Is it appropriate to ask for people to pray for [insert real or imagined crisis here] in R&S?

Question

Clearly I don't think it is, if for no other reason than it is against YH's Guidelines.

The thing is, when the request is for little Timmy to be pulled safely from the well, or Grandma's hip operation, I feel like an utter cow for saying anything against it. But I equally resent being made to feel that way by the request being there in the first place. I'd say that's a fair definition of religious intimidation, really.

It's not at all that I don't feel for people in a bad situation, it's just that this is not the appropriate place to solicit prayers.

Thoughts, please?

Sorry Jade, no offence meant.

Actually the word I wanted to use would have meant that the question wouldn't have posted...

oldag the same can be said for any other questions or answers on here. That is, anyone can simply ignore something they don't like.

But is that necessarily the responsible thing to do?

It's not like this "issue" keeps me lying awake at night, it's much more a blowfly than an elephant stampeding through the room.

Answer 1

I totally agree.

This is SUPPOSED to be a "Question/Answer" forum.

I'll stick with Google Answers-- there it is a real QA forum.

Prayer requests are great to ask for but this is not the appropriate place to do it. For those who use this forum for that reason, please go to: groups.yahoo.com. Start a prayer meetin' there.

Blessings to you, my favorite "heathen"!!

Answer 2

As far as Yahoo's guidelines--they are ignored on here constantly anyway, so what is the difference if it's to ask for prayer ? Why would you feel bad when you are not required to pray or even acknowledge the request? I'm sure you don't respond to every question on YA.
Religious intimidation?! I hardly see how that is a fair definition. Perhaps you should be asking yourself why a simple prayer request on a religious forum intimidates you and makes you feel bad?

Answer 3

I think it's ok because those questions are the easiest for non prayer believers to ignore. You don't get "sucked in" so you can't really be offended by them. You have to admit, there are a lot more people who come here just to be mean or offensive, regardless of their religion or lack thereof, which is a more serious violation of YA guidelines.

Answer 4

I totally agree with you.

While they may not cause harm, prayer requests should be made amongst church-mates. If you want to get together with people from your church & start a prayer meeting go right ahead, but don't come here & assume everyone is the same faith as you are & ask for them to pray for some common (usually meaningless) thing.

Answer 5

Interesting question... since it is against policy, of course others should respect that and abide by the policy. On the other hand it might be even more interesting to know why, with the ability to simply ignore the request, it is an issue for you. Religious intimidation? I personally can't see it... that takes it beyond merely violating the policies of submission.

Answer 6

Emphasis on the 'imagined'. I think it's a ploy to attempt to exclude the Atheists from answering their question. In other words, Christians are making up stuff to further their own twisted desires. Sound familiar?

Answer 7

I'm fine with prayer requests. I think it's good for people to reach out to others when they are in crisis.

Answer 8

I see no harm in them and others prayers can help you do not have to pray or respond to them.

Answer 9

I dont mind seeing prayer requests
anything if it makes people feel better and give them a little hope
if you dont pray , then wish them well
and if this is R&S then is this not a good a place as any for those who believe in prayer to request them
no harm done

Answer 10

I agree completely. There are plenty of other venues for such activity. This is not the place.