I have not, in fact, hurt them and I am, in fact, wishing them well. So how can someone justifiable be offended?
2006-07-18 03:34:22 · 16 answers · asked by wiregrassfarmer 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
When I pray for someone, I am hoping for a postive effect on the person, yet I am not actually bringing about an effect (that's up to God and the person I pray for) - if you cut my roses you have affected me. If you do not believe prayer works, I have not done anything to you. Yet if you cut my roses, you have affected me.
2006-07-18 03:53:34 · update #1
Saying "I'm praying for you" can be taken as conveying the idea "I pity you" or "You're going to hell, and I'm sorry for you." This may not be what you meant at all, or it may be. The recipient cannot know.
I don't believe in prayer, but I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when they say they're going to pray for me. I accept it as an expression of their faith, which, as a believer in freedom of conscience, I support their right to practice. I usually reply with "thank you" or "you're very kind."
2006-07-18 03:49:04 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I grew up in a Christian house. When I was in high school, I turned to Wicca and have continued that path ever since. I resented anyone who would say they were going to pray for me. I no longer do. I realized that the important thing was the intent behind the prayer. Even prayers that I will one day be "saved" I look at as a positive intent because those people are just following their own beliefs and want what [they believe] is best for me. If I disagree, that is my right. But as far as I'm concerned, if anyone is in need in any way, shape or form, they could use as many prayers as they can get. It doesn't matter what your creed is. Being Wiccan, I pray all the time. God/dess knows what is best. I've even added requests to my mother's prayer chain because of how I now feel about prayer. Prayer is a wonderful and powerful tool for all people.
2006-07-18 11:41:13 · answer #2 · answered by Erin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I can justify being offended by others' offers of prayer. I have known many who say the phrase "I'll pray for you" as a means of saying "I'm right, you're wrong".
If you want to "wish me well" ... wish me well. Otherwise, pray for someone else. I neither require nor do I desire prayers on my behalf from others.
If you have any doubts about the condescending, judgemental nature of many Christians ... just read the other comments in this thread.
2006-07-18 10:44:15 · answer #3 · answered by Arkangyle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I walked past your house and decided to "help" you by pruning your roses, or painting your garage a different color, I think you might be just a little upset. Why? Because I'm interfering with something that is personal to you. Can you see the similarity here? If you can't, tell me where you live so I can prune your roses down to the ground and paint your garage a hideous color. After all, I'm just trying to help you and wish you well in my own way.
Whether the change is by your hand or the hand of someone (or something) else it was neither asked for nor wanted by me. It's still trying to interfere in my life. I pray to my supreme being that you find the wisdom to understand that concept.
2006-07-18 10:44:04 · answer #4 · answered by Angry C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians are instructed in the Bible to pray in private. Do you advertise the fact that you are praying for your subject? This person might feel that you are being condescending or patronizing. Certainly, this person isn't required to justify any hurt feelings to you. Continue praying, but keep it between you and God.
2006-07-18 10:42:56 · answer #5 · answered by shycello 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well,the bible says that what's done in secret Will be awarded openly. We must also test and try the spirit of every individual and give them the benefit of the doubt. Some people are very uncomfortable and are truly convicted when Christians approach them to pray for them. Pray for individual on your time or ask them if you can pray for them and if they say "No",please "dust your feet off" and don't be offended. Pray for them on your time.
Shalom
2006-07-18 10:42:08 · answer #6 · answered by Pashur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They shouldnt take offense because of that. You tell the person the reason your praying for them is because you want something good to happen to them. Remember this when you pray for someone pray for good things happening to them not bad things because you dont want the devil to attack you or that person
2006-07-18 10:43:07 · answer #7 · answered by {**Ladii Nae Nae**} 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then just wish them well and avoid the praying to something that they don't believe in. If they are atheists, they might feel like you are pushing your beliefs on them by telling them you will pray for them.
2006-07-18 10:38:54 · answer #8 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm certainly not trying to justify but their ear some people who are scared of the unknown and if they do not know god it can be a scary experience. also some people, in their eyes, may have been given a raw deal in life and hold a grudge against god. again these people do not really know god and how he woks so it all goes back ot ignorance of religion.
2006-07-18 10:40:53 · answer #9 · answered by dumbdumb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1st Corinthians 1:18 Some people will never understand . Keep praying because 1st Thessalonians 5:17 says for us to pray without ceasing . Continue to seek Him daily and He will let you find Him . It also says "Ask and it will be given to you , seek and you will find , knock and it will be opened to you . God bless you and your family
2006-07-18 10:45:42 · answer #10 · answered by robinhoodcb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋