Porky: << seldom does such reasoning grapple with the unforeseen consequences of breaking out. >>

I think most sane and rational Australians wouldn't be too worried about the spiteful reaction of a scorned deity - particularly since (to follow Porky's logic) he's already "commanded the clouds not to rain", despite the current ritual incantation at the beginning of Parliament. Wasn't it just last year that the erstwhile PM was urging the faithful to pray for rain? What happened?

Perhaps the ongoing drought is punishment for the Australian electorate deposing the Lying Rodent? Oh hang on, Rudd's a godbotherer too...

The attitude of prayer is a reflection of several spiritual realities. That is best stated in the ancient prayer first used by the Essenes and John the Baptist and taught by Jesus to his disciples upon their request to pray as John's deciples. If it is believed removes human pride, supremacy and arrogance to our environment and our relationship with others.

1. We are not the masters of the universe. Our life is dependent upon providence.
2. We must deeply respect the nature that formed our reality.
3. The true and fulfilling state of society is the purity of relationships, justice, mercy administered in love.
4. We pray that will be acomplished in the Earth.
5. Help us to secure our daily needs as a society, as war and catastrophe upsets that security.
6. Where we have wronged others we are repentant and sincerely will seek to reconcile with others.

We can recognise such arrogance of spirit in those who wish to remove prayer

I'm not sure it is prayer itself that is on the table here, Philo.

>>We can recognise such arrogance of spirit in those who wish to remove prayer<<

It's about the use of a prayer that is the exclusive property of one specific religion.

It occurs to me that the words you present here would be a fine substitute. They seem to embody all the personal reflections that a politician should consider before beginning their day.

"1. We are not the masters of the universe. Our life is dependent upon providence."

Highly appropriate humility to start with.

"2. We must deeply respect the nature that formed our reality."

Not bad at all. Even allows the religious to recognize their God as the nature that formed their own particular reality.

"3. The true and fulfilling state of society is the purity of relationships, justice, mercy administered in love"

Lovely imagery. If only our politicians reminded themselves of this every day.

"4. We pray that will be acomplished in the Earth"

Even a call to action. That's what we're here for, people. Let's do it.

"5. Help us to secure our daily needs as a society, as war and catastrophe upsets that security."

About as good a job description as you're likely to get as a parliamentarian.

"6. Where we have wronged others we are repentant and sincerely will seek to reconcile with others"

And another bit of humility to finish up with.

Thanks Philo. I'll mention it to Kevin when next we meet.

Dear CJ.. we are getting there.. step by painful step... in the end, you might even understand :) I hope and pray so for sure.

You said:

"despite the current ritual incantation at the beginning of Parliament."

Yep.. and this is what the Almighty said to the Israelites who were strong on ritual, light on heart committment.

11 "The multitude of your sacrifices—
what are they to me?" says the LORD.

"I have more than enough of burnt offerings,
of rams and the fat of fattened animals;
I have no pleasure
in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.

12 When you come to appear before me,
who has asked this of you,
this trampling of my courts?

13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Your incense is detestable to me.
New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—
I cannot bear your evil assemblies.

14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts
my soul hates.
They have become a burden to me;
I am weary of bearing them.

15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
Your hands are full of blood

Verse 15 might provide an insight as to why things are as you described. Isaiah 1.

I reckon you will increasingly enjoy my little excerpts from Isaiah..a truly seriously great book.

In summary, blessing is dependant on the relationship of the heart to our Creator.

Oh I get it now, not only should we maintain the ritual incantation of the Lord's Prayer at the commencement of Parliamentary sessions, but our MPs have to mean what they're mumbling - it's only because they're not sincere enough that Porky's invisible friend is punishing us with a drought. In other words, we're doomed to famine and pestilence unless we only elect Christians to the Australian parliament, because they'd be about the only ones who'd take such nonsense seriously.

Riiiiiggghht.

Now, about that lie of yours on your Henson thread...

Mt 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Mt 6:10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Mt 6:11 Give us today our daily bread.
Mt 6:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Mt 6:13 And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil.