John Kerry prayer circle: join now!

[crispini]

From another list: I'm in!

Hello Fellow Kerry Supporters,

What is the John Kerry Prayer Circle?
Starting on October 1, 2004 through Election Day,
volunteers across the nation are going to pray around
the clock in shifts of 15 minutes to one hour. The
plan is to let God know that we need a leadership
change. Praying will also calm our Democratic nerves.


What kind of prayers?
That depends on your faith. So far, we have Native
Americans, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists,
Hindus and on and on.

How to I sign up?
Email [e-mail] or visit the
website at www.johnkerryprayercircle.com

Why pray for a political victory?
1. Praying for a political victory may attract some
voters who normally either wouldn't vote or wouldn't
vote for a Democrat.
2. During the 2000 Florida recount, a Republican
prayer circle prayed around the clock for a Bush
victory. Let's get started early because we might need
it.
3. Some people, myself included, believe in a power
greater than George W Bush and the Supreme Court.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is
for good people to do nothing." -- Edmund Burke

Edited to add-- The slogan on the website is: "Keys to Victory:
VOTE VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTE PRAY" I LOVE IT!

[faithnotgreed]

1. kick for love!

[MoonRiver]

2. Thanks! I signed up!

:kick: for goodness and decency!

[LittleClarkie]

45. So did I

Nightowl, so I picked Wed from midnight to one.

[calimary]

74. I signed up in fill-in-the-blank-here mode.

Heck, I'm praying anyway! But I sent 'em an email asking them just to assign me a time that doesn't have many other customers. I'll make it work.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[movonne]

6. Well I am not at all religious ... but I say if you are and want to do

this I all for it... WHATEVER IT TAKES...

[LittleClarkie]

41. How about this

Anyone who is not religious in the Christian sense can include themselves by sending positive energy, happy thoughts, good karma, and the like.

Sort of a Lennon-eque "Dare to imagine it and it can happen" idea.

Eh?

[liberal N proud]

7. What makes it a joke?

Do you think that Democrats don't make good Christians?
That is what one Conservative Christain church member told my daughters!
We pray too, and you should if you don't.
If shrub wins, you will beg for mercy!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

25. Where's the harm?

I pray for them and their families every single day. What's the harm in that?

[AgadorSparticus]

30. disgusting??!!?! HOW?!?!!

[HuskerDem]

37. Disgusting? To pray for a better world?

f~r~............. oh............ nevermind.


I don't want to pre-judge you. But I will say anyone who finds prayers of hope and light disgusting - - - - - is likely to be - - disgusting.

[LittleClarkie]

50. Or merely an Atheist for Kerry

So send happy thoughts, dude! Errr...or dudette... whichever... ahem.

[HuskerDem]

57. justify or warrant a condemnation of "disgusting"

in relation to a prayer for hope and light............... ANYMORE than ANY person of ANY religion should have the right to condemn as "disgusting"......... a person who does not pray in their faith.

See? Get it? You get what you give.

[HuskerDem]

59. Being an atheist does not....... = prefrace to the above post.

dunno why it went Copperfield on me.

[LittleClarkie]

61. Put down that shot gun

(hands up) It wasn't me!

I know what you mean, but I've been the token theist on an atheist board in the past, and seen alot of people who just have "issues" with religion in general. Recovering fundamentalists and the like.

Just tryin' to be understandin' and all.

[tuvor]

38. Praying for what's right is a joke? I don't think so.

bush is wrong on every single goddamn count, and I trust you agree. To pray for his defeat is not at all disgusting.

[Renew Deal]

49. Why

Because we actually want a shot at having a world that stable?

[Jawja]

4. Thanks for the Info

:kick:

[liberal N proud]

5. There are more of us than you think! Christian Democrats

The RW doesn't have complete grip on the Churches.
Here is another site that is for Democrats who are Christians
http://www.christiansforkerryedwards.org/

[camaro69]

8. Muslims for Kerry

Has an odd sound, don't you think? It's good though, right?

[liberal N proud]

9. Fine by Me! I am a Democrate and tolerate all faiths!

[HuskerDem]

43. I dislike "tolerate". To "tolerate" is akin to putting up with flies at

your picnic. It's like saying......... "I KNOW they're always going to be there and I have to live with them but I'd rather they all just went away."

I prefer R-E-S-P-E-C-T...............

awwwwwww.....sokeitome :-)

[liberal N proud]

63. OK, you are correct there.

I change my stand to RESPECT!

[LittleClarkie]

88. Flip flopper

Kidding, just kidding.

(btw, I'm going to pimp slap the next person I encounter who says that about Kerry. It ain't easy being principled and intelligent, is it.)

[umtalal]

34. I am a muslim for Kerry. What is your problem?

[LittleClarkie]

40. Not odd at all

Though the Bush people would try to make something evil out of it. Which is part of why we're here.

Welcome! Let us all pray for a better world. I'm hoping for a landslide myself, just so I can look any Iraqis I meet in the face, and be able to say my country threw the real evildoers out on their ears.

Plus Kerry will need a mandate with all he will be up against.

[Renew Deal]

44. Not odd at all.

We all want something better.

[Jawja]

10. Yes, it is true

that there are many many Christians who are Democrats. However, one does not need to be a Christian to join the prayer circle.

However you acknowledge a greater power or force beyond yourself is in play here, whether prayer, blessing, positive thought, chant, ritual, etc.

Just making it clear for others wishing to join the prayer circle who may not be Christian.

That's my take on this, anyway. :hi:

[NewYorkerfromMass]

27. http://www.christiansforkerryedwards.org / COOL site! Thanks. nt

[progressivebydesign]

11. It's a wonderful idea.. regardless of your persuasion.

Everyone can send good thoughts John Kerry's way, even if they are not the praying type. I think of it as sending good thoughts to our military in the Middle East, because electing Kerry will be the absolute best for them.. and for the hungry families here in the US, the unemployed and hopeless.. those without health insurance..

[crispini]

12. Not a joke!

I'm a Buddhist and I'm in! Prayer has power!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

26. That's it, I HAVE to meet you

you are in Dallas like me and I am a Christian but have been studying Buddhism (informally) for about five years now and love it.

Wow.

[fudge stripe cookays]

65. Don't worry sweetie,

crispini ASSURES me she will be at the party. We work together too.

=)
FSC

[patdem]

13. Kick..and vote for FRONT PAGE

Just volunteered...thanks for the opportunity!

[wildflower]

14. Meditating and praying for our earth...

I'm not Christian, but I have been interested in the studies that show the effects of prayer. What they especially show is that non-directed prayer--which does not ask for any particular outcome--is most effective. (I'm sure others here have seen the studies and can add to this.)

I am not an adherent to any particular faith. But each day I meditate and pray for the peace and healing of our planet, peoples, animals, plants...and the universe in general. It can't hurt.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention! I think this is a great idea, especially for those who are limited in what we can physically do to help.

:hi:

-wildflower

EDITED to add: This practice also does wonders to calm the nerves, center our intention, and rejuvenate the mind and body, which we can all definitely use to help us keep going!

[clydefrand]

17. Good thoughts, Wildflower

And I love your name! :bounce: But are you one of those "wild and crazy Democrats?" I am! :-)

[wildflower]

19. Hmm...depends what you mean by

wild and crazy! :)

And thank you about my name! I chose it because of a song that's had special meaning for me since I was young (part of it is in my sig), but also because it symbolizes a natural and beautiful earth.

:hi:

-wildflower

[LittleClarkie]

52. Non-directed. Exactly

I'm rather like that when I pray. It doesn't seem right to tell God his business. I just pray for the best for our country and world, and that the best man win come November. I think we all know who we mean by that, but as I say, I ain't tellin' God his business.

Sometimes I just pray that our country be given another chance to redeem ourselves, to show we aren't so far gone we can't come back to decency.

[wildflower]

66. Scientific studies of prayer: a clip about nondirected prayer

This is an article about some of the studies on prayer that have been done.

http://www.faith.com/community/prayer/articles/f_lib_article_hc_effective.html

Here is a clip concerning nondirected prayer:

Should Prayer Be Directed or Nondirected?

In studying prayer and its many forms, we come across two approaches: direct or directed prayer, and indirect or nondirected prayer. One objective of the Spindrift studies was to compare the two forms of prayer and see which is most effective.

Directed prayer occurs when a person prays for a very specific outcome, a very distinct result. In the Spindrift experiments, directed prayer was accomplished by praying for a quicker rate of germination. In nondirected prayer, no pinpointed goal is requested. For instance, to test the power of nondirected prayer, the Spindrift people prayed in an open-ended manner for the seeds rather than for a specific result.
In all tests, results were consistent: While both forms of prayer were generally effective, nondirected prayer was much more effective, sometimes even doubling positive results. What author Larry Dossey refers to as the “Thy will be done” approach to the universe and God was determined to be the most powerful form of prayer.

As a result of their work, the Spindrift organization suggests that when praying for a subject, you keep an open mind and try not to form images and associations. Simply remain in a holy state of consciousness that includes the subject. In this way, you do not try to force your will upon the universe, but, instead, allow the universe (or God) to do what is more responsible and important in the larger perspective. Spindrift points out that, in fact, we often don’t know what is “best” for the subject of our prayer—be it another person, a pet, or a plant. This is another reason that nondirected prayer is the better avenue. It simply leads the organism back to the most appropriate state.

-wildflower

[mistertrickster]

94. The Tao . . . it's just what the Taoists say--

Everything seeks harmony and finds its own level, if not distorted by desire for power.

[jwirr]

85. Amen

I have been praying for a long time now that God would forget me (I'm okay) but help the people that my country is ignoring, including our own poor, sick, elderly, soldiers in war zones, Iraqis, and anyone in this world that is oppressed, neglected, threatened, hurting and poor. I figure that God is strong perfectly capable of knowing what is best for all of us and it is idiotic that I should direct Him. That is what bushie is doing - trying to force Armageddon.

[calimary]

76. Tell me about it! I REALLY need anything that'll calm the nerves.

I'm about to go get my nails fixed - if I don't, I simply won't HAVE any after tonight. I know they'd be my "dinner" during the debates if I don't. They're already a mess.

HAH. Just realized I have completely AMERICAN fingernails. They accurately reflect our country under bush. A complete disaster.

[wildflower]

80. Guided meditations can help. Try this Web page if you don't have a tape

or CD:

Meditations, chants, and devotionals from a variety of spiritual traditions.

http://www.beliefnet.com/index/index_207.html

You can choose one, depending on your faith, and they have audio and video (some in Flash, some RealPlayer, which are both downloadable for free).

For example, there are meditations on peace, mindfulness, & the 23rd psalm...also Hindu chanting, a breathing exercise, "Greeting the Goddess," and more.

-wildflower

[LittleClarkie]

89. I've tried that

Some of the great Christian mystics meditated.

Usually puts me to sleep though. Which as this point would be a good thing. I'm barely sleeping 4 hours a night right now. Way too much nervous energy.

[wildflower]

93. I know what you mean...I actually don't mind if I fall asleep while

doing it!

Many people meditate sitting up straight; does that work for you? I do much better lying down.

-wildflower

[LittleClarkie]

90. Hiccup

Geez, a threefer

[LittleClarkie]

91. Hiccup

Numero dos.

[cheshire]

15. Oh dear I have been doing that for a long time and will continue.

[PlanetBev]

16. Buddhists for Kerry

Me and my circle of Buddhist friends are all chanting hours of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo for Kerry for the debate tomorrow. I'm chanting for Kerry to pull out of his life his greatest wit, wisdom, courage and power. We will all be continuing to chant through November 2nd.

Defeat is unacceptable!

[crispini]

22. Me too!

Nam myoho renge kyo, let's go!

[okieinpain]

18. joined up. let's get it started.

[Dem_Loyalist]

20. Praise the Lord and John Kerry

Thanks for the links and info. In spite of bush acting so religious and all I don't believe it for a second. No good Christian would do the hateful things he has done. We so desperately need a good decent God fearing man like John Kerry.

[ikojo]

21. I'm Jewish and I think it's time for progressives and liberals

to take faith back from the repukes and own it. Faith is not accumulating extreme wealth and walling yourself from others.

[LittleClarkie]

53. Love the avatar, ikojo

Whovians for Kerry!

[wicket]

75. amen!!!

Well said :D

[n2mark]

23. A Catholic

Praying for Kerry and change. I believe in the power of prayer.

Sign me up for prayer!

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

24. I pray for Kerry and Edwards every day

and have for three months now.

I say "Please bless and keep John Kerry and John Edwards, their families and their campaigns. Please give them strength."

That's it. Sometimes I repeat it later in the day. I will sign up, what a great idea!!!

[Renew Deal]

28. I guess you need a Greek Orthodox in there.

I will join in. I have to find a good time that I remember.

[HuskerDem]

60. I'm a Methodist but GO is someting I am interested in

Are they at least semi'liberal? This is what I love about UMC.

[Jade Fox]

29. Kick

[IHaveADream]

31. Kerry's God kicks Bush's God's ass!

YeeHaw!

[gauguin57]

32. I have already been praying, praying, praying for our country and for the

world. And a prayer for the betterment of our country and world, by definition, means praying for Kerry to become president!

Not only am I praying to God, but I have a voodoo doll at the ready: its name is George W. Bush, and I'm sticking pins in its mouth and brain (to scramble his syntax even more than usual during the debates) ... and maybe I'll stick a couple into the doll's nether regions ... I'd love to see Bush dealing with jock itch or hemorrhoids during the debate.

[jwirr]

86. You are sticking the pins

in the wrong area! The nether region is where his brains are!

[goclark]

33. Just joined

My mom is 85 and she is thrilled that she can actively participate in praying for our country during these troubled times. She gets so upset that she can't watch the news or read the paper.

But, we are going to start praying tomorrow. Right after she takes her morning meds.

Our little doggie will join us! We will all pray for Barney in the WH. Barney is under so much strain. He needs our prayers.

Remember that we at DU are under enormous pressure. We must do as much as we can to not explode.

I encourage everyone, no matter the belief, to join the Kerry Prayer Group.
Kick

[HuskerDem]

51. I love that GoClark! Your mom (and you)

just made it into my prayers too. Bless you for caring for her. I know what a commitment that takes.

[goclark]

64. Thanks ! We prayed this morning

Mom told me this morning, " I prayed all night for Kerry and I want to get down on my knees when we pray this morning."

When we got up she said, "I feel better. Now mail that $50 to Kerry for me TODAY!"

I love my mom, she is the greatest!

[OnionPatch]

35. Count Me In!!

And thanks so much for posting this.
I've been actually thinking about something like this for days and wondering if anyone was doing this. There are plenty of religious people of all persuasions on our side of the aisle. I know tons of Christian and unconventionally spiritual lefties. I'm not sure which category I fit into but I really do believe in the power of prayer, meditation, or whatever you call your thought-waves.

[HuskerDem]

36. What a great movement, I signed up

What I didn't realize before was how many thing I had to pray for. Absolutely cool.

I believe in prayer. I know what I have seen. Very happy to be on board.

[Renew Deal]

47. My g/f

believes in prayer in a big way. She's spiritual. I like her. :)

[Kimber Scott]

39. Not a Christian, but I'm going to pray like hell! Thanks!

nt

[SilasSoule]

42. Zoroastrians for Kerry!!!!

:)

[usregimechange]

46. I am an Agnostic and I am considering it! nt

[proud patriot]

48. Fabulous

Thanks for the heads up :bounce:

[RadiDem]

54. I will stick pins in my Bush* Vodoo Doll and invoke Satan >

to have AWOL take too many meds, and throw up on stage, just like Poppy Bush threw up all over the Japanese PM.

An all time Bush Crime Family Highlight !

Maybe I'll go to a local Bruja too !

[dennis4868]

55. Prayer is nice....

but lets get out the vote and register as many people as we can and then pray to god whoever that may be!

[LittleClarkie]

56. That's why I picked nighttime dear

Can't do much else at midnight other than surf n' stuff.

[dennis4868]

58. I was camped out at Kerry offices....

late at night a couple weeks back stuffing envelopes way past midnight....a labor of love!

[LittleClarkie]

62. I'm trapped at work

late second shifter.

Might as well do something with what I know will be a slow time over here.

[AspenRose]

67. I'm in

All faiths are welcome

If you've joined: have you received a response from the website yet? I guess the calendar won't be put up until Oct 1st. I was pretty flexible about my prayer slot.

[Triana]

68. Pagans for Kerry...

...the waning moon is until October 14th. This is a good time for banishing work (banishing bu$h that is) - with prayers, rituals, whatever - to decrease his presence and effectiveness.

When the moon is waxing to full (after Oct 14th and through October 26th), this is a time for doing work to increase support and presence for Kerry and to pray and do rituals for his success in winning. NOW is the time.

The month of November is near. Tonight, we do a little banishing for the debate...

[wildeyed]

69. I will join and forward to others.

I am not religious in the conventional way, but I have always felt like there is something else going on that I can't quite focus on. Kind of like when you see something out of the corner of your eye, but when you turn to look at it, it is gone. I have recently been thinking that that something might be god. And there is much power to prayerful meditation, even if it is only to heal one's own mind.

Big shout out to DU Christians and other religious folk. Your thoughful posts have gone a long way to making me much more comfortable with organized religion.

[mzmolly]

70. I'm in.

Thanks. :hi:

[jsw_81]

71. Sorry, but praying to imaginary beings is a complete waste of time

If we want to win this thing, we'll need to register voters, put up signs, work phone banks etc.

Talking to non-existent Bronze age deities (e.g, "God") won't win a single vote.

[Name removed]

73. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[crispini]

77. Read the webpage:

"Keys to Victory: VOTE VOLUNTEER CONTRIBUTE PRAY"
Or as Buddhism would put it: "Chant and take action."

No one's saying, "sit on your ass and only pray."

Ain't nothing wrong with something that channels positive spiritual energy. Research has shown that people in the hospital who are prayed for heal faster. ANY kind of prayer. (You can google it, I'm too lazy to look stuff up right now.)

[VOX]

82. Totally in agreement. Nobody's asking some celestial puppeteer for favors.

But putting positive energy out there is a very good thing.

I'm definitely in. :kick:

[wildflower]

83. Right...and I'll repost here the link on studies that I posted above.

Describes several scientific studies done on the effects of prayer.

http://www.faith.com/community/prayer/articles/f_lib_article_hc_effective.html

Maybe someone else can provide more links on studies?

-wildflower

[NewYorkerfromMass]

81. Way to miss the point

It's about appealing to Christians whom Bush shouldn't have a monopoly on.
I'm an atheist myself, but don't feel the need nor see how constructive it is to put down believers.
Learn some tolerance.

[LittleClarkie]

87. I am doing all those things ---

Every one of the things you said and more.

AND I'm praying. It's not something you have to do on your knees with your eyes closed.

You may feel that it is a waste of time. Well, don't we all have those, the internet being one of them. In some ways, DU is a waste of time (and in others it's a fantastic resource -- depend on the day).

Many of the atheists I've known can't understand the change of attitude they percieve from neighbors and co-workers when they just happen to mention they don't believe in God. The attitude you just exhibited, not that you don't believe but that you just couldn't wait to let us know how ridiculous you think we are, is one of the reasons why people sometimes react negatively to y'all.

On the atheist group I posted to, whenever the atheists wanted to have a discussion without lurking Christians butting in (grabbing their own space in the cyberbar, as it were) they would mark the thread as atheists only. It would be appreciated if you afforded us the same courtesy. It's obvious from the thread title that this thread is for people who believe in prayer and want to do something positive for the Kerry campaign.

Just asking for some mutual respect, that is all.

Erica

[wicket]

72. I've been looking for something just like this, thanks for the linnk!

[arwalden]

78. It must be really tough for God to decide who to reward for

all that praying that's going on.

-- Allen

[GreenPartyVoter]

79. I'll add the link to my site

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Critically examine everything. Hold on to the Good." 1 Thessalonians 5:21

And God told His children: "I love you. Play nice."

Would Jesus love a liberal? You bet!
http://www.geocities.com/greenpartyvoter/liberalchristians.htm

[obnoxiousdrunk]

84. There is a saying

in another language that says 'You 50 God 50'. So if we do our part God will take care of his and Kerry wins in a landslide.

[UrbScotty]

92. Don't forget ChristiansforKerryEdwards.org! (see sig line)

Hallelujah!!