Recently, I've had quite a few people inform me that they're going to "pray" for me. I feel odd saying "thank you," because I'm an atheist, and obviously, these people are religious. Most are unaware of my atheism, and of course, saying "Oh, there's no need for prayer; I'm atheist," would be strange and awkward.
What is the appropriate response to "you're in my prayers?"
2007-10-11 12:31:13 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
My discomfort with "thank you," in this case, is not due to a lack of gratefulness. I simply find it strange to say thank you, without them knowing that in fact, I see no purpose in their prayer, and do not feel it will help me, in any way.
2007-10-11 12:46:33 · update #1
They're wishing you well, in essence. Unless they are saying it condescendingly, it's meant with the best of intentions. I simply say "thank you".
2007-10-14 08:54:28 · answer #1 · answered by Deke 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can say "Oh, there's no need for prayer; I'm atheist," but that might trigger them to pray for you even more. If you don't believe, and it gives them joy..are they hurting you? I don't have an answer for you ..Just asking would do it for me..I am a Christian but I can accept your choice.
2007-10-11 19:39:03 · answer #2 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Just saying thank you is fine. If you want to explain that you are atheist that is okay also. We will still pray for you. Just know that when people say they are praying for you it is because they really care about your circumstances and your life.
2007-10-11 19:44:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
U can answer them why do u feel the need to pray for me, u are gently misguided sweetie and i hope u realize the error u are making before u have to take the mark of satan or before u have to go into hiding for fear of death or worse for not taking the mark after the rapture happens, i pray for u my sister and god keep u safe and out of harms way...
2007-10-11 19:51:19 · answer #4 · answered by THE UK WILDCAT FAMILY 10 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
thnx won't kill u will it? No it has never hurt to say thnx besides i suppose u are a good person even though u are an atheist and u can be nice hah? i never heard u guys are not good so saynx thnx is ok we will still pray 4 u anyways even if u don't say nothn
2007-10-11 19:38:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
just say thanks. I don't pray to any god, but I do believe in meditation, in focusing my will on achieving a goal, and that's what I think prayer really is, anyway. So just think of it like that, if you want to. They are sending positive energy your way, and that's never a bad thing.
2007-10-11 19:36:42 · answer #6 · answered by th3_0n3_r1ng 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the person you're talking to and also how weird you're willing to look. With family, when someone says "thank god", i say "you're welcome." with church friends who like to impose their beliefs on you and not hear 2 sides, i usually let it slide unless i feel like an argument.
in society, "you're in my prayers" is a "how are you" and "thank you" is the "fine."
peace.
2007-10-11 19:43:50 · answer #7 · answered by somebody 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I try to avoid bringing up the facts that im an atheist.
but if the urge is to strong, I say "you know....if there was a god im sure that would be nice"
2007-10-11 19:53:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I thank them because they have my well being in mind. I see no need to do otherwise.
2007-10-11 19:35:15 · answer #9 · answered by dddbbb 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I just say, "please don't, I don't want nor need for you to pray for me."
It may sound a little insensitive, but it's how I feel and that's what I tell people.
2007-10-11 20:39:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋