Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: CommerceComet; Iscool
" Iscool was correct when he/she stated that prayer offered to a supernatural being makes that entity a deity."

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Where is that claim found in the Bible -- is it in the third chapter of the book of CommerceComet, or the fifth chapter of the book of Iscool, or the eight chapter of the book of Islam, or, where?

By attempting to restrict the definition of "prayer" to only what you personally dictate it to be is an example of the logical fallacy of "overly broad or narrow definitions".

One actual definition of prayer is "a similar personal communication that does not involve adoration, addressed to beings venerated as being closely associated with a deity, such as angels or saints", which can be found here at "http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prayer".

(By the way, when you use the term "supernatural being", are you somehow referring to human beings who have died? When Jesus spoke with Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:3), you wouldn't say He was somehow making them into "gods", would you?)

As the Bible plainly shows, there are many different forms of prayer (as clearly shown by Jesus and some of His recorded prayers, such as the "Our Father", His prayers in Gethsemane, His prayers on the Cross, etc.) Do not try to falsely limit prayer to one kind of prayer only -- that is simply wrong.

120 posted on 08/23/2014 10:35:00 AM PDT by Heart-Rest ("Our hearts are restless, Lord, until they rest in Thee." - St. Augustine)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 93 | View Replies ]


To: Heart-Rest
One actual definition of prayer is "a similar personal communication that does not involve adoration, addressed to beings venerated as being closely associated with a deity, such as angels or saints", which can be found here at "http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/prayer".

No it doesn't...No where in your Catholic list is that definition to be found...But look at 'em...Worship, worship, worship...

1. a devout petition to God or an object of worship.
2. a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.
3. the act or practice of praying to God or an object of worship.
5. prayers, a religious observance, either public or private, consisting wholly or mainly of prayer.
6. that which is prayed for.

All worship...The following do not belong...They are incorrect...

7. a petition; entreaty.
8. the section of a bill in equity, or of a petition, that sets forth the complaint or the action desired.

An entreaty which always is said or written as 'I pray', I pray you' or 'I pray thee'...It is not a prayer, it is a petition...

9. a negligible hope or chance:

And that one is just a metaphor for, hope or chance...

As the Bible plainly shows, there are many different forms of prayer (as clearly shown by Jesus and some of His recorded prayers, such as the "Our Father", His prayers in Gethsemane, His prayers on the Cross, etc.) Do not try to falsely limit prayer to one kind of prayer only -- that is simply wrong.

Sure, lots of kinds of prayers but they are all worship...Any communication with a deity is worship...

127 posted on 08/23/2014 11:29:54 AM PDT by Iscool
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 120 | View Replies ]

To: Heart-Rest; Iscool
Where is that claim found in the Bible -- is it in the third chapter of the book of CommerceComet, or the fifth chapter of the book of Iscool, or the eight chapter of the book of Islam, or, where?

Let's start with the verse you ignored - Psalm 141:2. I'll take the words of David over your cherry-picked dictionary definition.

By attempting to restrict the definition of "prayer" to only what you personally dictate it to be is an example of the logical fallacy of "overly broad or narrow definitions".

I'll stick with the words of David - prayer is sacrifice, in other words, an act of worship. The only definition that matters is God's definition of prayer. However, it is interesting to note that in the citation of man-made definitions you provided, you skipped over entirely the first seven definitions given by Dictionary.com. I'm sure you noticed that the first three explicitly stated that prayer is communication with God or an act of worship and none of the others supported your position. For some reason, you skipped down to the "British Dictionary definitions for prayer" and even then skipped the primary definition to parade around the secondary definition. Of course, the primary definition makes the point which Iscool raised and which I endorsed:

1.a. a personal communication or petition addressed to a deity, esp in the form of supplication, adoration, praise, contrition, or thanksgiving

b. any other form of spiritual communion with a deity (emphasis mine).

As the Bible plainly shows, there are many different forms of prayer (as clearly shown by Jesus and some of His recorded prayers, such as the "Our Father", His prayers in Gethsemane, His prayers on the Cross, etc.) Do not try to falsely limit prayer to one kind of prayer only -- that is simply wrong.

Where is the Biblical example of a legitimate prayer is offered to anyone other than one of the three persons of God?

128 posted on 08/23/2014 12:51:47 PM PDT by CommerceComet (Ignore the GOP-e. Cruz to victory in 2016.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 120 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson