I find the title, however degrading, to be quite appropriate. I have been thinking about the idea of prayer, and trying to determine the origin of its benefit. The benefits I hear most often are:
"You have to talk to God if you want a relationship with him because not talking to people in any other relationship doesn't make any sense." I feel this is to assume that a relationship with God is like all the rest which I can't really swallow. I believe relationships on earth are shadows and examples, but people on earth at least talk back rendering them obviously different (I'll come back to this point later).
Another reason is that "it's for our own benefit." This I believe because it would be absurd for God, the benefitor, to need any benefit, and why would he give superfluous commands? "We are humbled by the experience and gain a proper perspective on life." I disagree on this point because knowledge brings humility and perspective. If I were to pray without knowledge of my Bible, there is no perspective to be had, and humility should not be confused with ignorance or low self esteem.
It being later, "God answers prayer" is another famous reason that perpetually rings in my ear. While I don't doubt this, it's an interesting idea for me. The bottom line is that God's goodness and justice are constant and always reliable, so what's the cause for worry? Whenever I listen to prayers, or even pray myself, the conclusion is always this "God please change this, but not really since I trust your judgment anyway."

This is where "ignoramus" becomes quite appropriate.
When I mash these ideas together, I come up with a highly inconsistent and nonsensical approach to the holy commandments of God that goes something like this:
God commands us to pray without ceasing. Thus, the importance of such an action cannot be understated, and by necessity must be benefit for our own good. Now the question is, what benefit? For perspective and humility, you must read know your Bible. Knowledge and fear of the lord and trust in his promises gives perspective and no good student is going to need any personal reminder since it will always be on his heart anyway. Good Bible study can only lead to humility (and not the low self esteem or pretend ignorance type). God, in a manor of speaking, does talk back and the above analogy of having a relationship with him and talking to him does have some merit, but you still have to study your Bible for the answer, and God knowing your heart doesn't need to hear your voice. Finally, Holding any trust in the Bible and what God says stipulates that one must recognize that he does indeed answer prayer, and so I find myself praying for things, events, the normal, and the miraculous, and then wondering why on top of it all because the conclusion is always "Your will, not mine." So what was the point? If it's an event outside my control than what's good and right will happen regardless of how much I like it, and if it's inside my control, no amount of prayer is going to make it happen if I'm going to be a lazy bum, however full of faith I am.
I thus conclude that prayer without knowledge and humility is pointless, so prayer without Bible study is fruitless. Prayer without devotion to the work of God is much the same, and prayer without faith isn't worth a mite.
So why is the man of God not complete without prayer? What element and benefit does it provide? The man who knows God will possess the virtues of God, and faith will certainly not be lacking, nor devotion (meaning actions). I have tried to be comprehensive, but I think we all know that I'm not the greatest of communicators, but please poke as many holes as you can. I started this by saying I'm wrong. It's like I've worked a math problem to find that my answer doesn't match the key, and I can't figure out what's missing. Chances are it's something stupid like forgetting to carry over, or dropping a negative sign.

~The Ever Ignorant~
Franky G.

I assume most know by this point that I am engaged. I have no really juicy details. I leave that to the women. It was just the next natural step out of many in a relationship that's been the best investment of my life. This isn't news because it's been a week since "the big event" (obviously, I like to keep up with pleo). Dates are currently being worked on, so don't hold your breath because it will be a while. Nothing is for sure until the end of this summer when the budget gets set. This is secret information, and not for the public. The mystery of my high hopes and standards of living shall remain my own as well. Hope everyone's end of semester is going well. I am doing especially well given recent events, and my current status of being.

Franky_g

Wow. It's been a while. I'm tired of my old post, but find I have nothing to talk about. I also find that this is a consistant problem. My life consists of working, school, spending the remaining waking minutes with Ashleigh, and sleeping. This is a list that has become most mundane, and I confess I do feel bad when my father asks, "how's life?" and I have nothing more to say than, "fine." I wonder some days if I shouldn't have more to say to my own parents. Are there others who run into this problem, or am I a recluse who borders on the absurd?

Franky G.

And the Nightmare continues. I hope this is over soon and Zachary can finally settle down. At least, the poor thing is back in good hands.

Franky G.

It's interesting what can happen in two days. I thought myself content and happy, but in two days my world was changed by a delightful little boy I had hoped to call my brother. He provided the high strung noise and excitement that this family needs. Two days ago, the house was quiet and almost boring, but with the help of Zachary there was the delightful sound of playing and laughter. Now, my kindred spirit of a brother is gone, and I now know something of what a miscarriage really feels like. He is gone. The house is quiet. I see little hope. I am very sad. I've never cared so much for two days in all my life.

Franky G.