Prayer on National Prayer Day

Here is an interesting article that I think you should at least take a look at by Dan Philips.

One of the most upsetting posts (to some traditionalists) that I have written thus far at Pyro ws about — not tongues, not the Gospel, not marriage, not church, but — prayer.

It was in September of 2006, and it was called What prayer is and isn't.

Towards the start, I say:

I can't think of one specific doctrine, offhand, which is more tradition-laden, and buried under sentimentality, than that of prayer.

For that very reason, it's a risky topic. Step in any direction, and you land on someone's toes. Worse, diverge from the "party line," and it's as if you're insulting Mom. Only a fool, or someone with nothing to lose, would knowingly poke a stick at that particular venerated bovine. (Say, why are you looking at me like that?)

...and then I launch.

One other portion:

Prayer is not a dialogue. Prayer is not a conversation. Prayer has no intrinsic power, whatever.

Give it a read, on this American National Day of Prayer.