What do you think is the best thing to say when someone who knows you're not religious says "I'll pray for you"? I actually find it to be rather insulting. Have you experienced this, and did you find it to be a rather rude thing to say?
2007-01-05 11:33:37 · 34 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Methinks you're looking for a retort:
"I'll think for you"
"Prayer: How to satisfy the need for action without any"
2007-01-05 11:44:33 · answer #1 · answered by Drew 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best reaction depends on the context.
A few years ago, I was being treated for cancer, and a lot of well-meaning people would make comments like "I'll pray for you." I didn't take it as an insult, but rather an expression of sympathy from someone who is religious and genuinely believed that was something positive that could be done to influence the outcome. I don't know if any response is appropriate in those kinds of situations other than, "Thank you" or "I'm sure that everything will be fine."
On the other hand, if someone is trying to convert you to a religion and you say you're not interested, then the "I'll pray for you" comment is insulting, and I think you're entitled to let them know you've been insulted.
2007-01-05 11:43:17 · answer #2 · answered by kyuzo777 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
People who say they will pray for you are actually caring the rude or insulting thing to say would be Go to He!!.
2007-01-05 11:39:43 · answer #3 · answered by Angelz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would depend on the context. If it's because you're going through a rough time for whatever reason and they care, just accept the good wishes and say "thank you." If you don't believe in prayer, what does it hurt?
If it's the condescending 'you'll see the light' type comment, then maybe something more stern is called for.
2007-01-05 11:39:57 · answer #4 · answered by milomax 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll pray for you, but you can either just say thank-you or smile and say " how kind". The speaker does not mean malice and only wants the best from their point of view for you. Be gracious, you'll sleep better.
2007-01-05 12:06:24 · answer #5 · answered by bluesue 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the person knows I don't believe in god and they say it then I take it as I can say whatever I want to them because I think its ridiculous. I usually tell them "thank you and may you finally wake up one day and realize your prayers mean nothing" but if they don't know I'll just say "pray for the starving kids in Africa or for the soldiers instead".
2007-01-05 11:41:17 · answer #6 · answered by Laura 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I usually just smile and say thank you. I mean, they probably aren't TRYING to insult you and even if they are what will it accomplish if you go off on them? They can pray for me all they want and it's not going to convert me, and it can't actually do any HARM, right?
Life's too short to get angry and offended over such a little thing.
2007-01-05 11:38:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
A gracious Thank You would be appropriate.
Or, you could respond in an arrogant, obnoxious manner !
Don't worry I wont say that I'll pray for you, Jesus warned us about casting pearls.
2007-01-05 11:41:27 · answer #8 · answered by Minister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i guess that depends on the situation. if they are worried about you or your loved one i would say thanks b/c even though you aren't religious it is their way of telling you they are concerned and want the best for you. if however you know they are being sarcastic tell them to take a hike. i not sure i know what you mean when you say you're not religious. does that mean atheism or that you just don't practice you're religion?
2007-01-05 11:41:39 · answer #9 · answered by racer 51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did they say it in a condescending tone or manner? Be polite! "Please don't" or "I'm not religious, and I don't want to trouble you..."
More than likely, it was done to be nice (which I have had happen). I just let them pray for me if they wanted to. It's an act of kindness, not someone trying to force you to convert!
If you REALLY don't want them to pray for you, just be polite and ask them not to.
You shouldn't offend them back if they wanted to be kind, but you shouldn't have someone doing something for you if you don't want it done.
2007-01-05 11:38:19 · answer #10 · answered by Shelby 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋