Prayer

Paper Summary:

This paper argues that prayer is communication with God. It examines this form of communication in its many forms, depending on what ones wishes to communicate to God--supplication, thanksgiving, conversational, celebration, acclamation or contrition. The history of religion in America and the influence of prayer on the evolution of American Christianity is discussed. This dissertation also relates prayer to love by highlighting its importance for spiritual well-being. The paper is written from the viewpoint of a deeply religious Christian believer but touches on prayer in other religions such as Judaism and Buddhism.

Contents:
Introduction
Devotion and Faith in Prayer
Types of Prayer
How to Pray
Prayer and the Bible
The Prayer Instinct
History and Evolution of Prayer in America
Prayer and Peace
Power of Prayer
Prayer and Intercessors
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"A common misconception is that devotion is a variable feature of our lives. That man can get more devotional on religious occasions or during moments of community of social prayer. Such misconceptions can give rise to a false sense of what devotion is devoid of true faith. Faith is often confused with hope or expectation of salvation. Man can be devoted without hope if the entire sense of self is consecrated to God without any thought to salvation. A further confusion arises with man confusing the expression of devotion based on varying states of emotions. Acting out a so-called communication with God is not devotion. Such acts are devoid of true spirit and are not grounded in a true acknowledgment of God's love for us."

More papers on Prayer:

• Poem Review # 118849 : "A Prayer for My Daughter"
• Book Review # 95417 : "A Prayer for Owen Meany"--A Review"
• Analytical Essay # 36457 : "Prayer in School"
• Argumentative Essay # 6514 : "Prayer in Schools"

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