Does Prayer Really Work?

I think you are doing all the spiritual questioning and thinking and sharing. I believe in prayer. I don't think it's a magic wand that makes good things happen. But I like the lining up your energy with (what I would say) God. I think it opens up pathways. I am an Episcopalian,  A Christian feminist. And I count on a Higher Power in my 12 Step work. But I had to do a lot of processing of my anger and hurt toward God for God's seeming  abandonment of me as a child.. We are all on our paths. I acknowledge yours.. Barbara

I like your brand of non-religion. You get the biggest lesson of the new testament better than many life-long Christians. I'm a believer but I dont care so much if someone talks the talk as long as they walk the walk. 

Faith, hope and love.....the greatest of these is love. That is a scripture reference from the book of Coronthians. Indeed God is love. He is the greatest example of love, ever known to man. How precious of you, to care for this young child. Only God knows that plans that lie ahead for Lucas. I will be praying for Lucas and his family. After my prayer, I will have faith, in God, that I have been heard and someone with all prayer is in control.

You said: "I think whether there is or isn’t a God is none of my business. It just doesn’t matter. What does matter to me, is love..."

I think I heard somewhere that "God is Love".

Erin, that was truly beautiful. Thank you for your prayers for Lucas. I also too, felt all the positive energy and prayers for my sister and brother- in law. I do feel in my heart it made a difference. Lucas and Rowan have a Big purpose in this life. I feel that we are the lucky ones that get to be a part of their lives. Thank for your friendship. I am so glad you and Elaine have each other.

Lots of love,
Maureen

By the way, I shared just a few of those stories here: http://aladyinfrance.com/2012/01/16/prayer-and-humor/ if it's not bad manners to link back to my blog (and you feel like reading). :-)

It's really great to see your heart to pray for other people.

I'm a Christian - grew up one in a moderate sense, but made an adult decision to embrace it - so I'm coming from a slightly different angle. But I have prayed too many unusual make-it-hard-for-God prayers that have come true for me to be left in doubt that they are heard.

Of course sometimes he says no too.

I'll pray for little Lucas.

There is actually an App for talking to God. I downloaded it. It is kinda awesome as it has categories of how you feel, then there are bible readings then a short reflection to read in regards to your feeling. For example, Sad, Prideful, Out of control, Addicted, Apathetic, Optimistic and so on.

I struggle with prayer and how it should be done and what belongs where and forget that sometimes just TALKING to God is good enough.

I am torn over my feelings about prayer. I was raised believing in prayer and have always prayed but in the past three years, through the loss of three grand babies ( one each year) I lost a lot of my belief in prayer. And that saddens me. But I prayed ferociously each time my daughter experienced complications with her pregnancies - and many, many others prayed for her and the well being of her unborn baby as well. All to a heart breaking end. After three years - and no positive outcome - it's just not possible for me to believe that prayer works. People say God answers - just not always in the way we want - but after so many disappointments, I just can't go to Him and pray for his help. But I still do pray thanks for the blessings I have been given and I will say a prayer for another as I do think it's the support and show of love and concern that helps those in need. With that said, Lucas is in my thoughts and a prayer will be said for him.

I believe in prayer. I believe in God.

I believe in the power of prayer, it's importance.

Praying for little Lucas, and for you as well.

I agree wholeheartedly! I don't believe in god, but I wouldn't discourage someone from praying/meditating/introspection - all of them are great things that can bring peace of mind and heart. And, I also agree that I don't care how it comes about, whether a belief in god or through ones own introspection, if it works then "I don't care" how it comes about. Great post!

I believe prayer works. I think you touched on something very important when you wrote that you felt like by praying you were helping. Sometimes it's all we can do. I have a friend whose son was going into brain surgery and she knew we were all praying for her. She said it helped so much - she felt like there was an "army" of people walking into the hospital with her, she felt the power of all those prayers and it gave her strength. She knew she was not alone. Prayer also changes the person who is praying. When we pray, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, to ask for help, to not have all the answers, to surrender. So, yes, it works. It gives strength to those we pray for and it brings calm to us who pray. I also happen to believe that God hears our prayers. He loves us and encourages us to share our worries with Him.

I believe prayer can help the pray-er. I believe it can help the person you're praying for if they believe in the power of prayer. I don't believe this has anything to do with any mystical force... it has to do with the power of the human brain to heal itself and heal the body.

during the bad times, i get my strength through prayers. though not all of them are answered but it gives you something to hold on to when things seem hopeless.

I believe very strongly in the power of prayer. Not only do I believe in the benefit of "lifting our consciousness to another level" but I believe there is a God who listens and cares enough to answer.

Prayer gives me Hope, and I do believe it has helped me through the darkest of times. I will be sure to include Lucas in my prayers :)

Prayer provides comfort for me, it's a time to meditate, to focus on the good, and feel the need to have some form of control over the chaos in life. It's with prayer that gives you light in times of darkness.