I personally believe that if people have faith in a higher power, some forms of praying are just plain stupid... Any of you that have children know what your kids need, when they need it even before they know they need it. Kinda contradictory to think the supreme power of this universe needs you to speak your needs.
If you believe in God, than just give Thanks every single day and do not worry about asking for anything, as God already knows what you need and when you need it.
Even then, at times of desperation I have found myself praying for guidance and wisdom to see the way. This is my way of saying "I've been too self absorbed to see all of the signals, please keep sending them"
Any holy book in the world was written with the intent of using it to create a structure under which people could be controlled and the institution could gain moneys for those that run it and perpetuate it. Being a "man of God" under an institution can be a very lucrative career, that comes with power and respect. Any church you know, survives on the money the faithful giveth - You can't trust a book that was basically written as a manual for the converted. If at any point any true prophet or savior ever said that you could "worship God without having to go to church and give them your money", you can be darn sure his writings never made it to any holy book, if they weren't already burned along with him for uttering such words.
-BRR
I agree with a lot of what you said. I think man has the potential to (and often does) pervert anything that he's involved with to suit his needs. As you mentioned, many churches and preachers exist to profit. Like many other things, the corrupt give the just a bad name.
But there are also many preachers and churches who exist to Serve. Most churches (catholic churches excluded) have open books/finances. Those that don't at least have open books for members or those who hold positions. There are also mega churches whose pastor's do not receive any salary at all. Hard to believe, but true and common. Joel Osteen for example holds service in the old Houston Rockets Center. He doesn't take any salary or payment from the church. Sure he sells books, but he is also one of the largest contributors to the church. I also know pastors in my area that do not receive any salary or payment from the church. They also happen to be some of the larger contributors to their churches. In fact, I'm friends with one old pastor that even pays for his church's radio broadcast from his own pocket and has done so for 20+ years.
Many churches also do an amazing job providing for those in need. In fact, some do such a good job it can sometimes be difficult figuring out how to further help certain communities. My wife and I for example are constantly trying to find ways in our immediate community to help those in need. But it can be difficult. We looked into starting a food bank until we realized there were about 30 churches in a 20 mile radius that had food banks with healthy inventory. We would also contact friends, family and churches during the holidays trying to find families in need to support or sponsor. Yes, we found some families, but they were already being helped or sponsored by churches or individuals. I know there are many communities that aren't like this with large numbers of people suffering. But there are many churches and religious individuals (and non-religous) that are doing exceptional work in their community. It's such a shame when the greedy and corrupt gives those who truly want to serve a bad name.
My wife and I have found it to be easier to help and give charity to those in international communities, many with a lesser 'churched' population.
As far as prayer goes, it can sometimes seem funny and unnecessary to the believer and even more so to the skeptic. But I liked and agreed with your mention of needing guidance and wisdom in difficult times. Also the mention of possibly being self absorbed during these times.
For the believer, if we see God as a supreme being, the father, in charge, all powerful, all knowing, etc. Then our closest understanding to this relationship (and prayer) might be our relationship with our children or perhaps I should say with our genetic fathers. Some children will ignore their parents while doing whatever they please without any regard. They expect everything to be given to them regardless of circumstance or consequence. Why should they even ask or give thanks? They're special and deserve every bit of it. After all, thats why the parent exists or was created. At least in their mind. I liken this attitude to the believer who decides to do as he pleases with the expectation that God will and should simply provide because he's God. Why even ask? Why waste time praying or attempting to connect or communicate?
I think we could all agree that there could be a more healthy and nurturing relationship between a child and parent that develops and matures forever. For me, prayer is about my relationship and growth with God. I rarely ask for things, with the exception of praying for others.
It reminds me of the difference between cats and dogs:
When you care for a dog, the dog thinks "Wow, this person feeds me, bathes me, heals me, humors me, cares for me. This person must be God!".
When you care for a cat, the cat thinks "Wow, this person feeds me, bathes me, heals me, humors me, cares for me. I must be God!"
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