I have a Christian friend (yes I do) that said she would pray for my family since we all have a nasty cold and quite frankly I didn't know how to respond to this since I am a non-believer. I just said thank you
2007-11-26 08:07:45 · 32 answers · asked by TSIRHC 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I take it as a compliment. Even though I don't believe that prayer does anything useful, it shows that they really care enough about you to do something about it.
Kind of like, "It's the thought that counts." So yes, "thank you" is a perfect answer.
2007-11-26 08:14:54 · answer #1 · answered by Alex H 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's what to say.
I say Thank you when anyone wishes me well
I am aCatholic Christian and i even thank Fundamentalists Protestants when they tell me that they are 'Praying for my deliverance from Rome" even though I am more convinced than ever that Catholicism is the truest and fullest form of Christianity.
God can sort out the prayers
2007-11-26 08:16:54 · answer #2 · answered by James O 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I say not thank you, do not waste your time praying to a god that does not exist. If you really want to help come and care for my family, make soup they can drink which will make them stronger, otherwise don't bother with ridiculous prayer. If she was a real friend she would know and respect the fact that you do not believe!!!
2007-11-26 08:17:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
That's a good response.
J.K. Rowling who believes in Harry Potter might have said to the other person to pray for themselves since she is a non-believer herself. That's what she was reported to have said recently in a news article.
2007-11-26 08:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your friend sounds like she was just trying to be a sincere friend. Saying thank you was the friendly response.
If you are curious about what she means by saying "I'll pray for you" then why don't you ask her. She is your friend after all.
2007-11-26 08:16:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you is the response your friend wanted you to say, most non believers still don't mind if someone says a prayer for them, I mean if you are a non believer it can't hurt anything anyway can it.
2007-11-26 11:51:01 · answer #6 · answered by victor 7707 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thank you is all you need to say. She was trying to be nice. When strangers say that, it's offensive because usually they're trying to "save" us. But when a friend does it because you're sick or there's been a tragedy in your family, they're doing it because they care about you. Just like saying "get well soon" or "hope you feel better" or "my heart goes out to you" only with more emphasis. It was her way of being a caring friend.
2007-11-26 08:15:28 · answer #7 · answered by Goddess 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As long as it is meant in goodwill, I'd say thank you.
Natural Order pretty much summed it up, too. She should be proactive if she is truly concerned, not just praying to a God for help. That seems lazy in my opinion...
2007-11-26 08:31:48 · answer #8 · answered by Jasumi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, you should be flattered because she is taking the time to care about you and your family and make your concerns part of her life.
She seems like a nice person and a good friend. "Thank you" is a perfectly adequate thing to say.
2007-11-26 09:15:56 · answer #9 · answered by Spiffs C.O. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's either a nice gesture, akin to saying "I'm hoping you'll be happy", or it's a way to criticize your unbelieving nature.
As an Atheist, I've seen lots of both types in R&S
2007-11-26 08:12:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋