Most of the major religions engage in some sort of prayer, be it the rote repetition of phrases or specific prayers, or individualized prayers.

What purpose does prayer serve in the practice of faith? What does it accomplish, and for whom?

[quote]
[b]Lightsinger wrote:[/b]
Most of the major religions engage in some sort of prayer, be it the rote repetition of phrases or specific prayers, or individualized prayers.

What purpose does prayer serve in the practice of faith? What does it accomplish, and for whom? [/quote]
thats easy. prayer is how you talk to God. it keeps us in contact.

[quote]
[b]Beelzebubba wrote:[/b]
thats easy. prayer is how you talk to God. it keeps us in contact.[/quote]

If God is omniscient, all knowing, then why is this communication necessary? And if the prayer is something said by rote, such as the Lord's prayer, what is being communicated?

I'm not quarreling with the concept, only trying to understand how it is that people understand prayer and the purpose for it.

I grew up with an understanding that regardless of what I might request in a prayer, God knew what I <i>needed</i> more than I did, and would give me what I needed, even if He didn't answer my prayers the way I hoped. So...why pray?

I see Prayer as an extremely useful tool in religions such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It can serve a multitude of purposes in different situations.

Personal prayer, done in privacy or without anyone's knowledge, serves the important purpose of allowing the person to feel connected to his or her god or religious icons. By emphasizing the importance of personal prayer, religious leaders also are attempting to ensure followers of the religion are making attempts to make it a lifestyle or at least an important part of everyday life.

When one is participating in group prayer, it serves the dual purpose of showing you are faithful to those around you as well as creating an atmosphere of unity in the group.

Praying in public, among others who may or may not participate or subscribe to your religion serves the purpose of strengthening one's faith. I had, in Jr High School, prayed once in public with the knowledge it was like waving a big sign around. I was speaking to God while also bringing down criticism and glares with the intent of displaying my willingness to sacrfice personal dignity for my beliefs.

In all cases, prayer's primary purpose is supposed to be that of faith strengthening.

So, for you, prayer is about faith strengthening? I can see that. Do you disagree with the idea that it's a way to communicate with God? Or is that, as I pointed out, really unnecessary, since God already knows your heart and mind?

For me prayer is a way to connect to God. Not as a way to communicate, per se, but as a way to establish a connection. Maybe not so much communication, but communing.

I wouldn't disagree that it is a form of communication, and I'd admit that I see prayer as that in addition to a faith strengthening device. However, I don't think he is omnicient and definately can agree that prayer as a means of communication is a little redundant... he already knows what I'm going to say.

And to go along with what you said...

While it may be true God sees all, you still have the human element involved. Human beings, as a poor generalization, thrive on communication and without that communication one can start to feel detached from God.

Without prayer I'd still KNOW God was there... but with prayer if FEEL God is there.

[quote]
[b]Lightsinger wrote:[/b]
Most of the major religions engage in some sort of prayer, be it the rote repetition of phrases or specific prayers, or individualized prayers.

What purpose does prayer serve in the practice of faith? What does it accomplish, and for whom? [/quote]

I've never really thought about it that much. My opinion is that it probably depends on the context. For instance, the Muslim practice of praying several times a day probably demonstrates commitment more than anything. It's the act and the burden it places on your life that creates a sacrifice, showing a sacrifice.

For others, I think prayer is (like some other people have said) meant as communication.