Prayer

[driver]

I'd like to know how other Christian Deists pray. Jesus taught us the "Our Father." Do you ever pray this prayer? Do you believe that God works through us? John Spong of Christianity Today tells us that his God is the ground of all being. What does that mean? Do you believe in prayers of affirmation? How about prayers of supplication? How about prayers where you ask to be a demonstration of love to all you encounter? Do you pray for others? Rather than intervene do you believe that God intercedes?

[cclendenen]

I'd like to know how other Christian Deists pray. Jesus taught us the "Our Father." Do you ever pray this prayer? Do you believe that God works through us? John Spong of Christianity Today tells us that his God is the ground of all being. What does that mean? Do you believe in prayers of affirmation? How about prayers of supplication? How about prayers where you ask to be a demonstration of love to all you encounter? Do you pray for others? Rather than intervene do you believe that God intercedes?

I don't pray at all in the ways you suggest. I don't talk, I listen. I have much to learn from God, but nothing to teach or to tell. I am grateful, but I don't add to the noise. I think we have already been given all that we need, so I won't beg for more. I absolutely believe that prayer helps those who believe in its power. I believe that prayer comforts the grieving and gives strength to those in need if they feel they need to call on God to lend them strength. When others pray, I bow my head and am respectful. When asked to lead a prayer, I am uncomfortable. I say some words that others may accept as reverent and, hopefully, close enough to be called prayer, but deep down, I know it is not prayer.

I feel that God neither intervenes nor intercedes. I believe that what we see is what we get, and after all these millennia, we still haven't scratched the surface of what God has already told us. I think we are supposed to figure it out for ourselves. If I am to be an example to others, I need to walk the walk. I see no point in talking the talk.

We have many examples of the right way to live. The story of Christ and the stories and parables attributed to him are excellent guides. I think our role is to try to understand, not to ask that the laws of nature be nullified.

[Helium]

I feel that God neither intervenes nor intercedes.

Agree with ya 100 per cent, but I still talk to him sometimes, anyway.

[driver]

I agree with you Chuck. Some of the examples I asked were the ways that Jesus prayed. I like what you said about just listening to God and having much to learn. There is power in prayer, not in getting stuff, but for inner strength, to be more loving , etc.. I guess being thankful is one good example. I'm not sure about the interceding part though. In fact I can't at this time think of an example of interceding.

[driver]

http://deistic.info/htm/meditation_.html

This is a web site for Deist prayers

[driver]

Don't be a beggar when praying. Just be thankful.
Deistic Quote

[FJunior]

I never pray. I never ask something as I don't think I'll get it - I don't believe in any kind of intervention. I know we are in the "Christian Deist Section", but I just wanted to give my opinion, ok?

[driver]

I don't think that Cristian Deists on the average pray anymore than other Deists do. When I pray it is a prayer of thanksgiving. A couple of posts before yours I posted an excellent Deist web of Deist prayers.

[Bobbertsan]

I don't think God intervenes, I'm not sure what you mean by intercede, though. I think God can influence people's mental state.

For example, if someone I knew had cancer, I wouldn't ask for God to cure him, but I would ask for God to help my friend find peace. I'm not sure God would do that either, but it's worth a try.

What do you guys think? Can God - will God - talk to others and help them to feel better?

[Inner Prop]

I wish that were true, but I only think that it is our own growing to understand Him better, rather than His talking to us that gives us peace.

[cclendenen]

The folks in the Spiritual-Deism group pray. Their inclination, however, is towards prayers of affirmation. They have some good links for those interested:

http://www.websyte.com/newthoughtalliance/affpr.htm
http://www.prayerthatworks.com/index.html
http://www.shareguide.com/Dossey.html

[driver]

Chuck, do you personally practice any of the ideas you gave to us on the three web sites? If so what results have you experienced?