Why pray when you don’t believe in god?

[Mr. Ed]

I believe expressing a concern for a situation or person creates an obligation or desire to help and in doing this my actions, conscience and unconscious acts as a means to accomplish my obligation or desire.

life is simple and complicated because things happen even though we don’t understand how they happen, they just do. Thinking positive thoughts about someone forms a bond of positive energy around them. The same is true about hatred and negativity, be careful of what you think and be prepared for the consequences.

 

[Raven]

I pray because I do believe in God.

 

[chic]

I believe expressing a concern for a situation or person creates an obligation or desire to help and in doing this my actions, conscience and unconscious acts as a means to accomplish my obligation or desire.

life is simple and complicated because things happen even though we don’t understand how they happen, they just do. Thinking positive thoughts about someone forms a bond of positive energy around them. The same is true about hatred and negativity, be careful of what you think and be prepared for the consequences.

I carry crystals to avert the negativity of negative thoughts. It works for me. I can believe in a crystal but not in God.

 

[MaddHollander]

I’m not sure anyone’s listening so I pray. Sometimes in English. Sometimes in Dutch and sometimes on holidays in Hebrew. I think of it as ‘insurance.’

 

[Ted01]

I pray because I do believe in God.

Me too!
I think that prayer is effectual too.

Still, I appreciate the OP, and the love expressed of trying to do good for others and being concerned for the welfare of others.

The battle between the two dogs, a good one and a bad one... our internal struggle... is won by the one that we choose to feed.

 

[Capt Lightning]

I was made to say the Lords prayer every night. It didn't take long till I realised that they were just words. I might as well have recited the weather forecast.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

To pray without belief would be pointless sacrilege.

 

[C50]

I pray every night but don't believe in God, or any supreme entity.

Prayer for me is a time to express my gratitude for the good in my life, something we tend not to appreciate enough. Also to acknowledge my failures and promise to try to be better.

It's simply me talking with myself, but by praying as a habit it forces me to be self reflective every day.

 

[HoneyNut]

To me the reasons to pray without believing in deities would be the same as for people who believe in gods, it is something to give a person a comfort of having control when you don't have (or don't feel you have) enough control, such as if your plane has developed a problem, or your health (or a loved one's health) is threatened by an illness.

It's also good for handling feelings, such as resolving feelings of anger, frustration and resistance to things that are happening (or did happen already).

 

[Rae]

I pray and they seem to be answered. Most of them are for my husband and the prayers seem to be helping. He is doing better even with his disabilities. I pray for others and it seems to help when I hear they are doing better. It gives me confidence to carry on and do the best I can.

 

[Medusa]

For me, praying is about experiencing and sending out positive energy.

 

[Mr. Ed]

To me the reasons to pray without believing in deities would be the same as for people who believe in gods, it is something to give a person a comfort of having control when you don't have (or don't feel you have) enough control, such as if your plane has developed a problem, or your health (or a loved one's health) is threatened by an illness.

It's also good for handling feelings, such as resolving feelings of anger, frustration and resistance to things that are happening (or did happen already).

I don’t think or mention people from lack of control. I think of people and situations in the cosmic sense as a means to project an interest or concern. I guess I am powerless to make a difference otherwise, but showing concern in the name of love, I believe can make a difference in people’s life without actually being there.

 

[Paco Dennis]

I figured at some point that God created me and knew me totally, so I decided that I was always talking to God. At least that is the way I live. There is no hiding from God.

 

[Medusa]

I figured at some point that God created me and knew me totally, so I decided that I was always talking to God. At least that is the way I live. There is no hiding from God.

I can empathize here to some extent though for me God has evolved into a different thing which, if I had to pin down, I'd call, "The Universe." Whether there is an actual entity involved there I don't know. I agree that there is no hiding and I think, for me, it is more that there is no hiding from the universe or, when looking all the way down, no hiding from myself.

 

[Mr. Ed]

What is prayer if not our thoughts and concerns? By the same token every thought verbal or imagined is equal to the value of what we deem as prayer. Humans have a great deal more intelligent ability than we take credit for. The mind is capable of miracles but their not really miracles are they?

 

[Aunt Bea]

It’s up to you.

 

[johndoe]

Normally I don't pray, but I'll seek divine intervention out of desperation sometimes. God must be thinking that I only show up when I need something.