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COMMENTS:
Me think that, a prayer is when you are speaking to God, a wish is when you are speaking to a genie :)
Voted : Here is my comment.
IMO, the two are damn close to being one and the same. THe only difference I can perceive is that the latter is sent to Deity specifically, while the former can be flung up to anyone at any given time. *I* might be able to fulfill a wish, as long as it's within my human scope of operation. A prayer is something I could only refer on to higher powers.
Or I could've put it more simply as BBC did, and not invoke the potential wrath of any users with strong religious beliefs.
^What Truthseeker said, plus a prayer isn't always for selfish reasons.
interesting question - one i've thought about here and there, now and then. i think a prayer is really a wish, but that it is directed at something, usually a deity that we believe will answer it. I think something strongly wished for and desired is a prayer. I think they are both just words, and there isn't really much difference when you get right down to it. Prayers CAN be selfish, wishes CAN be altruistic. I think we should be careful what we wish for, because our prayers might be answered.
and lots of the time - i try not to think.
one more thing - i think the only two true prayers are for mercy and merci. and i think they are heard - i just don't know by what.
Voted : Here is my comment.
Wish is the adolescent of adult intellect and mature prayer, so to speak.
Prayer is a discipline in meditation, focus and concentration. It's introspective of self awareness and divine knowledge. A mental exercise, study or memorization of ideas and is not limited to asking God for something. I pray in a communal relationship with God. {We} share thought, expression and knowledge. I don't *ask* things of God, I share things with him, Through prayer.
 Pray to the Smiley
In the absence of any worthwhile proof, religion is nothing more than wishful thinking. So there is no real difference.
Voted : Rationality
I wish I was a multi-millionaire. But I know that is something I will have to work for. I could also try to pray for it and hope god gives it to me. The difference is rationality.
Voted : Here is my comment.
Prayer is not about looking for God to give me things (I can only speak for myself of course)...God is rationality (he is not complicated at all) from where I sit, he may not be for you (thc) however...
Praying and wishing are as different as night and day...I believe in God because of my life experiences...
I think it is quite irrational to believe that the world/universe came about outside of a God (Big Bang Theory) or by any other means...However, that is just my opinion on the matter...
BTW, excellent ballot question forgetmenot!
so ok then - from what i read - it seems that the only difference between a wish and a prayer is whether the petitioner believes in god? If that's not what most of you are saying - then please clarify. Because wishes can be sincere, deeply desired and far from trivial. and prayers can be as petty as please let out team win the basketball game tomorrow..... It still seems to me that the only difference is whether or not you believe you are directing that desire, or maybe even that gratitude, to a deity.
and those of us who don't believe in a god, still have a sense of awe regarding our world, still feel gratitude, still love the world we are blessed with. What is the difference in that and prayer - other than the belief that a deity is responsible?
Voted : Not all prayers are asking for something, some are simply giving thanks, displaying devotion, etc
Not all prayers are asking for something. Therefore, there is a big difference.
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