The Prayer

Today (July 1st, '10), I went to the Chaiya Mangkalaram Buddisht Temple in Pulau Tikus, Penang. My intention of going there is to wake up the Sleeping Buddha. But hey, I found this awesome wheel of fortune that you insert your 50 cents coin and press the button to stop the neon light at the number that gonna decide your fortune, I guess. I tried it. I get Chiam See #8. (excited since 8 is good #) And here what it says;

Your present position is like a valuable treasure buried under the ground. You dig the ground in the hope of getting it, but you dig the wrong place, and you are unable to find it. Similarly, even if you work hard at the present time, you may not get much benefit by doing so because your present career is unsuitable. In rowing it against the current of water and wind, the boat will naturally not go fast. Do not get discouraged. In future, there will be some people to support and help you. A sick person in your family will recover soon. In case of persecution you have a few hopes to win the case and probably you may be found guilty. Your next baby will be a boy. Your luck in other things is not good.

My first impression was; WHA...?!
I thought 8 was a good number.
Well, its obviously something that I can't celebrate nor argue about since I chose to spin the wheel of fortune. You don't decide on what you wanna hear but what you suppose to hear!

However, it made me think.
"Is this the way religion tries to hold on us and make us pray to the goddess for fortune, luck, love, and many blessings that WE hope to possess??"
Until we would simply give our time, efforts, energy, etc to the goddess??

not that I don't believe in the power of prayer.
I was born in a Christian family and being brought up in its way.
One time in my life, I almost knock on Bible school door to enroll myself to be a priest, all thanks to my late Rev. Dais. (Just incase you think I'm a back slide Christian that write what is right but not what I do for real)
But the power of prayer brought me here where the power wanted me to do greater things in life.

I dunno whats the point of this entry, but I long to write something about my late Rev Dais, prayer and religions.
I guess this is the combination of all.

A dear friend of mine used his time while driving alone to have one-on-one talk to the god. (he's not a religious guy)
Another friend used to pray The Serenity Prayer. (he never been to church nor wanted to) and before he went to sleep, he'll reflect the 10 things of the day (most temple/church goers don't do that)
My mom is very particular with prayer before eating. (be grateful that we can eat)
My English friend, believe that prayer at the end of day can make you recall, refelct and re-evaluate what had happen today (is it good? bad?)
My ex-leader forced me to pray (ain't working)

We all pray, in a different ways.
To who? To the One.

xoxo
Gill Loong.