So Many Prayers

[naomi24]

I've had some sad news today. Over a period of many months, hundreds of prayers have been said for someone very dear to me – all to no avail. Was there really any point in all these kind people trying so hard only to be disappointed?

[Zacs-Master]

My pleasure pixie.

[phleb]

So sorry for your loss darling. Whether prayers help or not, sometimes its the only thing we turn to when we are helpless, just to get some comfort.

[humbersloop]

My condolences for your loss naomi.

Yes, it seems as pointless to me as it doubtless does to you, but I also accept that people need to explain the world to themselves as best they can, and still reach for some influence on the uncontrollable.

Anger is a part of grief. From that, however their way of showing it, I'd still take and celebrate their kindness and humanity.

[Hypognosis]

The only commodity I regard as precious is time. That others would voluntarily set aside some of theirs to pray for your loved one and think about that person's well being - and yours - constitutes a great compliment. Maybe that's what the point of it is?

Apologies for referring to football, by the way. Came close to side-tracking your thread.

[keyplus90]

Prayers can't avoid death. Because death is the way we go back where we come from. We Muslims believe that the recitation of the first chapter of Quran has a cure for everything but still no cure for death.

I do feel sorry for your loss. May Allah give you patience and ability to cope with this loss.

[keyplus90]

And to answer your question, same can be said for medicine. Why seek medical help if in the end still you will die any way?

In the nutshell, human can make an "effort" and that is all we are capable of. That effort could be medicine, prayer or whatever someone believe in. However result is in the hand of God.

[naomi24]

Thank you all – you’re very kind, and DT, what a nice thought. I’ve saved your email address. Please don’t concern yourselves about being disrespectful - I didn’t post this to garner sympathy – more to engender discussion – so I don’t mind mention of the beautiful game - even though I never understood what’s beautiful about it. I’m not angry either – just sad – but death is a fact of life, and life goes on. It’s just seemed to me today that so many people have been so very caring and so very kind to continue to offer their prayers month after month when they must know it’s all so futile.

[sherrardk]

I don't believe but I know I would start praying/begging/making deals (don't know to what) if one of my kids was really ill, but strangely I didn't when himself was really ill. I suppose people all cope in different ways, each to his own - it shows care and thought and time to think about the person and that must be good regardless of your views on religion.

[marval]

My condolences for your loss, not all prayers seem to be answered. It is as phleb says a way of comfort and to show we care.

[grasscarp]

I don't know that praying is futile. I doubt that those who offered up prayers for you and yours thought that either. Why would they want to waste their time?

[naomi24]

Grasscarp. I think hope springs eternal - as 'they' say. Whatever their reasoning, they did what they did with the best intentions - I know that - and I appreciate their kindness.

[anneasquith]

the very fact you appreciate their kindness is a good enough reason for them to have offered up prayers.

[grasscarp]

We live life the best we can. We are here to help others. What the others were put here for I haven't worked out yet.

[naomi24]

Grasscarp, nor me. ;o)

[sandyRoe]

I'm reluctant to post on this thread, but here goes. The fact that so many people were praying for someone, whether their prayers were efficacious or not, must offer some comfort to the family and friends of the person who was subject of the prayers.

[anneasquith]

sandy. why would you be reluctant ? ( I agree with your post )

[jennyjoan]

Condolences to you Naomi and perhaps you may think prayer was futile but maybe the person dear to you had a comfortable death. Please God he/she did. JjCon

[sandyRoe]

Because I feel my droll approach to many of the questions in R&S isn't really appropriate in a thread where raw emotions can't far from the surface.

[sandyRoe]

^ can't be far from the surface.