Is the expression, "I'll pray for you" condescending?

Answer 1

Yes. Very much so.

Answer 2

Depends on the context.

Two divergent examples from my own life:

A couple of days ago, a coworker (who is an evangelistic Christian) asked me what my religious beliefs are, and I told him that I was agnostic. He didn't know what the word meant, so I explained it to him. He shared a look with another employee (also an evangelist), then said "I'll pray for you, bro" and changed the subject. I found this to be very condescending.

The converse of this, my girlfriend broke her ankle about a year ago, and time got kind of rough for us for a little while. I was talking with my mother one day during this period, and she said, "I know how you feel about praying, but I want you to know that I pray for both of you, and I'm going to keep praying for you." Although I don't believe that prayer affects anything, I appreciated the sentiment and was glad to know that someone had my and my girlfriends best interest's at heart.

I suppose that the phrase, "I'll pray for you" is condescending if the speaker is intending to condescend (consciously or otherwise).

Answer 3

The perception that it is condescending is the least that it is.

More critically, it can be a stark violation of spiritual law if not given permission to do so. We all endure circumstances that are intended by High Edict; and on a most high plane as well, these circumstances were agreed to, in order that we might evolve and ascend beyond our present limits.

Thereto, to pray for a person without their specific request and awareness in the very least -- without even their realizing it -- is to chance obstructing or intefering with the Works of the Hierarchies and the pre-set planning as so adjudged by Spirit for what that individual needs and on a level that few if any can even see, know, or understand.

This can slow a person's progress or even regress it, which can cause certain harm if not now then later, by which I mean he or she is kept from attaining merit that he is due or needs to experience now, not later, at which a later time may be null and void to the purpose for which it was intended.

Human beings seldom if ever know what things here on Earth are all about, for so few have truly explained it to them at the most deep levels -- not even the doctors in the schools or the clergy know themselves but to entreat their students and parishoners to have hope and faith, which by the way is not bad advice at all.

Answer 4

Depends on the instance.

If you're ailing in a hospital bed, and someone says they will pray for you, even if you're not of a praying religion, it can be seen as a nice gesture.

If you have a fight with someone and they stomp off angry and say "I'll pray for you," it's probably condescending.

Even though I'm agnostic, if someone wants to pray for me, I tell them to go for it. It's their schedule and their God, and I'll find out in the end anyway.

There's my $.02

Answer 5

Only if the use of the expression is to someone outside ones own faith. If a Christian has cancer, another Christian friend saying that is not at all condescending, but rather an attempt to be comforting. A Christian, Muslim, or Jew saying this to anyone outside their faith is being condescending, as this implies that the person to whom they are speaking is in the wrong, and in need of god's pity and forgiveness.

Answer 6

If it is the way you notice it then the terrific element to do is shop your enormous mouth close the subsequent time somebody says "how are you doing". you're speaking approximately people who stay their lives with replied prayer. it particularly is the reason they supply to wish for you. some may even pray for you precise there. the actuality which you do not have faith it does not do away with the capability of God from believers.

Answer 7

It is condescending and arrogant.

The speaker is saying they have special knowledge and power as well as access to a supreme being....and that they'll try and put a good word in for me. If only I wasn't so darn stubborn and rational and all...I could get a direct line to the big guy too.

It is also of course completely meaningless, and I know they mostly have the "best of intentions"

I am trying to get in the habit of responding with "Prayer is superstition" or something sarcastic like "I'll rub my lucky rabbits foot for you"

Answer 8

I find that it is unless I'm specifically asking someone to pray for me or for a certain situation. But it usually comes across as condescending.

Answer 9

Depends on who and how they say it and it what circumstances. If for some reason, when some asks my what my religion is, and I'm Wiccan, and if they say "I'll pray for you", than it's condescending. But, if I'm sick, and they say "I'll pray for you", than it really isn't condescending.

Answer 10

Great question! It depends on the intent (some people probably say it in earnest), but usually, I sense condescension in that remark, if not outright hostility and an attempt to demean my beliefs. If it's said with a simpering, fake-nice tone, or sarcastically, then yes, it's one of the tried-and-worthless methods theists often use to put-down those with whom they disagree. It also sounds really juvenile, kind of like "I know you are, but what am I?" lol

Answer 11

It depends on how the person means it. I have met people who were so genuine that I knew they truly meant it as an expression of love and concern after a healthy and invigorating religious discussion and debate, and I thanked them heartily for their concern.

Most of the people here who say it, however, usually mean it in the other way... "you are wrong, I am right, you are going to hell if I don't save you!" and totally forget that first, they're not to be judging me, and two, that it's supposed to be up to their deity to save me, not them.

Those deserve nothing more than an extended middle finger.