I'm in marching band, and for good luck, we have a 206 person prayer circle. I'm not 'out of the closet' as an atheist and this Saturday is my turn to lead the prayer, being that I am a leader in the band. I have a few friends that are Christians that know I'm an atheist, and I don't want them to think that I'm mocking them or making fun them by leading the prayer.
Also, does that make the prayer 'in-valid' because I said it, and not a Christian? I mean, I'm only 1 out of 206, will your God shun my band because I said the prayer?
Oh, and is there anything I ~shouldn't~ say while praying? I really don't want to offend anyone.
2007-10-18 13:03:31 · 14 answers · asked by :) 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Please read this man's story.
It may provide an answer to your dilemma:
http://www.near-death.com/storm.html
2007-10-18 13:09:31 · answer #1 · answered by wefmeister 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
As Daisy Indigo said: You can pray however you like, it doesn't have to be to God. Think of it as connecting with your higher consciousness.
Obviously you want to be in the marching band and you're prepared to accept all the baggage that comes with it.
Be aware that you're extremely unlikely to be the only atheist who hasn't 'come outa the closet' - there could be ten, twenty or even a hundred within the "206 person prayer circle".
Invisible sky men, puppies, santas, ghosties, faeries and pixies do not exist - you won't set off lightning bolts and Golgotha like storms.
NOTHING is gonna swoop down outa the sky to harm you.
You make the prayer up in anyway that's comfortable for you.
"Think of it as connecting with your higher consciousness" sounds good.
2007-10-18 14:09:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The purpose of a group prayer is to say something inspirational that everyone can get behind and feel good about. You should be able to do that without mentioning God or Jesus. Unless this is a religious school or organization, no one has any cause to object.
2007-10-18 14:12:39 · answer #3 · answered by injanier 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I can totally relate. All threw school we always had prayer sessions and 'meeting at the pole' where you would have to sit there and listen to the teachers pray and what not. But I usually went along with it didnt sit there and 'praise Jesus' but I would bow my head and go with the flow. Its only big deal as you make it. Other students would refuse to go out and even partake in it but hell I wanted to get out of class. Just make it short and sweet. Use words like I would like to give thanks for this beautiful day and wish good health and happiness upon my fellow classmates. Try not using the words Jesus and Father things like that and I think you should be fine.
2007-10-18 13:19:20 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You could fake it, but what would make you feel worse: knowing you faked it or if you passed on leading it, knowing you were out of the closet? If you were a true atheist, you wouldn't think something would really happen to your band because of you.
2007-10-18 13:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd think you'd be an insult to everybody who actually did believe. Maybe you could attempt a secular prayer? Invoke everybody's skill and knowledge and hope for a good performance, without having to ask anybody's sky father for assistance.
2007-10-18 13:09:53 · answer #6 · answered by nobody important 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i dont think u should lead it if u are an atheist. i would just explain ur beliefs to ur coach and have the coach have someone else do it. in general, having prayers like that are common among teams. however, if a person on that team doesn't believe in that particular religion, he/she doesn't have to be involved. I would just explain it to the coach and have someone else do it.
2007-10-18 13:10:26 · answer #7 · answered by Scotty 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can make an inspirational statement instead of a prayer.
A bigger question, assuming that it is a school band, is why you are being placed in a position where you feel pressured to pray.
2007-10-18 13:12:11 · answer #8 · answered by Paladin 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I think it's nice of you to be concerned. However, if you are not a believer, I don't know why you'd lead the prayer. However, God loves you and don't worry about it.
2007-10-18 13:07:37 · answer #9 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If you're truly an atheist, you shouldn't care if the prayer is invalid or not. Atheists don't believe in God, remember? I think it's nice that you're concerned, though. Pray this: "Father God, thank you for being the one and only true God. Thank you that you sent your son to die for our sins, that whoever believes will have everlasting life. If anyone here is unsure of their beliefs, please reveal Yourself in their lives so they may come to know you." Can't hurt, you're not praying to anything, right? And if something does happen, it'll be in your best interests anyway.
2007-10-18 13:12:54 · answer #10 · answered by Linnie 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
"We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. John 9:31
If I were you, I would tell somebody that you are uncomfortable with it; they should be understanding enough to let you off the hook
I would not pray to a different "god" than God for somebody elses sake, why should you have to?
2007-10-18 13:14:16 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋