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.