Christianity has taken a beating in recent years while Buddhism and especially the 'Zen' flavor of it, has become rather chic.
I state that just as an observation from the crowd of Westerners I've hung out with and from media in general.
I'm not writing here to promote or defend either religion, but hopefully to shed light on a couple of things and demystify others.
It seems that in the West growing numbers of people have begun to view their Judeo-Christian background with suspicion.
Some of the complaints are that it's too full of guilt and punishment, and that the mythology behind it is just not believable.
Other people see Zen as a breath of fresh air as it does not require that you believe in God or facing eternal damnation, and it doesn't seem to have much in the way of dogma.
Both views are of course, shortsighted.
The Judeo-Christian ethic offers people a unique tome of wisdom and stresses an understanding of a God that is loving and forgiving, not angry and punishing, though there is that side too.
Real Zen on the other hand is a sect of Japanese Buddhism that is famous for its asceticism, rigorous disciplines, and physical deprivations.
Simply, it's not at all the laid-back meditative practice Westerners mistake it for.
It also has a rigid moral code that must be obeyed, and prayers (sutras and mantras) are evoked several times a day.
I'm just trying to say here that what the one seems to be, the other really is, and vice versa.
They are both religions after.
As for prayer or meditation, studies indicate that both are very good for you both emotionally and physically, and it would be wise to have a daily regime of one or both daily.
There is Christian meditation too by the way, and Zen prayer as well.
Go figure.