..it if they don't want you to pray for them?
Why wouldn't you just do the humble thing (like your bible teaches you to do) and pray without telling them you will?
Do you expect some kind of acknowledgement for the action?
Is it not like trying to rub peoples face in your religion after they've told you to butt out?
It seems kind of childish, arrogant, and rude to tell someone that you'll pray for them after they've told you they are Atheist. Its like saying "I'm going to tell daddy on you".
2007-06-03 05:07:10 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I'm with Kishi.. it's the christian version of "f-you".. if they all just stopped worrying about us and actually following what their alleged messiah taught, we'd all be a lot better off.
2007-06-03 05:23:44 · answer #1 · answered by Kallan 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I agree with you; I think the phase is tossed out gratuitously all too often.
But there are some situations where all of us, believers and otherwise, don't really know what to say -- when a person's loved one has died, for example -- and we know that all we can offer is prayer, so we tell them. I would hope that even in those cases, the beliefs and sensibilities of the one we're trying to comfort are respected ... and perhaps for some it would still be best to do the praying privately. As a Catholic, I often request Masses to be said, but skip sending the bereaved a card to that effect if they aren't also Catholic; to others, it could be offensive rather than comforting.
Bottom line; we need to be compassionate and respectful. Not all are. Most of us try.
2007-06-03 12:20:05 · answer #2 · answered by Clare † 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a Christian, I've never told a non-believer that I would pray for them unless someone at work or something told me they were sick then I'd say, I'll pray for them. Prayer doesn't hurt. Most non-believers don't mind a bit. I never use prayer like you mentioned above as a weapon against someone. That's not what prayer is about. And yes I agree, that in most cases I will pray without telling them but sometimes such as when someone is in pain or suffering with a problem it seems better to let them know, as a way of comfort and assurance letting them know that I care enough to pray.
2007-06-03 12:22:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I've been an atheist for most of my life, and I can't count the number of people who've said they will pray for me. I'm not sure I understand what people find to be so offensive about this. To me, prayers are simply words. To others, they are direct requests to a higher power to help me out in time of need.
If they believe prayer helps, that's fine. I'm not going to be a snot and behave rudely over something that really is harmless and innocent. Sometimes it pays to take the high road, and allowing someone to pray for me is a painless way to do so.
2007-06-03 12:19:24 · answer #4 · answered by iamnoone 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its not necessary to tell them you are praying for them. Faith is the key element in prayer and people without faith may get in the way of the prayer being answered. The best thing to do is get a prayer partner to agree in prayer on this persons prayer need.
Matt 18:19-20 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them." These are Jesus words.
2007-06-03 12:15:01 · answer #5 · answered by Stratobratster 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You are exactly correct, and that is what I do. The only time anyone on here knows I'm praying for them is if they have specifically requested prayer.
2007-06-03 12:20:23 · answer #6 · answered by beano™ 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I know, it's rather insulting.
But in a weird way, I like it when they at least tell me. I love having funny images in my head.
And somehow, the image of a Fireball or anybody else kneeling down besides her bed, folding her hands together, and mumbling how God should pay special attention to Markyyy tonight, always gives me a chuckle.
I can only hope she spells your name correctly in her prayers. Wouldn't want God to aim his blessings at the wrong people.
2007-06-03 12:21:25 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Exactly. It's just their way of saying "F you" and still be able to call themselves good little Christians in their own minds.
2007-06-03 12:15:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
I thought you would have caught on by now. It's Xtian-speak for "F You!"
2007-06-03 12:12:37 · answer #9 · answered by Phartzalot 6 · 4⤊ 2⤋
I concur.
2007-06-03 12:10:11 · answer #10 · answered by The Pope 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋