18 AUGUST 1973, Page 5

Prayers and petitions

From the Revd R. J. K. Law Sir: Martin Sullivan in his article 'Prayers and Petitions' (August 11), has succeeded in removing the sting out of his otherwise challenging article on prayer.

He begins with a speculative assumption, resting on the authority of his word only on the origin of prayer. He then expects us to believe all that he has to say on prayer, again, only on his word alone.

Sir, I know God, and I believe His word. But who is this Martin Sullivan, and why should I believe him? R. J. K. Law The Vicarage, Halwell, Totnes, South Devon