A little meditation might help people come up with better ideas for fixing the problems, so pray away!

I told my husband we should stop tracking our 401(k)s and the stock market and just see how many people show up to church on Sunday.

Attendence has definitely been up since the market hit the fan.

Prayer might have a psychologically calming effect on each individual, but it's not going to solve the global economic crisis. But if the believe it will, I'll certainly not go out of my way to stop them.

Whatever helps.

I know that intellectually, it can seem futile.

But as a clergywoman, I must add that I have seen prayer work miracles in many ways. I firmly believe that it's a worthwhile activity.

As a Gentile, and a moderately liberal Christian, I am not of the belief that God "fixes" everything when I ask. Many times, I think the way God answers our prayers is through the Spirit moving in us, inspiring us to behave in different ways that better us - and the community around us, as a result.

OMG prayer? Give me a Godda*ned break!

While I do believe that there is physical and psychological in meditation (prayer), it won't do much to help the economic crisis. Yes, those of us who do meditate, meditate, but don't let it get in the way of actually doing something to stabilize the economy.

I strongly believe prayer can help in situations and the meditation can do wonders; HOWEVER the prayer for the financial crisis is called "January 20th, 2009."

*that meditation.... (I keep making mistakes today. geez.)

I know the Messiah will answer our prayers.

What a sad person you must be, girlA.

Nope...I'm a very happy person actually.

"sad" is not necessarily a state of mind, girlA.

Why sad? Elaborate please

Just because I don't believe prayer is going to do diddley to help the economy, doesn't mean I'm a "sad" person.

I think when times are hard, people turn to what makes them feel empowered and comforted.

While I am not a particularly religious person by any means, and I am not personally of the feeling that this will change anything DIRECTLY, I do think it will help those who do it cope with the situation at hand and ultimately that is what matters. "Better" is a state of mind, to an extent, and getting through the day during hard times often calls people to reach out to what they feel works for them, to strengthen and revitalize the spirit. In some cases, that is prayer.

Though its not something I would do, I absolutely respect that there are people that believe in the power of prayer - not to mention the "meditative" benefits Stephley alludes to in her post.

However, I should add... I would take exception to the idea that those of us who are not overtly religious in nature are by definition "sad" - that in itself is a bit judgemental.

That aside, girlA, while in "theory" I might agree with you, I still think we should respect people's right to belief in prayer and that being disrespectful isn't necessary or helpful.

Just 2 c.

I understand shadow--thanks for calling me "sad" person.

I mean, for NOT calling me a sad person.

I would never presume to say such a thing.

I've been called a few names on here - by proxy, anyway - and its the internet. Its just too easy for people to act like tubes towards each other!

Why is she a sad girl NotMeAnymore? Because she does not believe in prayers? Wow you religious people are really narrow minded!

GirlA you might not believe in it, but you insist on being disrespectful to those who do. and untill you do learn to respect other peoples beliefs, people are going to call you out on it.

BTW GirlA, Jim Henson...avid catholic.