Why people pray and go to church.synagogue,mosque....? I am asking myself this question for a long time and however I try to look at this, the entire thing doesn't have too much sense. (to me)
So, why people do this?
Whet religion means to individuals on this forum ?
Imagine that you are a child trapped on the roof of a burning building. Your family has perished inside. There is no one around to help you. You come to the realization that you are going to die. Just in time, a man shows up in a helicopter and throws down a rope to you. You grab onto the rope and are carried off to safety.
You are eternally grateful to this man for saving your life. You find out that he is the eldest son of a very wealthy and entirely benevolent man who adopts you into his family, provides for all your needs and treats you like one of his own children, including giving you an inheritance. The father's kindness and unconditional love for you make you feel more special than you have ever felt in your entire life. You feel cherished and loved, not only by him, but by his whole family. In return, there is nothing you would not do for him or the other family members if they asked you.
You eventually grow up and decide to set out into the world. The kind man who adopted you asks only one thing of you before you go. He requests that you would come to his home once a week, to break bread with his other children and to enjoy each other's good company. He also offers that if you ever need anything, you should feel free to call and ask. Also, he runs a charitable organization and any time you would like to be involved in the good work he is doing, you are always welcome.
That is a little parable that describes why I go to church and why I pray. I was the child on the roof of the burning building. Jesus Christ saved me from the burning hell that I was headed for. God the Father adopted me into His family where I experience love and acceptance. Attending church is when I get to meet with my other brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoy their encouragement and comfort. When I call on the Father through prayer, He hears me and helps me. Finally, I choose to take part in the good works that the Father is doing since I know that is pleasing to Him.