Again, respectfully, I made a statement about those that mock prayer yet have never engaged in prayer, but somehow they know it's a false practice.
Now what I didn't say is that people can't have an opinion on prayer unless they've prayed.
you can argue the semantics
but the point is you were implying that by not having engaged in prayer their opinion is not valid
that is the only rational way to interpret what you posted
ultimately you are entitled to hold that point of view
i just think it is typical of people with religious beliefs to dismiss others points of view if they are different
where as others are expected to take what you say on "faith"
because you have no evidence
it all comes down to belief
and therefore if you believe your prayers will be answered
you will make an excuse if they arent
or if the one in a million random event you are praying for happens then you will say see i have proved my point
its a win, win situation for you
if one in a million of your prayers was answered you would argue prayers worked
never mind the millions of times they remain unanswered
which you would no doubt put down to god giving us freedom of choice etc