The Intolerance Of Prayer | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Intolerance Of Prayer

Prayer is compassion and you shouldn't judge it.

54
The Intolerance Of Prayer

Every other week we're faced with the harsh reality that this world we live in is full of never ending tragedies and attacks. You turn on the news and each time there's a new attack we're updated on. We're given the basics: how many killed, who was killed, where it happened, who was the killer. The same old, same old. It's discouraging to say the least but also saddening.

While there's too much hate in this world in order for it to be peaceful, there's always a massive outpouring of support especially from social media. Usually when these terrible things happen, you see the hashtag "#PrayFor___" offering condolences and prayers to those who've been lost and for the area it occurred. For sure it's a heartbreaking event for any country or city, there's a broken, sad feeling that comes along with these tragedies and it spreads all over the world.

One thing that I've noticed when these hashtags are started on Twitter or any other social media platform, there's always someone with a differing opinion. I know it's not the norm for everyone to be religious, some people don't believe in any higher power and you can't convince them otherwise. As a Christian and strong believer in God, I pray for those who need it, those who need unity and healing from a tragic event. People who don't believe in prayer find it frustrating when someone says "I'm praying for you," like it's something that won't solve every little problem, like it's a waste of time and breath to even say it.

Yes, it becomes upsetting to constantly send our many condolences and prayers to a new country every other week because no one wants to mourn the many deaths of hundreds, sometimes thousands different, innocent people; it shouldn't be the norm.

For many, myself included, praying for someone is a way to show compassion, care and love in a personal and special way. Why should my offering of love and compassion be disregarded because it's not believed to be effective by certain people? Praying isn't the only action most religious people take when tragedies like these happen. Some take action through speaking out about this hate-filled world on public forums. Some start fundraisers to help pay for the victims families, giving them the stability to keep living their lives after losing someone so close.

People forget sometimes that the way others show care is different than their way. We've become intolerant of others' lifestyles and beliefs merely because they're not the same. Whether you pray or not, whether you believe in a higher power or not, the way you show compassion shouldn't be judged by others as long it's good in your heart.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

546
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1652
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments