For example: You hear of an accident in which a young man sustains serious injuries, his condition is critical, and his medical prognosis is guarded. As a Christian, you feel led to pray for him and his family in this situation.
How do you pray for him, if he is --
A member of your own church?
Known to be an evangelical?
A Catholic?
Of a different faith, i.e., Muslim or Jewish?
Not a believer in God at all?
Or -- you have no idea what his beliefs are?
Is your prayer for his healing and recovery and his family's comfort different for any of these scenarios than others, or is it the same? In other words, is there usually a conversion addendum to your prayers for those not of your beliefs even when that's not the main reason for your prayer?
I'm sincerely interested. Hopefully the fact that I'm Catholic won't color your response.
2007-08-27 05:57:31 · 11 answers · asked by Clare † 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I pray for you, too, CJ. Daily.
2007-08-27 06:05:51 · update #1
When I hear sirens of first responders -- ambulances, police and fire fighters -- I pray that God will keep them safe. I pray that the people they are going to help will be kept safe, and I pray that the love of God will keep all of their families comforted and secure.
It's never entered my mind to wonder if they are believers or non-believers. I don't even care if they are criminals or victims.
I pray God keeps them safe, and that God comforts their families.
Godspeed.
2007-08-27 06:04:27 · answer #1 · answered by jimmeisnerjr 6 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I don't think belief (or lack of belief) is relevant. I always pray for God to keep everyone safe and make full recoveries of any injuries. I don't think people in crisis would care what belief someone is who wishes them to be safe and well. If I was in a car accident and an Atheist passed by and said "I don't believe in God, but I hope you'll recover", I would thank him for his kind words. I think it's more about sincerity and if it's coming from the heart, rather than what you believe.
2007-08-27 06:52:02 · answer #2 · answered by kaz716 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I didn't know whether or not the person was a christian I'd pray for him to get saved in addition to getting healed. Other than that, I would pray the same prayer for anyone in that situation.
2007-08-27 06:04:28 · answer #3 · answered by Rossonero NorCal SFECU 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
CJ - There are three things regarding you which I find surprising.
Being so judgmental and full of hate, I'm surprised that you pray for anyone else at all.
It surprises me that you believe in God, yet you judge who is saved rather than letting God do it. And only He knows the hearts of men.
Thirdly, I'd be surprised if your prayers were even answered with an attitude like that.
And yes, I will be praying for you...and I am a Bible-believing Catholic Christian working out my salvation with God...whether you LIKE it or not.
2007-08-27 06:10:25 · answer #4 · answered by The Raven † 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
For me, if I have a personal contact with a person in crisis, my prayer is much more sincere or passionate. General prayers for people I have no clue about have no passion to them. I believe that there will be a believer connected to everyone in some shape or fashion which will release a prayer for a crisis in their life or families life. So not all believers will have a need to pray for every crisis that comes along. I believe when we are prompted by the Holy Spirit to pray, it has much greater effect. Words without understanding behind them do not have power.
2007-08-27 06:06:57 · answer #5 · answered by JohnFromNC 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If someone asks for prayer, or if I feel that they need prayer, I pray for that person. Regardless of faith, I also pray that they will be closer to God. Usually, if they are of a different faith, or are struggling in faith, I will throw in a prayer for conversion according to God's will.
I also usually pray this:
Oh my God, I believe, I adore, I hope, I trust, and I love thee.
I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, do not trust, and do not love thee. Amen
I will especially pray for the souls of people who are dying or have died. This is the prayer I use:
Eternal rest grant unto them, Oh Lord,
and let perpetual light shine apon them.
May they rest in peace.
Amen
2007-08-27 10:44:42 · answer #6 · answered by momo5j7 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My Mother is also a Catholic and she prays for everyone equally.
When she sees a need for prayer she prays.
She doesn't care what the person's beliefs are....she prays for me all the time....I'm an Atheist.....LOL
2007-08-27 06:02:52 · answer #7 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
We are all worthy of salvation because of who created us and the grace that he pours out on us all.
The degree to which you know a person will affect your ability to help him/her and the family, but the prayer itself is the same for your enemy or your spouse. God doesn't weigh that prayer any more or less than others based on how well you know them. He's just happy that you're praying for someone.
2007-08-27 06:06:27 · answer #8 · answered by samans442 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well when i hear of someone in need of prayer it does not matter their religion, color, gender, or anything i pray for them all the same way. its what i've been taught by my family and my church.
2007-08-27 06:07:07 · answer #9 · answered by adel_chick2006 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I would pray for them.
And Catholics are more saved than people who go around saying who is and isn't saved.
2007-08-27 06:04:47 · answer #10 · answered by Acorn 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋