Prayer is very much a matter of individual preference among Deists. Me? I do not pray. I see no reason a God who created an entire universe would need worship or anything that we humans have to offer. And since I do not believe in an interventionist God, I see no point to prayer. No one knows who came up with the saying, "God helps those who help themselves." It is often credited to Benjamin Franklin. Whoever said it, I agree with it. I think we can better expend our energies on activities more productive than prayer.

But just because I feel the way I do, I do not want to give the impression that I speak for anyone but myself. Many Deists pray.

Most Deists I know who do pray offer thanks for God's providence, and most of what I have read about Deist prayer is consistent with this same practice.

When it comes to prayer, I am reminded of Ambrose Bierce, who defined prayer this way: "To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly unworthy." Since I do not believe the Creator intervenes in His creation to work miracles, I do not see the point in praying for some particular outcome. If a person feels better by giving thanks, I would never want to suggest that they should not show their thankfulness in the way that, to them, seems most fit.

What I do not understand is praying when action is the reasonable course of action. I do believe that two hands lifted in work accomplish more than a thousand hands lifted in prayer.

I would welcome your thoughts on Deist prayer. Email me.