Praying, basically, is hoping. I hope that this summer will have great sailing weather. People who "believe" there is a "gawd" can hope, too. They hope for God (capitalized and spelled correctly because it's a proper name just like Gimwinkle is a proper name) to do something they want.

Praying, basically, is also being thankful. I am so thankful that the sailing season last year was so great. I cannot say I thank God, but I sure am thankful that it was.

Just because someone thinks that God is a man, woman, bearded, or flying in the clouds doesn't detract from their feelings. Just because someone criticizes my funny looking water craft, doesn't do much to offend me. I might be wrong in that sailboats are the best way to go from Toronto to Niagara Falls. But, for me, it's the best way I can think of to do it.

I would never poke fun (intentionally) at Christians, Jewish, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, or atheists. Sure, I love to debate with them because they all are thinking wrong (according to my theology). But to laugh at their beliefs is offensive. I think you felt that offense feeling when qtns was poking fun at your beliefs (as I theorize your beliefs are.)

I hate all violence against kids (yeah, even young goats, which is the one of the definitions of the word "kid".) That's not a prayer but an opinion. And we all have them.

Nevertheless, I am somewhat aligned to your theism, especially how you arrived at it.

Finally, I am dyslexic and an atheist so I don't believe in Dogs. (A famous joke! :)


Hugs to you both.

Gimwinkle.