Young more likely to pray than over-55s - survey

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

^^That.

Prayer can be very broadly divided into three categories: intercessory (asking for stuff); thanksgiving (thanking God for good things); and praise (telling God how great he is).

Intercessory prayer is essentially asking God to alter things on your behalf and at your request. This smacks of hubris - God is supposed to change the immutable divine plans simply because someone drowning in sin asks him to do so? Who do you think you are?

Giving thanks to God seems equally pointless. If we take it as read that God can’t act against his own nature, anything you get from God (good or bad) is inevitable. 

Prayers of praise are probably the silliest. God is omniscient - he knows how great he is and he knows you we’re going to tell him how great you think he is. Seems like a waste.

Boru

As a non-theist, I've thought about these 3 categories, and I've decided that thanksgiving is the only valid one of the 3.

If a god existed he wouldn't be thinking "hey, I gave Bob a Mercedes and he didn't thank me.  Well, fuck him, he gets a Vespa next time".  If a god didn't exist, there is no-one listening to the thanks, so why would it be valid?

I think that taking stock of what you are thankful for in life is a good exercise.  Thankfulness as a mindset (IMO) can reduce depression and increase empathy.

I agree that thankfulness in and of itself is a proper attitude. But thanking God for your good fortune is kind of like writing a thank-you note to gravity for keeping you on the ground.

Boru