In today's society, it should not surprise anyone that even prayer has not escaped being studied by various faiths and organizations of believers and unbelievers. Like most studies, one group will disagree with another and conjure up statistics to prove their viewpoint. In checking out a couple of studies on prayer--which have rules and regulations or guidelines for the result--one aspect really jumps out: God is being boxed into these restrictions. This reminds us of God's angry words to Job, "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding." (Job 38:4 KJV)

Prayer is humbly talking to God, praising Him, telling Him you love Him. Does this work? Among believers there is a split. Some would agree that prayer is powerful and God does answer in His time, and can say No to the person praying. Others would say that is a cop-out and God does not answer prayer.

Millions of the faithful can be dogmatic in their belief and nothing will sway them away. Is this blind faith or is it the result of having their prayers answered? Praying can be done anywhere without anyone else the wiser--in school, church, the job or anywhere. If emergency help is needed, that is the time to pray to our Father. But prayer is not always asking for something. It can be thanking God for your life, the air, our food, a job, a newborn child or any number of blessings.

In Matthew 6:5-15, Christ says much about prayer and vain repetitions (vs. 7) and He gives an example in the Lord's Prayer. This example shows us how to pray but should not be repeated in "vain repetitions." As with anything that is said over and over, it loses its precious meaning.