When people say "I'll pray for you".

[Seymour Buts]

As others have said it would be interesting to know whether or not they do actually pray for you. I wonder more so about the actual religous ones, as I would think its pretty unlikely the non religous actually would.

Perhaps you might get a response out of them if you actually followed it up by asking if they had prayed for you. I imagine they might feel quite guilty if they hadn't, although they could always lie. You could dig it in a little by asking when, where and which prayer and so on which may give some clues as to whether they were lying or not. You could ask that whilst still sounding sincere and genuine. Perhaps not, however, if they knew your views.

The other thing is, if you were to ask them not to say that to you, you are in a way taking offence. I don't change my behaviour to suit religous people, although mainly in regard to what I consider small things such as 'blasphemy'. I would still endevour to treat them with respect.

[Alex]

What a brilliant idea! Say for example you were having a problem and someone offered to pray for you, next time you saw they you could say, "You obviously forgot to pray because my life is fallling apart!" Hilarious.

See the thing is, and this is why I ask this question, there are churches and preachers everywhere and as an atheist you have to be ok with that. So why then is it not ok for us to be openly atheist in front of everyone, and isn't it, in fact, a good idea as it does get people thinking. I think if we are all quiet about it change will be a lot slower. I used to have a quietly quietly approach but I believe in democracy and freedom of speech, and I am not saying anything wrong or incorrect so....have to admit I have culled a few friends doing it, but I can't relate to bible bashers anyway ; )

[Riddick]

Originally Posted by Alex

What a brilliant idea! Say for example you were having a problem and someone offered to pray for you, next time you saw they you could say, "You obviously forgot to pray because my life is fallling apart!" Hilarious.

Now that's funny, i like it.

But i actually find it offending when someone says, i'll pray for you, especially if you are going through a hard time, cause they are pretty much saying, i can't be bothered doing anything to help you but i want to make it look like i am.

Originally Posted by Alex

See the thing is, and this is why I ask this question, there are churches and preachers everywhere and as an atheist you have to be ok with that. So why then is it not ok for us to be openly atheist in front of everyone, and isn't it, in fact, a good idea as it does get people thinking. I think if we are all quiet about it change will be a lot slower. I used to have a quietly quietly approach but I believe in democracy and freedom of speech, and I am not saying anything wrong or incorrect so....have to admit I have culled a few friends doing it, but I can't relate to bible bashers anyway ; )

Yeah you have a point, i have a couple of Christian friends who say that Christians are being persecuted, and i say how?? you have a Christian TV channel, multiple Christian Radio stations, Christian shops, preachers freely preaching on street corners, a church on every block??? try wearing an Atheist t-shirt.

So i'm more outspoken now, they will get in there little Christian groups and me being the only Atheist, question their belief, hoping to force them to think, a little.

Atheism is becoming so much bigger now, as information is right at our finger tips (Internet), and the more we learn, about ourselves, the world, the Universe, the less that God can be shoehorned into our lives.

[Morbane]

Originally Posted by rayne

My question today is: What do people think about people saying they'll pray for you especially in times of stress?

Backstory: I woke up this morning to my mum sending me a message saying that my dad had gone to the hospital last night and the doctors think he may have had a mini stroke...

Because this is in regards to real people and a particular event. I guess it depends on your relationship with the person that said it and the tone of how it was said and what the person believes regarding prayer - plus their other actions.

When something like your Dad goes into hospital the people that care about you often feel very helpless. If they aren't in your close circle of friends and family, they may not feel comfortable supporting your family in other ways - like making meals or cleaning your house or sitting in the waiting room with you. So in that context, it's the same as saying what I'm about to say to you:

I'm sorry to hear your dad is in hospital and I hope he makes a full recovery.

Now I understand that a) I'm not responsible for your dad being in hospital, yet I say sorry anyway and b) I know me hoping he will get better wont effect his recovery in anyway, but it's a nice thing to say if you have empathy for other people.

So in that context it's much nicer to hear. "I'll pray for him" than say "good luck with that" or "I don't give a shit"

Now on the other hand if the person that said it believes that pray can heal your dad or aid his recovery, which it obviously can't, and they are someone close to your family that would be expected to offer support in other ways - but instead duck the responsibility and use 'being busy praying' as an excuse or as their contribution - then yeah, I'd call then on it.

But mostly, I think I'd personally just say thanks.

If your Dad however is really opposed to religious thinking and would not like that , then I think it's okay to say: "thank you for your offer of support / well wishes, but I don't think my Dad would like that. So I'd respectfully ask that you respect his beliefs"

But there's not right answer.

Now if your Dads doctor said it, well... its time for a second opinion!

[Mickcee]

I had a priest that I worked with say "I'll pray for you before I had a trip to hospital".
My response was "Thanks I appreciate the sentiment"

[Mr.PinkEyes]

They say they'll pray for me n i say go for your life no-one's listening.