If a Christian says that they will keep you in their prayers......?

Question

.....and then doesn't say those prayers, is that considered an offense against their god? I know people who say this lip service all the time.

To answer how I know if they pray or not, this was a close friend and I asked her if she really prayed for people when she said that and she said no. I am an atheist, so of course I could care less if she prays or not. But I was curious if saying you will pray for someone and then intentionally does not..if this would be considered some kind of offense. I can see forgetting...but I wondered if this really is considered lip service or a lie.

Oh please, asking a question is not bashing.

Answer 1

I just groove on your Q's, It is lip service mostly, people say it to make themselves feel good. They're coming off as empathetic and caring, they're also convincing themselves and the person they've said it to, that they have special relationship with this all hearing GOD. This simple statement makes them feel good and usually makes the other person feel good because its a nice sounding gesture. I do agree that it is said more than it is done. It would then be a sin of some-sort against a God that doesn't listen or exist. Most thumpers are hypocrites in every aspect of their lives. Mother Teresa stands out as someone who would do and live like her book intended. She was wrong in her assertion that the was a God but it had to make her feel good that she did his work and I know it had to help millions who came in contact with her actions. I'm sure if you asked her she would say most people gave lip service to the needy, or were hedging their bets to make the cut to heaven.

Answer 2

If I personally say I will pray for you I will usually say a prayer right after our conversation even if I am in my car, outside, at work Etc. If I remember at home or at bedtime I will then pray for them again. I believe people are usually genuine when they say it. It takes guts for some people to say it especially if you don't know how the other person feels about prayer. I wouldn't say it's an offense against God but I believe if you say it you should pray it lol (sorry I had to). For those that just say it and don't mean it I believe they are putting on a show and are not strong Christians, unless they forgot.

Answer 3

Wow, I'm surprised.

I mean, it's such a small thing, to add a person to one's prayers.

Unless it's because your friend doesn't pray at all? But then why say it?

I guess it's just an expression.

My mother is friends with some nuns, and I'm sure that when they say they are going to pray for her, that they really do, but that's the kind of people they are.

Thanks for this info. This is very interesting.

Not that I really care, as I don't think there's anyone to pray to.

It's also interesting to see the various answers you've gotten. Some people are saying yes, it IS a sin (which is what I would have thought).

See, this is the sort of thing this site is for. Although not everyone (like me, for instance) actually answered the question, you did get a lot of real answers. Apparently there's no consensus on this issue among the religious.

Answer 4

It's not really an offense if they forget, just a loss of personal discipline. But to intentionally not pray for someone after telling 'em you would is a lie, plain and simple. It's no different from any other kind of sin.

Funny you should ask. Isn't the term "lip service" really another euphemism for a lie?

Answer 5

In my oponion it is. Usually if I say I am going to keep some one in my prayers I will say a short prayer as soon as I tell them this. Or I will say a prayer for them at night before I go to sleep. If you say you will keep some one in your prayers and don't then you have lied, which in the Chiristian religion is a sin. However people can forget some time and I do not think God holds this against a person. I read above were a man says that some people say this just trying to act like they are better than you and I have met people like this. It is a way for them to judge you and in this case it is wrong. God is supposed to be the only judge

Answer 6

I wouldn't care about it either way. I am not a christian, but if someone says they will pray for me, let them. That is their belief and who am I to tell them that they can't.
And as far as whether they pray or not, I feel is irrelevant. Saying "I'll pray for you" is a sentiment, and I think that it is more the good thoughts that you need rather than the physical prayer.

Answer 7

Great question. You are correct. I think it would be a terrible offense not only against God but to the person they said they would be praying for.

Answer 8

Im curious how you know they dont? Do they admit..oh darn it...I forgot to pray for you...

If they had no intention of doing it in the first place that would be considered a lie but this is a good example to show the mercy of God. It is impossible to NOT sin. Just by "forgetting" you can sin...so God (knowing our humanity) grants forgiveness.

You sound a little unforgiving yourself....

Answer 9

Firstly you say, 'I know people who say this lip service all the time.' How do you know?

Of course it is wrong to say I will pray for you and not do it.

Prayer is very powerful and covet the prayers of saints (catholics don't go off on me, not your saints, true saints).

Answer 10

No. In Christian theology the intention is what is important. The minute a person says that you are in their prayers, the prayer is made. The kindness they express is the true prayer. If they pray formally later and remember you, then all the better. If they forget to mention you in formal prayer, but think about you later, again a prayer is made. We believe that God knows what is in our hearts, there is no need to speak it to him/her. When we do it is more for our sake, so that we can name our intentions.