General Chat

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Although I went to a Church School, really enjoyed our school being only a few doors away from our Church, and loved going to church with my family and school friends at the time. Loved Harvest Festival's, Easter, Christmas and singing all the hymms. But since I have experienced death in the family, one of the first my little sister at the age of 12, then Grandparents, wonderful Uncle who was like a big Brother to me, at the age of 36 years, he was ony two years older then me, then my Husband at the age of 36 years. Why do I find I cannot send my prayers to those that ask on the boards. I feel so guilty. Do any other members feel the same way? Jenny xx

There's no need to feel guilty, Just send your thoughts.........that will be enough. Stel.x

With losing loved ones at such an early age I do not wonder you find it hard to pray. Ann

Hi Jenny when I lost my wife I found it very hard even to think that there was a god to take some one so precious away from me it has taken me a long time to come to terms with it perhaps one day you will be able to as well good luck Howardxx

Hi Jenny This is quite a tricky question. Unfortunately, I can't really call myself a churchgoer any more - but my faith is still strong. I do try not to discuss religion or push my beliefs onto others, but seeing you've asked, I will tell you my theory. In our lives, we have opposites. Night and day, dark and light, black and white, etc, etc. So if we have a 'good force' (and this needn't be God, it can be anything you believe in) then to me it stands to reason there must be a 'bad force' to balance. When my best friend tragically died last year, I prayed for a miracle right up to the moment she died, but I also prayed that the 'good force' would grant her a painless and peaceful passing, and that her family would be given the strength to cope with what lay ahead. And our prayers were answered. But I also agree with a previous reply - prayers don't need to be 'Dear God' etc, prayers can just be kind and loving thoughts and good wishes. I hope this makes some sense, I'm not too good at explaining things! Mandy x

I too find it hard to pray for people i love!!! But i have my own way round it....... I have my 'helter skelter?' (i go to the top of it) When i got to bed at night I say my God Bless, please keep healthy, happy, safe and secure!!! then i go through the names of the people in my life from the most important family members downover, and this can sometimes include folk on here who are asking for prayers!! Its just my way of doing it!! Karen

I stopped believing in God when I miscarried my first baby. Irrational, I know, but it seemed so unfair. Ironically, the personal sorrows I had - my father's death, my mother-in-law's death etc - made me feel I no longer believed, but after the bombings in London recently I felt a need for God. I have been going to my local Quaker meeting house this summer. I like it because the worship is in silence, so you don't have to listen to a priest saying things with which you might disagree. You might find it easier to hold someone in your thoughts, rather than 'praying' if you think it will help. Sometimes people think they have lost their faith, when really they have lost their way. nell

hi jenny, after reading about your life,it's no surprise,that you find it hard,anybody would. i often take a quiet minute,and talk to st anthony,and i'me sure he has helped me. when i see a child in a RTA,that evening,i often think about them,and say a few words.....yes,i also find it difficult sometimes to offer prayers for people on here,as it's so public. bryan.

Nell Your reply has really touched me. Don't quite know what else to say! Mandy x

Thank you all for replying. Mandy, I am going to read your reply a few times. I think I understand. Karen, I think I must do the same in a way. I love your way of describing the ladder. Thank you. Jenny. xx

Thanks Jenny!! I thought it sounded daft!!! Glad you understood it!! The most important members of my family and friends always travel with me down the helter skelter!!! LOL!!! Karen

Hi Jenny, I think Mandy has put it very well. I do not class myself as a christian, if pressed for a classification then I am a spiritualist. I believe in a universal energy that we can tap into. When I say on a thread that I am sending positive, healing thoughts I have spent a couple of minutes thinking positively of that person. At the same time many other people are also thinking about the same person & all that positive energy produces an effect. Vivienne

I forgot to mention that I'm also a qualified Reiki practitioner (Reiki means 'life force'). Vivienne's reply reminded me! Reiki involves a lot of positive thoughts and healing energy but is also non-religious. Mandy x

Jenny I never send prayers either..... but I send my positive thoughts.. it is all I can do! Jacquie xxxxx

I've never been religious to the extent that I will NEVER get married in a religious environment or have my children christened. HOWEVER, I will always send my positive thoughts and healing thoughts to anyone needing them love becx

Hi Jenny, I'm so glad you brought this up. I feel really awkward sometimes. People I know and care about on here ask for our prayers and I don't have a belief in the God that others have so I don't know what to say. To ignore a plea from a 'friend' seems heartless but to add that I will do something I am unable to do is also wrong. Sometimes I manage to burble something about hoping things will be OK which seems inadequate and often I don't add because I can't think what to say and then I fret that they will notice I haven't said anything. Sometimes words are inadequate or sound trite. See - I'm rambling now at the thought of it. Gwynne

It isn't God I am disalusioned with it is the churches. I was brought up as RC but got the cold shoulder when I married a divorcee the priest treated me as muck (even though my other half had been married in a reg. office and was only 18 when he married the first time. Too young). I really thought at the time they would marry us but he ( the priest was so rude) I have been told since he should have married us, but that is water under the bridge now. I don't go to Mass now. Back to the subject of prayers. When my Dad was dying I went to the church lit a candle and asked for him not to be let him suffer anymore. He died that night. Apart from a miracle God couldn't have done anything else so that day my prayers were answered. Germaine x

hi jenny know what you mean i dont pray so would feel guilty if i added to a thread so i dont but i still think about them ann xx

Hi Jenny. Interesting thread. I dont't pray but I don't feel guilty. I seem to have lost that RC guilt thing we were indoctrinated with when I was a child. Like a few other people, I believe there is a universal energy and if I send out strong, good thoughts, they will be collected somewhere, with others...and sent on to the person who needs them. BC XX