Prayer does not work

[Jacob(smooth)]

It could well be that in that context a prayer works that way yes. But we're back into the realms of how it works.

What I mean is that those examples indicate that it's something other than prayer that is working. In that case there is the risk that the next time the person is in need, she will pray and those prayers go unanswered. She could do what many theists do and claim that the prayer was answered in some way she cannot fathom, but I wonder if there isn't some part of her subconscious mind that starts to make a troubling connection: prayer only reliably works whenever she takes the steps to make it work. In which case she can take those steps and get what she needs without bothering to pray. Which could mean that... -gasp-

Other things besides prayer also work? That prayer works because it includes other activities?

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Not exactly, more the immediate comfort aspect. Is it miraculous? No. Is it valid? Yes. Is it better than a secular hug? I don't know. Does that person feel better because they are deceived into thinking their loved one is with the giant sky Daddy and that gives them a sense of connection? Very possibly.

Theists waste a lot of time in an activity which seems genuinely worthless.

Yep. It's our time. I also sometimes sing in the car. That's another waste of time which makes me feel good.