Does PRAYING Do Any GOOD?

AT ONE time or another, nearly everyone feels the need to pray.  In fact, people of almost every religious persuasion pray earnestly.  For instance, thousands of times a day, a Buddhist may repeat the prayer  "I place my faith in Amida Buddha."

Why Do People Pray?

Many Orientals pray to their ancestors and to the gods of Shinto or Tao.  They do so in hopes of passing examinations in schools, reaping good crops, or warding of diseases. By their efforts, Buddhists hope to gain enlightenment.  Hindus pray devoutly to their favorite gods and goddesses for knowledge, wealth and protection.

Some Catholics hope to benefit mankind by devoting their lives as monks or nuns in closed monasteries or convents, praying continually.  Millions of Catholics seek favors from Mary by saying memorized prayers, perhaps with the aid of rosary beads. In Oriental lands, many people use prayer wheels. Protestants repeat the words of the Lord's Prayer, though they may also express their feelings to God spontaneously.  Many Jews travel great distances to pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, hoping for restoration of the temple and a new age of prosperity and peace.  Though Millions exert themselves in prayer, human society is increasingly plagued with problems of poverty, addiction, broken families, crime and war. Could it be that all these people are not praying in the right way? (that is part of it, prayer does work, it has for me, because I am a real believer and have faith that God will answer) For that matter, does anyone really hear prayers?

Next time: Does Anyone Hear Prayers?

The Watchtower, 2000