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What do you guys say when someone offers to pray for you?

Hi,

I'm new here and was just wondering what you guys say to someone when they hear about a situation with you or your family and they respond by saying "you have my prayers" or "I'll be praying for you" or something like that? I don't usually say much or just move the conversation on, but more and more as I age maybe, I want to somehow tactfully let them know that I don't believe in god(s) or prayers. I am not at all offended, if they believe they will help me by praying, so be it, but for some odd reason I never know what to say when someone tells me they'll be praying for me... Any suggestions or input would be appreciated! Have a great weekend everyone!

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Permalink Reply by damian on January 11, 2013 at 9:29am

My brother just got out of the hospital and almost died due to a virus. Everyone is saying they are praying for his quick recovery. I'm having trouble understanding why adults can't see what's wrong with their logic. So god couldn't prevent the virus, so, what's prayer for? Very frustrating. I literally get ill when peeking in on the facebook conversations. I hate to say that about my family and extended family, but it's true. This is one reason i don't have facebook (i use my mom's sign in to view profiles:). I'd probably get jumped if i went against the prayer for recovery business, and i'd have trouble restraining my thoughts online.

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Permalink Reply by Joseph P on January 11, 2013 at 9:35am

I'd specifically be sure to share my thoughts, any time the mindless, prayer-squad stuff showed up on my page. That's why I don't have Facebook, either. I'd love the discussion, but I can't afford the time, right now. I'd spend so damned much time on there.

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Permalink Reply by Sgsupernova on January 20, 2013 at 8:40am

As Seth Andrews from The thinking atheist says, you pray for me and I will think for you.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Whitwell on January 20, 2013 at 10:23am

How about, "I appreciate your support"

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Permalink Reply by damian on January 20, 2013 at 10:47am

So simple, why didn't i think of it? You are appreciating "their" support:)

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Permalink Reply by Steph S. on January 21, 2013 at 4:01pm

I like that Bill

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Permalink Reply by Frizzletoad on January 20, 2013 at 1:04pm

Most of the time, I just keep quiet, but I have been known to reply:

"No need to pray for my benefit, but if it makes you feel better, go right ahead." Comes off a bit snarky, though.

And when my religious friends ask for prayers, I usually just tell them I am sending them "mental hugs."

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Permalink Reply by Michael OL on January 20, 2013 at 3:49pm

The implicit idea behind "prayer" is that if the individual remains without prayer, he remains a single unit. But if the subject of prayer, then he's absorbed into the tribe. His formerly solitary tribulations now become the entire tribe's, and therefore rise in importance. The deity might sacrifice the solitary individual, but not the whole tribe. The deity might punish a solitary individual, but if the whole tribe is affected, the solitary punishment is no longer just.

Therefore my response to offers of prayer is to thank the offeror for their affirmation of my tribal identity.