What's the Difference between Pray and Root?

In one of the videos, Anthony Curtis said something like, "I don't pray, but I do root." That got my attention. I've been wondering ever since, what's the difference? Could you ask him please?

"To me, praying is asking for some form of divine intervention on your behalf. Since I'm not at all religious, rooting is more my style, meaning expressing one's personal alignment with a particular outcome."

"Thank you, Anthony. Mind if we elaborate?"

"Not at all. Go right ahead."

As A.C. says and quite eloquently, there’s certainly a difference between praying and rooting. However, they overlap in intent.

At their core, "praying for something" and "rooting for something" both involve hoping for a specific outcome. But they differ in tone, context, and implication.

Praying typically has a religious or spiritual connotation. It suggests a more formal, or at least deeper, behavior that beseeches intervention and/or guidance. Praying appeals to a higher power, whether you call it God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, Supreme Being, Reality, Higher Consciousness, All Self, Universe, or any number of other terms. It’s introspective and feels earnest, fervent, resolute. There’s a sense of surrender, a reliance on something beyond oneself.

Rooting, by contrast, is more casual and secular. It’s about cheering for or supporting a cause, person, or outcome, often with enthusiasm and usually an emotional or financial investment.

The difference, to us anyway, is a matter of degree, rather than a granular distinction. Praying is something you do in church or at least quietly somewhere. Rooting is something you do in front of the television or on the sidelines. It's kind of like the difference between a thought and a shout.

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sunny78 Mar-31-2025

hope

-both involve hoping for a specific outcome-

The key word, HOPE. 

My favorite definition of the word hope: 

Hope is just postponed disappointment.

I'm sure at one point at a certain age, I hoped there really was a santa claus, but hoping didn't change that reality. At all. Felt no better. And if rooting and hoping in the casinos really worked for gamblers, the casinos would be long broke by now. 

Too Negative? Nah. It's called being realistic. Have fun, enjoy life, it's a short game, gamble a bit if that's what one wants and enjoys. And if one drinks and still wants to root? Maybe root when the beer arrives extra cold. :)

Randall Ward Mar-31-2025

hoping

I see that, not particularly religious but I've always thought praying was for important things

Cal Mar-31-2025

Hope

Hope and luck. Both are 4 letter words.

John Sabini Mar-31-2025

PRAYING

I am PRAYING for a Kevin Lewis comment.

O2bnVegas Mar-31-2025

Can't see it

JMHO, religious faith is hard, because we can't see it.

Some have an 'experience' that solidifies belief and faith.  Others, like myself, got it through osmosis, upbringing. As much a necessary part of life as brushing my teeth. When I faltered, I got major dental problems.  When I listened to learned persons (dentists), things improved. Not by faith, but by practice and some tangible outcomes.

God created the heavens and earth, then man and woman, who messed it up. God tried to cleanse the mess by flooding the earth, found a righteous person to do it, Noah. Humans still messed it up.  

God sent Jesus through virgin birth, to die a horrible death and come alive again, the only time in history this has occurred.

We still screw things up, we have free will, we know better. God isn't a magician.  The Challenger blew up. Hitler reigned.  But like the bonus bets on tables, I'll bet on Hebrews 2:5-10, and Revelations 21:3-4.

Candy

John Hearn Mar-31-2025

You need both of them

For a rotary op. Or a raptor, yo?

Donald P Jaspan Mar-31-2025

Buffalo Slots

Are all Buffalo themed slots 94.5 % RTP ? What themed slots pay more rs? Can I find the RTP in the how to play instructions at each machine?

Kevin Lewis Mar-31-2025

Simple distinction

In each case, you want a given outcome, but with prayer, you're asking for direct intervention by your chosen imaginary deity or other supernatural agent (I prefer to invoke the assistance of the Flying Spaghetti Monster), whereas rooting is just watching and passively hoping for your desired outcome.

Both are best done with beer.

Davethedentist Mar-31-2025

Praying

Praying is when you have money on the game and your team is losing!

Dave Apr-01-2025

LUCK OR KARMA

Don't believe in luck but I absolutely believe in Karma. When I play blackjack, I make bets for the dealer every other hand when on a winning streak and I am always polite, even if I lose 10 hands in a row. I play for fun but I win much more often than lose when in Vegas (which my wife can attest to). Be kind, the rest will take care of itself.

Question of the Day - 31 March 2025

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