Are you offended when someone of another faith says they will pray for you?

Question

I'm not. They may believe differently than me but I always find their kindness to be heartwarming. Too many times people don't care about one another.

Answer 1

Not to be the lone dissenter, but I am. At least sometimes. Like with some Christian groups, the ones who believe that Jesus is the path to eternal salvation, or that sort of thing. Because when they say they're praying for you, they're not just saying they wish you well (it's more a sort of "I pray you will one day give up your heathen religion and find the path of righteousness" sort of thing)...and what they're implying is that you are a subject of their god...which is actually very disrespectful.

Other than that, no, I suppose I don't mind, but remember, someone "praying for you" can definitely have more than one meaning.  

Answer 2

I am not religious, however if someone is going to take the time to pray for me, I think that is very kind of them. You don't have to believe the same things they believe in order to be able to accept small acts of kindness! Plus, every little bit helps!!! :)

Answer 3

It depends on the context. For instance, if someone is praying for my weak and sinning soul, or whatever they call it, I'll probably be offended and view them as self-righteous and condescending. But if, for example, I lost a family member or am going through some sort of unfortunate inciden and the statement is one spoken in goodwill, then it's fine and even heartwarming.

Answer 4

No, that is their way of helping and healing. Besides, what is a little extra prayer regardless who's God it comes from?

Answer 5

Surely NOT....there is no need to be offended, it is infact a deed of kindness..how does it really matter if they are of another faith....as long as they are PRAYING for YOU..for YOUR GOOD..!!

Nah! definetly not offended...i wud be thankful rather.

Answer 6

Only if it's someone from the Aztec religion, you know the one that demands increasing human sacrifice.

It always scares me when someone with a big obsidian knife says he'll pray with me.

Answer 7

No, of course not (unless they're saying it in a particular snotty way, which some people do). It's a nice gesture and it indicates that they care about me, so I definitely appreciate it.

Answer 8

Not at all, I'm happy that someone cares about me enough to give me the greatest gift we can give.

of course some people say it to be condescending like "I'm going to pray for your soul" lol, than I just think their dumb...

Answer 9

Well, it depends on how they say it. If they say they're going to pray for me because I'm really sick then I'd appreciate that and thank them. But if they said it in a sarcastic way like if they found out I'm an Atheist and then they say they'll pray for me then I wouldn't appreciate that.

Answer 10

I agree. I think it's nice. I have even prayed to God's I don't believe in on someones behalf and if it helps them out, great.

Answer 11

Most people pray in a way that is actually harmful....also a person is never supposed to pray for another unless they ask because they are controlling the other persons life. If you pray what you think is good for them you might be wrong. What if you just trust it is all in divine right order. If they go to the hospital & decide to become a doctor but wouldn't have done that without a certain illness can you see how your prayer would have not been the best thing for them....I only want people I know praying for me & I won't allow others prayers to effect me.

Answer 12

It depends.  I have had people argue with me about religion, or just argue with me, followed by "I will pray for you" which I find ridiculous insulting and offensive, and then I have been sick and had family say, "I will pray for you" and it made me feel better... It all has to do with the context it is used.

Answer 13

No. But if they come up to me and yell at me that I'm going to burn in h**l or the stupid priest from the Mormon church comes over to my house and tells me I need to be saved, then I get pretty upset.

Answer 14

It depends why they're praying. If they are praying for me because I'm going to h**l, I don't care for it too much.. If they're praying for me to help me out or be nice, sure! Kindness is always a good thing!

Answer 15

no im not offended but sometimes i find myself telling someone that i will pray for them and then i forget too.

i think if you are going to tell someone you will pray for them then please mean it because someone is countin on you to pray for them and if you dont then you are lyin. alot of people just tell people that they will pray for them so that it will make them feel better and i dont think that it helps the person at all

Answer 16

there are several instances when people say i need to know the bible and need to study more or read a  verse in context.

but thats ego

i care about people i care So much about religion that i spent my entire life and rejected all other carears and business to devote my life to the gospel.

Answer 17

I agree with Good Gyrl...

the intention is good.  They are thinking of you and hoping that their version of God (or whatever) will watch over you.  How can you be offended by that?

Answer 18

No, I'm amused. I usually just say thank you though. Sort of like when a child asks Santa to get you something too.

Answer 19

I realize it's often simply a saying close to "have a nice day" however I'm always amazed when the "rules" of prayer of many religions actually prohibit praying for others, yet members of these religions seem to not know this.  If I was at work and someone said "I'll talk to the boss for you" it would indicate that they have an "in" with the boss that I do not possess.  Guess I think that anytime spent praying for others is simply a diversion from seeking guidance and healing for the person praying.

Answer 20

No that would not offend me at all and I know many of the people on Y!A feel that way because I've told many Muslims I would pray for them and they have thanked me for it.  I think it would be silly to be offended.

Answer 21

Not at all. God dosen't care what faith you are, just that you believe in Him and that He sent His son to die for us and that He rose again.

Answer 22

Heck, i'm an atheist and i think its a good thing.

Not so much in the sense that its effective, more in tune with the fact that the person is wishing me well.

Is it any different from me saying "Good luck?"

Answer 23

I don't usually mind if people tell me they want to pray for me.  I take it in the spirit in which it is offered.  However, if someone told me they believed I was going to h**l, and they would pray for me, then I would be rather offended at their presumption.

Answer 24

If they are praying for me to get well or to do well on something, then no.

If they are praying for my condemned mormon soul because I dont believe in the "right" God or Jesus and am going to h**l, then they can keep it to themselves.

Answer 25

I thought it was only xians that did that 'I'll pray for you' thingie.

I don't suppose you meant other sects of xianity, did you?

~

Answer 26

Not at all.  In fact, I just told a friend of mine that she would be in my thoughts and prayers, even though she practices Judaism.  She's been through a lot lately with crazy health problems, and no matter what we all believe in, it's just nice to be thinking about one another :)

Answer 27

I think it's nice as long as the intentions are good.

If the person is saying that because they think you are a horrible sinner and need it, it's not so good, don't bother

But if it's because I'm in need or they're doing it just because they love me, then I really appreciate the gesture

Answer 28

People spend way too much time worrying about who offends who.  This is in an age of Political Correctness and the Zero Tolerance policy in schools, administered by power mad Principals who obviously had unhappy childhoods.

I'm Protestant, regardless of faith, if an individual says they'll pray for me, I think that's an honor and a nice gesture.

People who are offended bit it perhaps an Atheist or someone of another religion, they need to look past themselves and get over it.  

Answer 29

Perfect answer. It's great to be accepting. With or without the God aspect, having people compassion for each other is always a great thing.

Answer 30

It depends on why they're praying.  

If it's because I'm sick or something like that where I'm actually in a bad situation, then I'm perfectly fine with them praying for me.  It is a sign of compassion.

However, if it's because I'm an atheist and they think I'm going to h**l, or some other reason where I'm not actually in a bad situation, then I find it offensive.

____

Answer 31

Since I am an atheist, I would rather people didn't pray for me.  However, I know that believers mean well when they say they will pray for me, so I try to accept it for what it is, a friendly gesture.  I would much rather hear "I'll pray for you" than, "You're gonna burn forever." That's for sure!