunger be diminished in Bangladesh?

With only 5.5 days until the Duke iron distance race this has become a critical matter for me because I missed 8 weeks of really hard training thanks to FOUR FUSKING HURRICANES down here in VENUS, USA.

I mean, since God screwed up the weather, doesn't she owe me?


-Robert

SHE!?!? "She's just kidding Mr. Lord."

 

[Moonbeam]

Every once in a while I remember how fortunate I am and how seldom I usually notice and it makes me feel ashamed. Then I sometime turn an eye to the heavens as if there were somebody there and wish I were more grateful. In this infinite universe I have this tiny life and it is amazing.