Your thoughts on prayer

The proble  with this thread is that we seem to have wandered so far off topic that I very much doubt that any of us could find our way back home.  What started off as 'Thoughts on Prayer', a thread that could have encompassed all religions and beliefs, appears to have turned into one of those Christian Tracts that get shoved in your hand in High Street, and stay there for as long as it takes to reach the nearest litter bin.

I willingly take a lot of the blame for that, and apologise if I've caused offence to anyone.  I know John hasn't been offended, because he's already made it plain that  he loves a good discussion.  For the time being, at least, I'm climbing off my soap box and giving up the floor to anyone who wants it.

If Sister Mary Ruth can get this back in order, with or without her ruler, she's far better and cleverer than me (which I never doubted for a single minute).  I agree that without respect for each other, there is no real basis for discussion of any kind.  We are all of us different, and have every right both to hold and to express our own thoughts and feelings.

Hi, Ruth.

I love your posts. Always calm, balanced and thoughtful.

OK, getting back to the idea of prayer - did you know there have been scientific studies designed to find out whether or not it works?

I'd be interested to hear what people have to say about the results.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3193902.stm

Mick, speaking only for myself, I have no desire to change your or John's beliefs. I am just defending my own. Like Alan, I am sorry that due credit isn't given to a the Supreme Being for his stupendous handiwork. But that is entirely up to you and I respect that. If anyone is trying to 'convert' around here it's John!!

Just to say none of my comments referred to anybody on this thread, it was all references from my past experiences.

I've never heard of him either, Alan - so I looked him up on Google.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacGyver

Isn't the Internet wonderful?

Diana, LOL, MacGyver!! 

Alan, thanks for that.  I think it's been a great discussion, and it's just taken the normal path that conversations take, just as if we were all sitting around talking together.  I think all your postings here were very thoughtful, insightful and kind.  Please continue to add your thoughts.  I think eveyone understands by now that we're just sharing thoughts and maybe giving one another something to reflect on - both sides of the discussion.  As a Christian, I think that God really honors this.  We're all seekers, whether we know it or not.  And it's a lifetime process, so it's OK to have doubts.