Why do people always say "I'll pray for you" instead of ?

Question

Instead of getting off their @sses and actually doing something.

Prayer requires no personal sacrifice. Getting off your @ss and doing something DOES>

SOMEBODY DOWN THERE TOLD THE TRUTH.

Answer 1

Well I think you answered your own question.

Answer 2

Just a respect type of thing. If something happens to a family memeber and they are in the hospital, most people will feel prayer will help that person, and it's not up to them in that case.
Some do use it in a way, say you have a different view on something than someone else, and they say I'll pray for you rather than talking about it. Seems to just be a saying in that case.

Answer 3

Sometimes, my dear, prayer is actually 'doing something.' There are so many times when a shoulder to cry on and a comforting thought that someone who cares for you is praying for you is all that you can hope for, such as at the death of a loved one. In that case, what exactly would you have them do?

Answer 4

I always tell someone,"I'll be thinking of you, and please let me know if there is anything I can do to help." AND I follow up a short time later by either doing something I know will help, like bringing a dinner, or calling the person again to ask if I can do something. Good to know people are praying for you, but they need to recognize that people in need are sometimes reluctant to ask for help. So if you know somebody in a difficult situation, try to think what you can do: bring dinner, mow their lawn, run errands for them, etc.

Answer 5

That's a very good question. I'm a Christian and I've noticed that a lot of Christians aren't doing what was commanded of them - helping the poor and the sick...visiting those who are in prison...blessing our enemies. What's the deal? Christians, this is how we're supposed to be set apart from the world. But when we sit on our butts and talk big without DOING big, then we're just lazy hypocrites. We should be holding ourselves to a higher standard. Many thanks to the person who asked this question.. It should get us all thinking.

Answer 6

Its a courtesy. Prayer is an active process that requires you to take action along with praying.

Answer 7

Sometimes that is the only that to do. But I do agree maybe people should pray AND write to their congressmen about Darfur instead of just praying. Just using Darfur as an example...

Answer 8

As a known atheist, I usually get the "I'll pray for you" at the end of a long discussion with a witnessing christian. I equate it to them saying to me, "whatever....", or "since I cannot convince you to believe as I do, I will make myself feel superior by showing you that I can pray to my god, and you cannot, because you don't believe in one."

Answer 9

That is a very good question. But at the same time why do we continue to throw unthinkable amounts of food away while people are starving Africa?

Answer 10

Maybe they're doing both, where possible ? But I guess it would never occur to you to give people the benefit of the doubt. I'm so glad I don't see the world through your cynical lens.

Answer 11

Depends on what the situation is...

my wife and I have been trying to concieve for sometime now. Every time we would go in for infertility, people would tell me "We'll be praying for you".
It's a nice thought that someone cares enough to ask god to help us though this.
And I really appreciate it.