National Prayer Day

As I go to read the paper, there on the front page of the Fox Cities Post-Crescent, is the headline "Turning to Prayer" Can it help? My answer? Yes and no.

Let me digress.

Yes, Prayer helps if you are religious, even slightly, the "power of prayer" will give you some comfort and peace of mind. As in the way of getting results, NO, prayer doesn't do anything. In my humble opinion, prayer is but wishing for better things to come and knowing deep down that you are being superstitious.

"But Brendan, I really believe in the "power of prayer." "Praying really works!"

okay, PROVE IT! until then answer me these questions and ponder my statements below.

Why doesn't BP and the Federal Government save themselves billions of dollars by stopping efforts to contain the oil spill and pray that it stops. Pray that all the fragile wildlife and ecosystems survive the tragedy?

Why is it that when people pray for ill ones to heal they die, die faster than if treated by science?

Why don't more poor devout Christians win the lottery?

Why does it cost money to have some guy on satellite TV pray for me?

Why isn't the economy better? It seems people are always praying for more money, better jobs more industry.

Why do people keep praying, instead of doing?

The answer to all of these questions is easy when critical though about.

Prayer isn't going to do shit. If you want to get a job or to have success in your life you are going to have to work for it. Get an education or have a skill that will get you paid. Maybe you are talented or lucky, some people do have good fortune but most have to work hard, not Pray for it.

If you are sick, there is medicine and science on your side. You can pray too if that makes you feel better, but without treatment prayer won't heal you.

Everything that is prayed about can most likely be solved by taking action.

If there is a GOD he in no way, shape or form gives a shit about capitalism and our economy, domestic or global. I imagine GOD dislikes religion as well; anything man made for that matter. All of the things developed by man have done nothing but separate culture over time by colors. GOD doesn't care if you want more money, especially if slave labor and raping of the planet are the means to our "growing" economy.

Let's look at our situation critically and think about how naive and selfish prayer really is, even if it is for other people in dire situations. Why should GOD listen and help you? Why are you so privileged?

GOD gave us this place to live and it has afforded us with everything we need to survive and prosper. If used correctly we (all people under the sun, not just Christians) can get closer to GOD. By creation of religion we've been playing the who's right who's wrong game and trying to obliterate nations and spread what is believed to be the truth. In order to do this, wars must happen and weapons are needed. Weapons and churches cost money. Money is made by owning what has true value. Resources that were placed here for all not just those who can afford them. The environment then is squeezed of natural resources to make money to make weapons to make war to take more resources to spread the freedom and truth and when all is said and done nothing of value (oil, freshwater, fish, clean air, forests) will exist and we will all die.

So instead of praying for more money and a better life. Why don't you start creating a better life by living more responsibly. Start doing so at a local level. Stop buying cheap things from China. Grow some of your own food. Don't drive so much. Don't consume plastics or things not compostable. Support the local Mom and Pops and not the big box stores. Compost don't throw away. Recycle, reduce reuse. Instead of going to church go on a mission trip or volunteer in a 3rd world country. Turn off cable news and listen to NPR & BBC. Donate to save coral reefs and rainforests. Don't build obnoxious homes. Eat less sushi and red meat.

I don't think I know it all but I do know that we are destroying the good that was given to us and for whatever reason have lost the focus on what is important to keep the human race around. We are all organic matter and mankind is losing touch with that. Synthetic fertilizers, GMO foods should wake us up and realize that we are losing the very things that have given us this voice. The voice for the planet. Let's not screw it up by relying on prayer.

let's start taking action.