Eilonnwy, I would agree that 'actions speak louder than words'. Much of what you say I can understand and agree with. I'm sure that when you used to 'pray' you didn't feel 'arrogant', maybe uneasy that you were wanting something again, but surely not arrogant?? Well, I'm going by how I feel when I pray. Some prayers are more like meditation, rather than asking for things. If there is no God then most prayers are a sheer waste of time. I don't say 'all' because I think some are probably having a positive effect. The power of thought is real and can effect someone in a good or bad way.
"The eternal mystery of the world is its comprehensibility"
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein