When people say they are going to pray for you in that context, 99% of the time it's a lie.
They just want to appear to be superior because of their religion, making it seem like you need their sympathy. It disgusts me when people think you need their pity; that's so arrogant.
(sorry if i sound like a grumpy jerk, i just think people should respect other people's beliefs and hold them on an equal level.)
2006-07-29 10:23:41
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answer #1
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answered by Steven B 6
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"Why, when you make it clear that you are not a christian, do christians say they're going to pray for you?" Well - it is part of them. They see good qualities in you. They see you as part of the community they are in. They want thier community healthy, and positive, so they are DOing what they said they would. Good Christians took a personnal vow to help people reach their potential. (of course the overly passionate can be pushy - so always be polite, like Iam now to you.)
"if i wanted to be prayed for, wouldn't i just do it myself?" You seem to have skipped basic sharing skills class. and basic community building, and basic communications classes too.
What are you alone on this planet? Are you really this arrogant to think that GOD would listen to you? Learn to be HUMBLE - and fast. Be thankful that where you live people care for you! Yours prayers can't be "better" than a prayer from a concerned person or loved one. It's called compassion, caring.
Prayers for yourself about yourself are called whining. Who likes listening to whiners all day. Well ...
Lastly: "and if other people are praying for me anyway, what's the point of praying for myself?" Geez... People around you know exactly your every need and concern?
You don't DO anything for yourself to show GOD your involed with HIS community? or yours?
Slowly put the mirror down - go outside and get involved with the community you live in. Concern yourself with everyone BUT you, and start living for others. Just in moderation, everything in moderation.
2006-07-29 17:45:36
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Augustine: Prayer does not change the heart of God, but changes the heart of him who prays.
When we pray, the object of the prayer doesn't have to be a believer (i.e. a life circumstance can't believe in Christ, yet we pray for them). And what can it hurt for you to know someone is concerned about you, even if you're not a Christian?
Perhaps instead of accepting a person's offer of prayer, you should ask that person what they can do for you instead. We're commanded by God to "Pray without ceasing" in 1 Thessalonians, whether the object of our prayer is responsive or not. The key is not to do so in a disturbing, obnoxious way, and if a Christian has done so for you, I apologize.
2006-07-29 17:25:43
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answer #3
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answered by ensign183 5
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I think that some Christians feel like they have to "work at" being a Christian so that God (or worse, other people) will be impressed by them. This usually includes trying to "save" other people or putting bumper stickers on their cars that show pictures of people praying so that everyone will know how great and pious they are. God loves us no matter what so, I don't really see the point.
2006-07-29 17:24:46
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answer #4
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answered by bluenote2k 2
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What is it going to hurt. When people tell me that they are going to pray for me, I just say "Thank you", whether I asked for (or want) their prayers or not. It stops me from reacting like an idiot, and it doesn't hurt anything.
Don't get upset over it. They are just doing what they think is the right thing to do because you are doing what you think is the right thing for you and they don't agree with your choice. They do this out of concern for you. Everyone is different, and you should just let it be. What harm is done, really?
2006-07-29 17:26:13
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answer #5
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answered by Oblivia 5
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They are trying to guilt you into their faith. I wondered the same thing for awhile, but there has been a few times that I have had someone praying for me or my family. I figure if prayers really do work--the more the better, right? If for some reason they do not work, which I do not believe, then what damage has been done?
2006-07-29 17:27:49
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answer #6
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answered by beccajanez29 2
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It's either that, or they tell me I'm going to burn in hell. My family just argues with me, shreds some tears, offers to pray for me, then gives up for a couple of months. My personal favorite is when they go into detail about how horribly I'll suffer in hell. You can sometimes tell that they're enjoying it -- like the thought of non-Christian suffering is very exciting for them. Very sad people.... True Christians should kick these people out instead of embracing them.
And some Christians wonder why non-Christians get so easily irritated with them....
2006-07-29 17:25:59
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answer #7
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answered by Alex 2
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Because the results of prayer is not only for Christians. Christians know that prayer is the most important way of communicating with Christ. We may be praying for God to help you with any one of your vairous situations not just so that you will become a Christian but because we care about other peoples problems and we desprately want to help in any way that is possible, and we know in our hearts that prayer makes that possible.
2006-07-29 17:25:00
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answer #8
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answered by *Ashley* 2
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It's sad isn't it? That Christians think they're all that and only they are right and that the world revoloves around them... think again. You are nothing but a bunch of people with a religion... just like everyone else! Don't take it too seriously. So sad.
2006-07-29 17:23:50
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answer #9
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answered by Dark Witch 2
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I think it's because they think that people who arn't Christian are going to be punished, and they don't want that to happen.
They could thing people without their own believes are somehow immorale and don't have any morales or ethics but I think some people actually do care, and that's a pretty stupid generalizing statement.
Maybe they don't realize that it's a bit offensive or people don't like it?
2006-07-29 17:24:12
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answer #10
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answered by Adam G 4
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