McGrath of Harlow wrote: "I'm not suggesting we don't discuss this - just that it makes a lot more sense to talk about stuff we know - our own experiences, and the beliefs we have arrived at about what is the right thing to do in this kind of situation, rather than speculating about a particular incident about which we have very limited knowledge.

That's fair enough, but I'd have thought that all the posts on this thread were all informed in some way or another. I'd have thought everyone here understands what a nurse is what nurses do or are supposed to do. Similarly, people having a view or an experience of religion (of various kinds).


"For example I find the idea that we should ask permission before praying for someone really strange - I don't mean praying with them or praying over them, just remembering them in our prayers".

Personally, I kind of agree with this. I mean, how would the other person know?


"But it sounds as if some people do think that. It seems clear that there are a nunber of different ideas about what "prayer" is".

I'd be very surprised if people do have conflicting ideas about what 'prayer' actually is. There might be (subtle) differences as to how prayer is expressed or who the prayer is to, but ultimately prayer is something inextricably tied to religion and therefore very different than wishing someone well or good thoughts. A prayer can be wishing someone well or sending good thoughts but it's involving a chosen third (supernatural) party.

I think if any confusion is arising, it's because people are prone to wanting to involve and explain things through their chosen third (supernatural) party.