Does Prayer to God Really Help Or Is It Just to Make You Feel Better?

Introduction to Prayer

Prayer is a universal phenomenon that has been practiced by people of different faiths and backgrounds for centuries. It serves as a means of communication with the divine, seeking guidance, and expressing gratitude. Is prayer really effective in bringing about positive changes, or is it merely a psychological comfort to the individual praying?

Through life experiences, many individuals find that praying to God can bring different types of answers to their prayers:

1. **Yes, and it is done**: This suggests that the prayer was answered favorably and the request was fulfilled.

2. **No, I will not give you that**: This indicates that the prayer was not answered, and the request was either not possible or not in one's best interest.

3. **Wait, because even though you don't understand why right now, my timing will be absolutely perfect**: This suggests a delay in the answer, with the divine assurance that the timing is precisely right.

Regardless of the answers, prayer is a significant part of life that provides a sense of direction and purpose.

Prayer and Communication with the Divine

Praying to God is the only way to communicate with the divine and ask for anything one desires. It is a practice that helps individuals align their thoughts and intentions with the divine will. Through prayer, one can seek guidance, seek forgiveness, and express gratitude, fostering a deeper connection with the divine.

Arguments Against the Effectiveness of Prayer

However, some argue that prayer is a waste of time and lacks any real impact. Proponents of this view suggest that prayer is akin to masturbation—it brings temporary comfort but has no real effect on the person being prayed for.

A Personal Testimony

To provide a more nuanced perspective, let me share a personal story. A few years back, when I was in my 30s, I was given a ride “home” by a friend of a friend of a friend, who turned out to be part of a planned carjacking. As I pulled into a dark and sinister lot, I was confronted by at least 20 hoodlums. In that moment, I felt that I could possibly die. In that stressful and life-threatening situation, I prayed. My best life-saving ideas come to me after prayer. So, during this prayer, I grabbed my imaginary gun and simulated cocking it, giving a threatening look to the would-be attacker. The attacker, seeing a gun, turned pale and fled, telling his friends that I had a gun. The rest of the gang fled too. To me, God seemed very good and was not there to forsake me or leave me alone.

Prayer as a Psychological Comfort

Others argue that praying to God is merely a psychological comfort. The idea here is that an individual's feelings of fear and uncertainty can be alleviated by the soothing and comforting message that prayer offers. This perspective posits that prayer is a way to cope with life's uncertainties and challenges, providing solace during times of distress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the effectiveness of praying to God largely depends on one's personal beliefs and experiences. For some, prayer is a practical way to seek guidance and communicate with the divine, while for others, it serves as a psychological comfort. It is up to each individual to determine the value and impact of prayer in their lives.