Does prayer work?

[jsarno]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Philosophically speaking, I actually don't like the idea that prayer works.

Let's say I wanted to become a professional golfer. I quit my day job, I work my tail off by practicing 8 hours a day, I eat well, I pay for lessons, I pay for the best equipment, and I even pray a little. And let's say after 5 years I finally make it on tour, and even place in the top 10 in a tournament. To think that the prayer could be responsible for my success and happiness would seriously piss me off. It was my hard work, my blood and sweat that got me there. To think God was responsible, I don't like that idea.

That's a hypothetical. But success in my current career, success in my marriage, success in having a harmonious and happy family; I'd be real pissed if that was God doing that. I made all of those things happen, along with help from my family. God gave me the free will to make choices. I chose to work hard and surround myself with good people. He deserves no credit beyond credit for giving me free will, I did the rest.

Why is it OK to thank your family for help, but not God?

I have a great relationship with my wife because God is in focus for both of us. God helps us have a great relationship. I don't begrudge him for that. Sure I looked for a certain type of woman, and I have worked hard to have a great relationship with her, but I'll give credit to God too for helping us. It doesn't take anything away from what I did.
I'd gladly give God credit if he wanted to make me the next Tiger Woods. Ultimately, I would still have to practice and work at it, but I could see it as "we are working together".