Does prayer have the power to heal?

[janalta]

I think prayer is just one way of purging fear from the psyche. There are a number of similar tools, most without the religious associations, all of which have the effect of lowering ambient stress levels in the body allowing its natural functions to perform with better efficiency. Call it what you want, a life without drama just runs smoother in a lot of aspects.

Bio-feedback, meditation, yoga, relaxation exercises...all acomplish the same thing as sitting quietly and praying. They relax the body and mind, slow respiration and heart rate and reduce stress....and less stress means a healthier life.

The other aspect of it is very simple to explain and has nothing to do with miracles or religion...a positive outlook helps promote a healthy mind and body

[Thinktank]

Jesus said 'Go and Sin No More.'

The reason a small percentage of Christians will have more prayers answered
than the people who just do meditation and relaxation exercises and yoga - is
those few Christians actually have a clear conscience.

One clear conscience is worth a thousand relaxation exercises.

[Nom_de_Plume]

Jesus said 'Go and Sin No More.'

The reason a small percentage of Christians will have more prayers answered
than the people who just do meditation and relaxation exercises and yoga - is
those few Christians actually have a clear conscience.

One clear conscience is worth a thousand relaxation exercises.

That's balderdash, lots of non-christians also have a clear conscience as "sin" isn't something that exists in their reality.

[Bsuds]

those few Christians actually have a clear conscience.

Another myth...a Christian with a clear conscience...

[Hmmm]

That's balderdash, lots of non-christians also have a clear conscience as "sin" isn't something that exists in their reality.

You must have a different understanding of what sin is then many people. The answer, in the true sense of the word is, we all are sinners. It means we all do things wrong sometimes, thoughts, deeds, desires and so on.

I'm pretty sure the only people who think they do no wrong (or sin) are sociopaths. Your not one are you? Now if you meant that people who don't believe in a higher power who rewards or punishes are free of guilt of displeasing him, then you might be closer to correct. But all people except the sociopaths feel guilty too. Peoples inner voice, that tells them right and wrong also make people feel guilty if they do bad things or happy when they do good.

[Nom_de_Plume]

Nope, I know what the definition is....... Do you????
the definition of sin is: (first entry from google)
An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.
If a person's belief system says.....there is no "God" then there is no "sin".
Being a christian doesn't give you a ticket to a clear conscience.

[Hmmm]

Nope, I know what the definition is....... Do you????
the definition of sin is: (first entry from google)
An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.
If a person's belief system says.....there is no "God" then there is no "sin".

Then read the second one. Either way, you do feel bad or good when you do right or wrong correct? I hope so.

[Nom_de_Plume]

Then read the second one. Either way, you do feel bad or good when you do right or wrong correct? I hope so.

Of course, most moral people do.
Thinktank suggested that christians prayers get answered more often than other religions who don't call it prayer but rather meditation or some other focused thought. The point I was trying to make was, that just because you're a "christian" doesn't mean you have a clearer conscience, ergo your prayers will be answered more often than someone who is either from another faith or none at all. If, for some reason you believe that just by being christian that your conscience is automatically clear then one is deluding him/herself.
Although really I don't know why I bother as I also don't believe in prayer either.

[Poindexter]

Pretty much anything that causes you to breath deeper and slower while calming the mind is of benefit. Whether it's meditation, prayer or yoga.

I also noticed recently with my father being in the hospitol for some time was the increased number of visitors people who belong to a church get. Not only does thier clergy often drop by but others from the orgainzations and groups they belong to as a result of thier church drop by to cheer them up as well. Even though the hospitol is crowded to the point of patients lining the hallways, it can be a lonely place when you're fighting for your life if you have no visitors. Studies have proven that loneliness is another risk factor as we age.

[janalta]

You must have a different understanding of what sin is then many people. The answer, in the true sense of the word is, we all are sinners. It means we all do things wrong sometimes, thoughts, deeds, desires and so on.

I'm pretty sure the only people who think they do no wrong (or sin) are sociopaths. Your not one are you? Now if you meant that people who don't believe in a higher power who rewards or punishes are free of guilt of displeasing him, then you might be closer to correct. But all people except the sociopaths feel guilty too. Peoples inner voice, that tells them right and wrong also make people feel guilty if they do bad things or happy when they do good.

Absolutely not true.
If you do not believe in god or a divine power....then you do not believe in 'sin'.
Sin is a religious belief.

One does not have to believe in 'sin' as per your definitions or religious guidelines to know right from wrong.....they are called morals, conscience, etc.
Therefore, only those who believe in your definition of religion and god can possibly be 'sinners'.

[kibbs]

Its proven to work,Prayer ,meditation tapping into the harmonies of the universe ,its all good. You'll never get help until you ask for it.Even if you are just praying to the god within.

[ixler8]

Placebos work as well.

[Nebula]

Its proven to work

Not.

[kibbs]

Not.

Prayer involves repetition -- of sounds, words -- and therein lies its healing effects, says Benson. "For Buddhists, prayer is meditation. For Catholics, it's the rosary. For Jews, it's called dovening. For Protestants, it's centering prayer. Every single religion has its own way of doing it."

Prayer alone does not do anything unless your illness can self heal..It gives you permission to heal .It allows the process to begin when you focus on healing.You must also do everything medically possible .Worship and work must be done .Prayer and deed go hand in hand.

5 Now in response to the life you are giving,
help us, O Father, to offer our living,
seeking a just and a healing society,
worship and work must be one! [Refrain]

http://www.hymnary.org/text/raising_our ... _rejoicing
my grandmother went to church and prayed, grandad worked the garden.They are in heaven together.

[Nebula]

Prayer alone does not do anything unless your illness can self heal.

Well isn't that convenient? Prayer only works if the situation would have been healed without prayer.