What role does prayer play when focus is the real need?

Question

Here's an excerpt from an article about Sully's Katie Couric interview:

'How to focus. Couric asked Sullenberger if he said a prayer in the cockpit, while trying to bring Flight 1549 down safely. Basically, he said no. Thank God! Nothing against the Almighty, but if I had been on that plane, I’d want the pilot to be flying it, not praying over it.

Couric’s question might have seemed reasonable out in TVland, but once again, it makes high-level professionalism sound like the equivalent of divine intervention. It isn’t. Sullenberger was commanding a jet that had no thrust and was rapidly sinking back to earth. First he had to find a place to land, then he had to make sure the landing didn’t rip the jet apart. It was a demanding challenge that required fast, methodical problem-solving. “My focus was so intently on the landing, I thought of nothing else,” Sullenberger said. That’s what we ought to expect of a pilot in such a situation. And that’s what we got. For once, the system worked.'

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/flowchart/2009/2/9/what-sully-sullenberger-can-teach-ceos.html

Isn't it great that he was honest and didn't pander to the religious among us? Just think of all the Muslims studying the Koran for years and years instead of learning something of value to themselves, others or the planet; imagine what could happen if all of us aspired to be a little more like Sully when we grow up. What do you think?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

it plays an idiot

Rudy · Answer

You are grateful to Sully because he did not pray and just simply flew the plane and landed successfully.  Your assumption is, if he had prayed, he would probably crashed because it would have taken his mind off the landing, prayer would have been an obstacle to landing the plane successfully.  Did I get it right?

Now, let us look at this in another perspective.  God did not need our prayer if He wanted to save the plane, His will is not dependent on our prayer.  So you cannot conclude that God did not assist Sully somehow by giving him extraordinary flying skills when he needed it.  Besides, how long will it take for Sully to other the words 'God help us', probably half a second less the time needed to land the plane.  And is some cases, this half a second prayer could make a lot of difference.

? · Answer

In Hellenismos anyway the statues are meant to be things that we can see so that we can think and reflect on the Gods. It is also meant to bring in a numinous presence. However one does not worship the statue .. one worships the God .. the statue is merely a focus .. nothing more, nothing less. If people mistaken the statue for the God .. than it is best to remove the statue. In fact many ancient Hellenic priests have long suggested that many sanctuaries should have the statues removed as simple individuals mistaken the statue for the God .. and cling on to the statue like it is a God when it most clearly is not!!!!! In the ancient Hellenic religion in fact the altar is X1000 more important than a statue in a sanctuary. In fact statues get moved in and out, statues get damaged etc.. and people's only major concern is if the statue is very expensive .. not that it is sacred!!!!

Anonymous · Answer

Why on earth would a man like that "pander" to any group.  He's not trying to win the favor of anyone.  The fact that he didn't pray does not mean he has no belief system.  God gave him a brain, he used it.

To your more general question about what role does prayer play in times where focus in needed?  That depends on the individual.  Prayer doesn't have to be long.  It doesn't even have to have words.  Author Anne Lamott said that sometimes the best prayers are "help, help, help" and "thank you, thank you, thank you."  :-)  We are also told that the spirit intercedes for us when we are unable.

THE NEXT LEVEL · Answer

If you want to talk to someone at a distance, first you have to pick up the phone and dial. Prayer is similar. Using the Power of the Spoken Word. Sound being a spiritual power. We stay in communication with the Higher Worlds. No easy task.

Mulligan · Answer

When I was a kid I used to pray for a new bike everyday, then I realized that god didn't work that way, so I stiled one and prayed for forgiveness

Winning isn't everything - it's the only thing.

bowmaster · Answer

Are you trying to imply Muslims are stupid?We study the Quran, but who said we don't study other things as well?

Mrs Strength · Answer

God is in control of everything. If its your time to go then your going I don't care how good of a pilot he is. I put my faith in God and not in man.

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What role does prayer play when focus is the real need?

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