Atheists, how do you respond when someone says "I'll pray for you"?

Question

Though I very strongly doubt prayers have any effect whatsoever, I know the people offering them mean well, so I just smile politely. You?

Answer 1

I do the same, my friend...

Heck, I was in Monterey this weekend at the bike races - the Christian Motorcyclist Association is there every year, providing FREE helmet and gear checks, so you dont have to carry around all your heavy stuff. I not only thanked them, I said "Bless you kind people for doing this for us for free."

Who cares if Im an atheist? It made THEM feel good. Not having to carry all my heavy stuff around made me feel good. Tit for tat. Tis what life is all about - treating others how I want to be treated - with kindness and RESPECT.

Answer 2

As you point out many people who offer to pray for you do mean well. I try hard to smile or, at the very least not to lash out at them. On the other hand, some Christians have a particularly condescending way of saying, "I'll pray for you." It's a tone-of-voice thing that turns something nice into something nasty. Those Christians might receive a sharp, "Don't bother" or, "I'd rather you didn't."

Edit: Way to go, "So_crates!" Yes, a positive loving response is also possible, given the proper circumstances.

Answer 3

I really like this question a lot.

My opinion, though?

I'm a very strong nonbeliever and many Christian sayings bother me a lot, but if the person is genuine, like a happy grandmother, then I just nod and say thank you.

Actually, if anyone says it to me in a positive context, I just grin and bear it. I mean, they mean good.

Now, if someone comes up to me and says, "I'll pray for you because you are a lesbian/athiest/sinner," then I get pretty mad and will say a few things of my own.

It all depends on the context.

Now, don't get me started on sneezing and the, "God bless you" 's.

Answer 4

I just take it as they mean it. I know THEY believe in God and so, to them, praying a good thing to do for someone.

Although, it's annoying when someone says "I'll pray for you" in response to learning that you're an athiest. As if they need to pray for God to save your sole. It's like, "dude, how about instead of praying you actually do some real thinking about the subject." It makes me mad when someone points out serious, legitimate flaws in the teachings of a religion and the only response the believers come back with is, "You just need to pray." Give me a break.

Answer 5

I tell them to stop wasting their breath on a god of apathy.

I have actually had people email me that sort of thing many times. You think they would be more concerned with the sick children or people dying of starvation but no, it's us heathens that need to be saved. It's pathetic.

Of course if the person was truly being sincere then i would just tell them ok. Prayer is meant to make the person praying feel better so it doesn't actually affect me in any way. Most people who have said that to me though are using as a means to try and annoy me and it is usually from here. lol

Answer 6

It depends on how it's said. If the person means It I will say thank you, but most of the time they say it really arrogantly, to which I just say "Whatever".

I would have mention Mighty Cthulhu, but a certain someone stole my "thing".

Answer 7

I say thank you. Prayers are simply good wishes directed to the person's higher power of choice. And who can't use a bit more positive energy?

Answer 8

Does it bother you? The person saying that usually means well for you, unless it's a condescending kind of remark.

Answer 9

I metaphorically pat them on the head, and smile that, 'nevermind I know you are Special' kind of way.

Answer 10

I smile politely and try to change the subject.