is an empty promise of prayer a sin, since it's like a lie?

Question

so many people in here and in the real world promise to pray for you for this reason or that reason. it's highly unlikely that each one of them actually do it. (although many probably would) so if you say you will, then just don't, is it a sin?

Answer 1

What I wouldn't give to hear some of those prayers...

"Oh, Lord...please bless and watch over TongueBlaster69, Asshat3000, and Deke.

In fact, give that last guy a double shot. Amen."

Answer 2

Personally I usually avoid the "sin" discourse because it's tricky ground. For example, lying is usually bad but it's not always wrong (think people hiding Jews from Nazis). In this case, however, it is pretty wrong. It's hypocritical. And you're right in assuming that people don't always pray when they say they will.

I've been guilty of this several times. I never say "I'll pray for you" spitefully to someone who believes in something I don't, but a lot of times people ask me to pray for them (mainly my family) and I say I will. I hardly make good on that, usually because I forget, but it really makes me feel crappy.

Answer 3

jesus did not lie there are regulations which could be observed whilst we pray. John 9:31 Now all of us comprehend that God hears not sinners: yet whilst any guy be a worshiper of God, and does his will, him he hears. James 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and choose to have, and can't acquire: ye combat and conflict, yet ye have not, because of fact ye ask not. James 4:3 Ye ask, and acquire not, because of fact ye ask amiss, that ye would devour it upon your lusts. Mat 21:21 Jesus spoke back and pronounced unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye believe, and doubt not, ye shall not basically try this that's finished to the fig tree, yet in addition if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou bumped off, and be thou forged into the sea; it is going to likely be executed. Mat 21:22 And all issues, in any comprehend ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall acquire. James a million:6 yet permit him ask in faith, not something wavering. For he that wavers is almost a wave of the sea pushed with the wind and tossed. James a million:7 For permit not that guy think of that he shall acquire any component of the Lord. James a million:8 A double minded guy is volatile in all his techniques.

Answer 4

If they actually do pray for everyone they say they'll pray for, you'd think they'd eventually get the hint that praying to a god is as effective as praying to a bag of rocks.

http://www.whydoesgodhateamputees.com/

Answer 5

When I say it, I mean it, even if it's just a quick prayer at the computer. Sometimes things will jog my mind, too.

Answer 6

Yes, it would be a sin. By making such a statement and then not following through with it is just a way to glorify yourself.

Answer 7

No it is not a sin, Because we are humans & we sometimes forget, But God already knew about the prayer request before we even ask him. God Never forgets his Childrens.

Answer 8

That is not the emprty promise; prayer itself is the empty promise. Prayer does not influence God, as God's plan is made, as I undestand religious people to believe.

Answer 9

if you say you are going to do something and then don't do it (whether prayer or not) then you just lied to someone.

so yes it is a sin.

Answer 10

If I tell somebody I will pray for them, I do. Sometimes it's specific, and other times it may be something as simple as "Lord, please let her know you are there for her"; but I still pray.