When you don't pray...

[chicmom]

I do pray, but I also believe in Kharma. And I think that if you don't pray, you can maybe "send good vibes their way" or "wish them a speedy recovery". You could say "thinking about you, and hoping for the best".

I hope that helps you,

Sharon

 

[CarolJ]

When my granddaughter went through a serious illness involving long-term treatment, our family was appreciative of ANY support - whether it was prayers, good thoughts, sending a card - just saying that they're sorry this illness happened and that they're wishing that all the treatment will go well and she'll be okay soon. The BIG thing is knowing that other people are thinking of you. There are people who simply avoid anyone who is going through a hard time - and it's good to know that you have the support of family and friends.

 

[Young Heritage]

Quote:
X2

 

[punk-a-doodle]

I'm thinking that if you see it that way, there may be others that do too. It never even crossed my mind before.

Replying to this just cause you seemed curious, not because I am offended. Yeah, I know atheists, agnostics, different religious or spiritual groups who do not personally use or enjoy the term "non-believer" because it defines a person by one belief or belief system rather than their own, it implies they lack belief when they may believe in something spiritual or religious, and because the term 'non' tends to imply a lack of something/something missing. They just tend to prefer other terms, and then I know a few who prefer no labels and respond to questions of what their faith is as, "well, I believe what I believe", as in, whatever I call it, it ultimately is what it is

 

[RThomas]

Quote:
Usually something similar to this.

 

[Laurajean]

Quote:
Replying to this just cause you seemed curious, not because I am offended. Yeah, I know atheists, agnostics, different religious or spiritual groups who do not personally use or enjoy the term "non-believer" because it defines a person by one belief or belief system rather than their own, it implies they lack belief when they may believe in something spiritual or religious, and because the term 'non' tends to imply a lack of something/something missing. They just tend to prefer other terms, and then I know a few who prefer no labels and respond to questions of what their faith is as, "well, I believe what I believe", as in, whatever I call it, it ultimately is what it is

Right. I've had many Christians describe me as a non-believer, and I say I don't prefer that term, and they say "But why? You don't". And I try to explain, no, I actually DO believe, I just believe in different things than they do. It's kind of an accidental insult in a way. I know Debi, and I know she doesn't mean it that way. Now, "non-Christian" doesn't offend me, since that would be true. But I am very much a believer in my own faith.

 

[Ec_Prokta]

Thank you all for your help!

 

[BarefootMom]

In response to the original question-

I usually skip them and just say a silent prayer then. Prayer (in any form) should not be an only need basis. I can't stand it when people only pray when they need it. (or ask for prayers) If you are truely a praying Christian (for an example other religions would work along the same lines I am sure) you should be praying everyday and have the faith. You should have enough faith in God that you don't need random strangers to pray for you. I feel that you should keep it in your family or at the farthest within your church family. I don't understand posting on the internet asking for prayers. Every person that prays has family members and problems of all their own. Personally I don't want to burden them down with more problems. There are problems everywhere.

Anytime a prayer is asked for- someone will be offended. We are not all the same religion. I hate that people bunch all Christians up. There are many differences in relgions. Even differences in Baptists. I would be offended if someone called me out as being just a Baptist- I am not just a Baptist. I am a Missionary Baptist- not Southern, not First, not Second, not Primitive, not Freewill, etc. I am Missionary.

back on subject though- just skip if you don't know how to respond. or just say you will be in my thoughts if you must respond.

relgion is always a touchy subject-no matter what you believe in.

 

[welsummerchicks]

So, people should pray every day, and only praying when they are in trouble is like insincere? Or selfish?

How would I know they aren't praying daily?

Because....I think a lot of people pray daily, but they only ask other people to pray for them when they're in trouble...or mention praying for others when they are in trouble.

BUT....I was a little bit taken aback when a friend of mine told me she had prayed for me to be able to get a better fitted saddle - I was like - WHAT?

LOL!!!!!

That's interesting. Should a person pray for things they desire rather than need (mentioned above as well)?

 

[Orchid]

Quote:
I figure I'll pray for everything and let the big guy decide which ones are important. That better fitting saddle could prevent a nasty spill - you just never know!

In answer to the original question, in that situation I would simply say "best wishes" or "thinking of you" or "hoping for a good outcome".