Well I can tell you no.... just as if it were a parrot talking, or a cd playing, prayers they would mean nothing. and more over it is a rather bad thing, while your "praying" talking to God, you are off wondering some where else...I suppose its like calling God, and then Him answering you hanging up and leaving a voice mail.... But I'll also tell you this I am guilty of that same thing many many times, an not just in Grace before meals.

well I take that back they are perhaps not worth nothing but, little, at least you unlike many say the prayer before meals. But this is my answer, do not let my answer trouble you. If I am mean or harsh my apologize, but perhaps some one else will have a more authoritative answer.

I think you are perfectly right, Tom, so don't apologize for a very sensible and well-worded answer. Good to see you still around. God bless.

I am going to attempt to answer you Maria--not because I think what has been said is wrong, but because a better answer is needed so that you do not unnecessarily beat yourself up. WE DON'T WANT ANY SCRUPES!

Tio Vikingo

Negligence as such is bad, if culpable, which I think is often not the case (I might be interested in answering that way).

Getting on verbally till getting attention back and getting on with attention exactly where your words are is not bad as far as I can see.

But gently praying God for better attention next prayer is not bad either.

Gracias Tio!

Thanks everyone else for offering answers! I look forward to reading more. By the way Thomas I agree that non-focused prayers must be worth something. Surely God would reward the intention of prayer just like he punishes the intentions of sin, even those we don't actually commit.

Oh and thanks to the founders of Tradcats for letting me post my questions....It's great to have a collection of people willing to answer them!

Hey, "tio" means UNCLE, doesn't it?

(Actually i am that too*, but not yours!)

But you are welcome of course!

*one brother and one sister have children

Oh, sorry about being edgy about "tio"!

It is "uncle", but it is also "dude", right?

I am a bit edgy today:

This suicide in highschool and my on and off toothaches have done bad things to my mood and social coherence.

Actually I was referring to my "tio vikingo"....Sorry to confuse you! I am thankful for your advice too though!!!

hello... hapi blogging... have a nice day! just visiting here....

lol, more or less!

sorry for being conceited enough to think it was me you meant!