I can understand personal prayer but

[pinkpops]

what about prayers recited in public, or invocations, such as at the opening of the House of Representatives, which I just witnessed on CSPAN. Is this not a sort of "open letter to God"? Who is it for, God or the listening public?

[bertha katzenengel]

1. It's for the Pharisees who perpetuate the tradition.

:eyes:

[NoSheep]

2. I understand personal prayer as well

but I think religion and religious affiliation are personal matters. Some people are convinced that god is on "our" side as a nation. I think, if there is a god, that's just bunk. I also don't like to be "prayed for" as in, "I prayed for you in church this Sunday" (that's what my boss said to me when I ran into him this weekend.) He even said it like he was joking! What an asshole.

[Shell Beau]

6. I believe there is a God and I believe that is bunk.

Why would God choose us and no one else. He is on all sides. We are all His people (IMHO), and it is ludicrous to think we are His faves.

[progressoid]

3. It's political

This nation would crumble without help from above. Democracy is not as strong as you might think. God would abandon us without our daily praise and supplication. And then the Muslims or space aliens would take over.

[AntiCoup2K4]

4. Well, according to Jesus Christ (an authority on prayer, one would assume)

As quoted in the 6th chapter of Matthew...

5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

[pinkpops]

5. wonderful

[tjwmason]

7. It has a Long history

ParLiament was openned with daiLy prayers Long before you coLonists got uppity back in 1776 - back then the whoLe nation was considered to be Christian, and indeed pretty much aLL of the members wouLd have been. It then becomes an honest pLea for guidance by God over the deLiberations - it is worth noting that the Book of Common Prayer of the Church of EngLand has prayers for ParLiament to be said in aLL of the churches across the Land (which are rareLy if ever used now).

I'm not sure what form the CongressionaL prayers take, the House of Commons has a standard form:

Lord, the God of righteousness and truth, grant to our Queen and her government,
to Members of Parliament and all in positions of responsibility, the guidance of your
Spirit. May they never lead the nation wrongly through love of power, desire to
please, or unworthy ideals but laying aside all private interests and prejudices keep
in mind their responsibility to seek to improve the condition of all mankind; so may
your kingdom come and your name be hallowed.
Amen.