how then to pray?

purrpurr

Since my thread on what am I supposed to believe in now I've had many PM's offering advice and support which I appreciate greatly. Unfortunately it won't let me reply and I can't figure out why so I'm asking here. Do you pray? And if so who to? And how?

cofty

hi purrpurr.

I was a born again christian for 9 years after I left the Watchtower. During that time I prayed constantly and genuinely believed god was listening and answering.

To cut a long story short, it eventually occurred to me that it was deeply conceited to imagine that god was listening to my trivial ramblings, while ignoring the appalling suffering of millions of others.

I stopped praying and found that it made absolutely no difference. All those answered prayers were nothing but confirmation bias.

Prayer is no different from any other superstition. I have found it liberating to get rid of all superstitions from my life.

purrpurr

Well cofty that's great for you, but for me I really feel like I need god in my life

Witness My Fury

Why, what's wrong with your life that you need a sadistic despot in it?

cofty

I really feel like I need god in my life

I can understand that. We are all at different places in our journey.

I would encourage you to try to put feelings in second place to objective evidence.

Wrestle with the big questions and investigate the facts thoroughly from both sides.

How can there be a loving god when there is so much suffering?

Why was the earth created in such a way as to make millions of deaths from natural disasters inevitable?

Why are parasites the most successful type of life form on earth? Why do most animals, almost without exception, die agonising deaths from predation, starvation, disease or the effects of parasites?

Why is the bible full of contradictions?

Why does the god of Jesus approve of slavery, infanticide and forced marriage/rape?

Why did Jesus make false prophecies?

Why is the gospel based on stories that are scientifically impossible?

We know that humans evolved from a common ancestor with other primates over millions of years. How do we reconcile that with the gospel?

Why do so many prayers for healing and the necessities of life go unanswered?

There are logical answers to all of these questions. It has taken me 10 years of reading and research to understand them, but it is worth the effort.

We don't have to be led by feelings.

jgnat

I still go to church, I still pray. Your life, your feelings.

How about starting with the Lord's Prayer?

http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/wesleys_bible_study_notes.html

My experience is the Witnesses put all kinds of restrictions on prayer that are not required. Like, you don't have to be "approved" to pray!

Giordano

Purr Purr I agree with Cofty but having gone through what your going through one needs to take small steps and make small gestures to keep one's balance. Don't try to answer everything until your ready.

Most Christian high control religions, including the WTBTS, teaches that Jesus is the designation.

Consider this........... is Jesus the destination or the journey? Is it about the works or is it about Grace. The Bible says its about Grace not works. Dig into that a bit and see if that makes any sense to you.

As far as the WTBTS goes it was started by a pastor who wasn't a pastor and who believed in 19th century nonsense like the Pyramids and end of time dates. It was continued by a Judge who wasn't a judge who thought the Prophets would be returning in 1925 and then blamed that failure on the over exaggerated wishes of the faithful. He was followed by the ultimate company man Knorr, who lectured the newly arrived bethelites on not playing with themselves under their bedsheets. He was assisted by crazy Freddy Franz who decided that 1975 was the end times.

On this corrupted soil the WTBTS and JW's was formed and you think you've got problems?

If you want to let these losers think for you then do so and tie your self up in knots. If you want to continue your journey then embrace the good and step away from the stupid.

LisaRose

Your prayer should match your beliefs. If you still believe in Jehovah, then pray to him. If not, address him as Jesus did, father. If you still believe in Jesus, pray in his name.

Have you thought about talking to a minister or Christian counselor? There are some good religions out there. I talked to a minister of a United Church of Christ, she had a brother who was a JW, so she understood what I was going through.

There is nothing wrong with prayer, don't let people make you feel bad for wanting to hold onto some aspects of your spirituality. We each have our own path to follow, so follow your heart if it is telling you to pray. I don't think there is any right or wring way, so pray what is in your heart and mind.

GLTirebiter

you don't have to be "approved" to pray!

How true, jgnat! That silly policy cuts out those who need it the most. Be "a hospital for sinners, not a museum of saints."

objectivetruth

purrpurr - I still pray, to Yahweh, he is the God of Love to all.

He is not the God that most of the world has fabricated, as being a Jealous,Vengeful,Angry God.. The Yahweh that I Know is love Beyond Comprehension.

You may find it difficult to pray, as you go through your journey of finding truth.

One thing that has helped me, is that I stopped fearing God, and I stopped feeling guilty for every little thing that I do or don't do. I ask him to help me find Truth, and follow Truth Wherever I find it.

You don't have to pray in a ritualistic manner though.. Just pray almost as if you're speaking to your self.

Also.. Try not to make your primary concern "Knowledge" & "Doctrine" & "Religion".. Rather try and follow the example that Jesus truly set..

Forgive those that hurt you, never say no to a poor person that asks for money,look people in the eyes with love and compassion,humble yourself and make your life about helping others.. When you do this, you will understand who Yahweh truly is,and you will quickly find truth everywhere you look.

As witnesses we had such a sterile way of worship, it is not impossible to find truth and happiness unless you let go and embrace tolerance, and compassion.

I hope that you get your PM fixed soon, I look forward to getting to know you, and learning from one another.

If you enjoy reading, consider readimg Leo Tolstoy's later writings.. "What I beleive" is a life changing work, you may also really enjoy Gandhis autobiography "My experiiments with truth" Gandhi never knew a personal God, but through compassion,simplicity and Love he felt God in his life and in his heart. You can form a close bond with God, without knowing everything... All that you have to do is follow Jesus course in the areas of compassion,love and humility.

how then to pray?

Share this