I found this on the internet somewhere and thought it wonderful. I may write more about it later, but just in case I didn't get around to it, I wanted to share it with y'all:
The Buddha was walking on a river bank, when he was approached by a man with a question. He wanted to know if prayer was a valid way of accomplishing desired ends. The Buddha asked him, “If you wanted to cross this river, how would you go about it?” The man replied, “Well, if it is shallow enough anywhere near here, I could wade across. Or, I happen to know there is a ferryman not far away that will take me across for a small sum”. The Buddha nodded. “What then would you think of a man that sat down and prayed that the other bank would come to him?” he asked. “I would consider him to be be very foolish!” was the reply.
The Buddha made no further comment.
I do like that! Prayer is definitely overused in society today. I can understand praying for things beyond your control, like a sick loved one. I'm not saying I'd expect results for those prayers. Just that I'd understand someone looking for otherworldly help in a time of stress. However, it is appalling to me when people pray to change other people's beliefs or ask that their cause be favored. It's kind of arrogant to say that God favors you over someone else just because of your prayer.