The God question-part one

Am gonna make this very simple.  Nobody on the face of this planet knows how we were created or what happens after death, thats a fact.  All this people that say this or that is really just guessing or their opinion.  Even if they say they have scientific facts that support something, it still doesnt mean its actually true.

We can all argue back and forth until were blue in the face, but the simple truth is we dont know.

One of my dad's best friends died of cancer last year.  When he took a turn for the worst near the end, my sister sent out an e-mail to us kids and asked us not only to pray, but pray harder.  

I'm sorry, but I just don't understand.  I've been told that God has a plan for everyone.  Why would you want to pray to God to change what is obviously his plan?  I just don't understand that.  I do not think that religious people are freaks.....or anything like that.  I just don't understand as my mind cannot make sense of some of the things people tell me about religion.   

And as for other things not having evolved (besides humans), that's the most ridiculous and assinine statement one could make.  

Example:  They had their traditional race day prayor before the race where Dale Earnhardt died.  They asked for God to watch over them and to help them have a safe race.

Was God not listening or was it just His plan that it was Dale's time to go.  It has to be one of the two.  And if it was His plan, what amount of praying is ever going to change His mind?

Which brings me back to my original question....what purpose does praying serve to begin with?

I agree with this.  I liken it to all those "reverse line movement" folks on covers....or the "fade the public" folks.  These are folks so desperate to add some sense to an event (betting on a sport) that has so much uncertainty. 

I believe this to be direct interaction with God, which I believe he desires. I think that when you pray for the sick it gives you and the one being prayed for a peace of mind. It shows you care about them and enough to want them to live life to the fullest. It also lets you believe you have done everything you could do.

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I am capable of caring for someone without having to get God involved.  And what do you mean, "it lets you believe you have done everything you could do?"  If God has a plan, then what can we do about it?  Nothing.  Sure, we have choices, but isn't He the one who makes the really important choices? 

And how do you know if he desires to be prayed to?  Who told you this?  If you just say, "that's what I believe because it's just the way I feel," then that's fine.  But I've tried to feel that way and I have never been able to....even when I was a little.  So what does that make me?   I've tried my ass off and it never has clicked for me.  My mind is what my mind is.  I can't just turn it off.  

I believe this to be direct interaction with God, which I believe he desires. I think that when you pray for the sick it gives you and the one being prayed for a peace of mind. It shows you care about them and enough to want them to live life to the fullest. It also lets you believe you have done everything you could do.

i disagree for two reasons.  i think it's disrepectful to God, if there is one.  and, i don't think it shows you care about the person.  is there any evidence that praying works to cure that person?  praying is self-serving.  the better questions is:  what the fuck did you do to show you cared for the person while he/she was doing well and whatever you did for that person, what effect did it have?