NYTimes article: Is There a Right Way to Pray?, Sept 20, 2009

Ref: Is There a Right Way to Pray? by Zev Chafets, September 20, 2009


The author discusses the growing interest by Americans in finding ways to communicate with and pray to their God, whether as part of a standard community religious practice or in more prayer-focused and individualized rituals. There was not however any significant attempt to discuss and explain reasons why there has been such an increased interest in personal praying nor -more importantly- what are the implications and opportunities created. One reason may be that we find ourselves surrounded by more stressful emotional and spiritual challenges, and have fewer support mechanisms than in previous generations. As for opportunities created, one has only to look at the tremendous growth and diversity of churches, television and even Internet ministries, and proliferation of so called personal spiritual coaches. A lot of money is being made in the name of religious/spiritual guidance and fulfillment. One more example of the grip and corrupting influence
of money in our society.