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Do you simulate pray in a group setting?

when a group of people say "let's pray" or even maybe at a family function over the holidays for example, or at a funeral. When a group is silent in prayer do you acted it out?? honestly for myself, it happened over the holidays. And what did I do? I checked Espn on my phone to get the latest college bowl scores! What do you do??

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Permalink Reply by James Kz on January 15, 2013 at 6:12am

I remain silent, but make no pretence to praying. On the other hand, the overwhelming majority of my family is atheists (I corrupted them all).

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Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on January 15, 2013 at 6:19pm

this is what i do too. not much opportunity for me either, due to almost no existing family.

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Permalink Reply by Steph S. on January 15, 2013 at 9:37am

I do not act like I am praying. I keep my eyes open and my head up and I usually glance around the room bored.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on January 15, 2013 at 10:14am

I do that too.. An when I look at someone else who isn't praying I think "ahh there a non-believer too" :)

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Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on January 15, 2013 at 6:19pm

I"ve done that too.

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Permalink Reply by John Aultman on January 15, 2013 at 9:40am

No.

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Permalink Reply by Tim on January 15, 2013 at 10:17am

I'm waiting for someone to say it's "disrespectful" to not be silent or to look at your I-phone while people are praying!! What would your response be?

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Permalink Reply by Michael Black on January 15, 2013 at 11:45am

"And, I think it is plain silly to pray to something that isn't there."

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Permalink Reply by Frizzletoad on January 15, 2013 at 10:42am

I volunteer at a local soup kitchen, working along side many from local religious organizations, and they always have a prayer before we serve. I just stir the soup.

At family/work functions (why are we having prayer at work?) I just look straight ahead and keep as quiet as possible.

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Permalink Reply by Sentient Biped on January 15, 2013 at 6:20pm

Good Q about why are they having prayer at work. I think that's a path to discrimination and potential harassment.

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Permalink Reply by Greg on January 15, 2013 at 10:54am

Checked ESPN on your phone? While prayer time is usually a silent moment, I don't think that would prevent my wife from throwing a lamp at me if I pulled that stunt. I took a newspaper in with me once while accompanying my wife to mass and still haven't heard the last of it.

I sit/stand quietly with my hands folded, eyes open as a show of respect for the beliefs of those around me. I may not believe as they do but I have no intention of being obnoxious about it. I live with these people and if I want respect for my beliefs I suppose I had better have respect for theirs.

If I knew there would be a prayer at work or some other event I'd try to figure out how to be busy elsewhere.

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Permalink Reply by Frizzletoad on January 15, 2013 at 11:52am

Ha! I'm sure my wife would do the same. I agree in showing respect for the beliefs of loved ones, just as long as they don't give me any grief about not joining in.