I have been asked a few times by theists and atheists alike what purpose prayer serves. One harsher critic advised that he prayed every day for a month and found that it had no effect on his life compared to months when he did not pray. None of his requests were answered, and he found no measurable change in his emotional or spiritual health. Softer critics ask why is it that they plead with God and seem to get no answer, or why is it that they have to plead at all? Why does God require us to beg him for what he should just provide as a loving Father in Heaven? (more…)