As an atheist, people will say to me "I'll pray for ____" I smile and thank them.
But I have never figured out a graceful way to respond when they ask ME to pray for them! I don't like to lie. I used to say "Sure will" and say a little prayer to my computer hard drive, but I don't like that solution either.
Lately I have just taken to responding with "I'll be thinking of you so much" but yuck! Does anyone have a better solution?
2006-11-08 10:48:20 · 20 answers · asked by Black Parade Billie 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"I don't believe in god, but I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best."
2006-11-09 23:44:29 · answer #1 · answered by undir 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Will you accept a slight parallelism? As a Pagan (who sometimes has to stay in the "broom closet"), occasionally I get asked the same thing. Or I might like to offer some sort of aid (say, if a group is having a magical healing circle) to a person who I know is a Christian, and who would REFUSE, if they knew...
I'll usually ask "may I ask others to keep you in their hopes?"--- and if the person says "yes", I figure that's enough of a "consent" to ask for magical help. (Most Pagans will not work magic on someone without permission.)
In your case, can you use something like "I'll be hoping that you have a full and perfect cure, but if that's not to be, I hope you get whatever strengths you need to get through....." ? This sort of comment has NEVER gotten a bad response, in my experience, and it sure saves a lot of theological explanations.....
2006-11-08 19:02:58 · answer #2 · answered by samiracat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would make the deciding factor my relationship with the asker. For instance, if it's someone I love who bases their entire identity in faith, I would not give such a blunt answer. If they could handle the entire truth, they would ask. It would break my parents' hearts to hear the "truth" as I believe it. Losing their faith would be too devastating, so I don't challenge it unprovoked. What good would it do them to worry about my salvation? It would burden them and I don't want that. I see it as their weakness that I am protecting.
If it is a stranger, I might give a more honest answer. Blunt honesty is not always a good or sensitive choice. You have to weigh the consequences.
2006-11-08 18:56:46 · answer #3 · answered by georgia b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honesty is always the best policy and the only one that works. If an athiest says to pray for them, right then you need to say, Why would you ask me that when you dont believe in God? You can also say I always pray for you, but if you are asking me to pray, it means you believe and just dont want to acknwoledge it. SO I will pray for YOU that you will admit what you already believe and learn to follow God. Always pray for someone when they ask. But, when an athiest asks this, its a great opportunity to ask WHY? Sometimes its the only way to know to bring up the topic, but run from it when its discussed. Also, you can say that you would love to pray, but ask they to pray with you. Often they are hoping to be asked, and just need to question asked. Just try it and remember honesty is Gods way, and always the best policy. People always wonder what should I say to this or that. Just state your case, inl love and let God take care of it. Never lie , as that doesnt please God. and if you dont feel like smiling, dont. thats false emotion, and that too is dishonest. I will pray for you. Press on with God and the truth.
2006-11-08 18:54:42 · answer #4 · answered by full gospel shirley 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell the truth. If you are an atheist and someone asks you to pray for them, tell them you are an atheist, and give them your sympathies, condolences, best wishes etc.
2006-11-08 18:59:23 · answer #5 · answered by resilience 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A good question. Here are some possible responses:
"All the powers in the universe are at your disposal."
"My hopes and dreams are yours for tonight."
"May wisdom guide you, those you love, and those who care for you."
"Every thought I have will be directed toward your well-being."
"Adversity is a great teacher, but its lessons are hard. Learn well, no matter what happens."
"I wish you the greatest peace of mind."
OR "I wish you the peace that passeth all understanding." (Biblical reference)
(Maybe I should apply to work for Hallmark.)
2006-11-08 18:57:32 · answer #6 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It is not something about which you should lie or even dissemble.
I say something like. . "I will be thinking of and wishing and hoping for. . . ."
I refuse to say 'praying' because it is a waste of time and emotional energy.
2006-11-08 18:53:43 · answer #7 · answered by DavidP 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be honest
prayers that get to God come from His children
If you don't want to make the move to God
point those people to effective prayers
ie. I know someone who is really into praying for people, etc
2006-11-08 18:52:55 · answer #8 · answered by firechap20 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ha, that's what I was going to suggest...'I'll be thinking of you'
I soo know what you mean...I have this problem.
Perhaps just be honest and say, well I don't pray but you will be in my thoughts.
Arrrghh! Cringey!! Ha.
2006-11-08 18:52:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you're really comfortable with your beliefs, why not just smile and say "I don't believe in prayer, but I wish you well"?
2006-11-08 18:54:14 · answer #10 · answered by Philo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just don't know. I've been in that situation, too. I don't like to lie, and I don't like to tell them that I don't believe in God when they're in a crisis.
2006-11-08 18:52:17 · answer #11 · answered by Let Me Think 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋