if it makes them happy it does me no harm

That's silly. It can't possibly hurt you.

They're probably just trying to be nice. Why not chalk it up to that and save getting offended for something worth getting upset about?

Hi I think anyone who cares enough to think about you and wants to say a to say prayers for you makes you a lucky person. I wish some one would like to include me in there prayers. I wish you lots of luck and happiness. Regards Daniel

Heh... I've always found it offensive for some reason but I can't understand why.

I think it's nice that they care enough to do it. I take all the help I can get. I do have a problem, though, when the person actually hugs you and prays over you as they hug. That is kind of too much into my space!

Why would you waste time and energy being offended, when someone was trying to be NICE to you. And having your name mentioned in a prayer really doesn't mean you are "playing a role."

Yes, it is offensive.

Not at all. I find it nice that they are thinking about me enough to include me in their prayers, be they of my religious denomination or not.

Personally I don't often say that unless I know someone would appreciate it. I don't say that to someone because I think I am better than them as some have suggested. I don't think you have to believe in God to be a good person. I am sure there are some people like that but just like it isn't fair to group all people who don't believe in prayer it isn't fair to group all people that do. So if someone says they will prayer for you just say no thank you if you don't want them too. If they start preaching at you then walk away or end the conversation.

With so many things to be offended over someone giving a damn about you should be last on your list.

I think it's nice that they will think about me in a positive manner (unless they're praying for my death or something...), but would probably prefer it if they put their time to more efficient use.

I, for one, would be happy to know that someone cares enough to ask their god to help me....unless they were trying to be condescending about it or something.

it a cry for help and support it can't hurt anyone in fact it gives people hope and hope will help people make it in hard times

I've never found it offensive.

No, not at all. While I don’t believe anything'll come of it, I still feel touched that someone cares enough to expend time & energy on me. As they say 'it's the thought that counts'.

i guess it doesn't offend me, if it's someone i don't like or not close to it gets under my skin and bugs me...

Not at all...I find it flattering even though I don't share their beliefs

No I do not find it offensive. I need all the help I can get. Why would you call a prayer an obscure ritual? Prayers are common and mainstream. You make it sound like they are sacrificing a chicken on your behalf. So what you are saying here, is that you have NO tolerance for anyone with a different belief system.

No, I'm very happy that they care that much for me. It is a sign of true friendship, sort of like recieving a birthday card with money in it! You should be happy people like you that much.

No. And I am not sure how that could be regarded as offensive. It is their private way of wishing you well. You do not have to participate. You can not be harmed by the gesture. You do, on the other hand, have the comfort in knowing that they give a shit enough to take a moment to do it. It would be different if you were forced to reciprocate. That would indeed be a problem. But you are not.... So what is the problem?

Not usually, but some people take it to an obnoxious extreme. I think most mean well.

In public sometimes yes...in their homes no. If I am a guest at someones home I am respectful of their beliefs. If they pray before a meal I bow my head and wait for the observance to pass. My friends know I do not share their beliefs but I respect their right to celebrate as they see fit. When they are at my home I might pause but they are also respectful of me and make it brief. I have friends who are Muslim and have been invite several times to end Ramadan meals, to Sedar and to other religious events. I am grateful to be a guest and as a guest I owe my host respect and that includes for their celebrations. To be present indicates they value my friendship as I do theirs. Political statements or religious debate can wait for another time.

I'm not religious and most people who know me are aware of that. In spite of that many of my religious friends were praying for the safe return of my son who was doing his second tour of duty. I appreciated their concern and was glad for the support. He came back fine. I don't like it if I'm having a discussion with someone about my beliefs and they say "I'll pray for you" like I'm making a big mistake and they're saving me.

"I have cancer." "Oh, you poor person I hope you get well and I will pray for your recovery." OR "I have cancer." "It's too bad your going to die a slow horrible death and there really is nothing you can do about it except for chemo, and if by chance you do survive you'll probably be screwed up for the rest of your life like uncontrollably shitting yourself because of the chemo.You shouldn't have smoked cigarettes or ate that stuff that science proved was bad for you so I guess now your paying the consequenses.Oh well I guess your just part of natural selection." Which do you prefer?

If that's their way of showing me they care ... then I appreciate the gesture. I'll take all the help I can get!!

If someone tells me that they will include me in thier prayers i will not participate ritual ,but i will attend and i will stick to my faith.

Not at all.Besides,I can't control anyone's thoughts anyhow....not yet...I'm still taking classes for it.

If a child gave you a gift, ANY gift, you'de appreciate it right? A drawing, a macaroni picture - whatever. You don't despise the gift, you appreciate the giver. A person of faith, whether you agree with their faith or not, has something that makes them feel whole. If their wish is to make YOU feel whole, why quibble over their method of expressing that?

Not me! I know the power of prayer, and certainly the power of God in answering prayers. I have had many, many prayers answered, and I have seen many miracles happen through prayer. I myself, need all the prayers I can get....so anyone who wants to pray for me, feel free!! :)

Would it offend you if those same people instead of saying, "I'll Pray for you."; if they had said, "I wish you all the very best in your endeavor." I doubt it. You would probably be happy they wished you well instead of ill. No one forces you to accept their religion. God doesn't force you, Jesus doesn't force you and these Christians don't force to accept anything they believe. They may suggest it and offer it but it is not forced on you. And that is just because they care for you. But then I think that is the whole question about God. He could have made us so that we would be like our little puppy dog and we would be always at His feet yapping for attention and showing our affection. But he didn't. He gave us "FREE CHOICE". We could receive Him or reject Him. The choice is ours. And the rewards or lack thereof is also in our hands. I once had a friend who was one of the best looking men I have ever met. He was a natural athlete, well built well spoken and went to one of the best Colleges in the USA. He seemingly had everything. But he had a problem and shared it with me. I told him I would pray for him. He said, "You know I don't go for that stuff. I'd rather you not include me in that." I didn't and he and his business continued to be just a struggling endeavor when it should have been GREAT. I could tell you other stories just the opposite, like my own, where they turned to God and He gave them Great, Great Help. God doesn't force you to accept His righteousness. He doesn't force to accept His help or comfort. You are free to do it all on your own. (Unless you are in a Muslim Country.)

I have no problem with it as long as they are Cool with me saying "I don't pray for you at all!"

Hmmm, no. I mean I don't LIKE it, but i won't stir up any sh*t over it

NO you should not find it offensive, they are thinking of you and want God to keep you safe...Thats beautiful thing..

it's our way of giving you a special hug when you are not around. we mean well and that is what should count. +5

Someone has a bad attitude. You should be honored that someone even cares enough about you to include you in their prayers. Bad attitude.

Not offended by it unless it is a stranger saying that, otherwise just like, wtf, whatever, I dont care.

Nah. A person might say 'we're pulling for you' or 'you're in our thoughts' and mean much the same thing. It's just an expression of goodwill, like telling a bride, 'best wishes'. And if people really DO remember me come prayer time? It costs me nothing and could gain me everything.

I just think they are foolish. First of all I find it intrusive. Who are they to try to manipulate my life through prayer? That is sorcery, (something they preach as a damnable offense in the eyes of their false God). I honor their will to do what they want, but if don't like their prayer, I will send them a prayer of my own that might effect them in a way they will not like to teach them a lesson. ;-)

No, I absolutely don't! However I'm curious as to why you care! Is it hurting you? Is it taking time out of your day? If you don't believe then you shouldn't care because in your eyes it won't matter or do a damn bit of good! I mean come on...someone is taking their time to care enough about you to wish blessings upon you. How terrible!!

Nah, I could use it as I'm sure many are praying for my demise from Ab anyway :) Now it WOULD bother me if they're praying I join their cult and so will be like them and commit suicide when they drink the kool-aid.

I can understand that. I mean, atheists do always seem to be offended by what goes on in someone else's mind. They can be rather Orwellian.

I find it quietly amusing. Its cute how instead of actually helping me, they ask an invisible being to help me. I am thankful.

I used to tell people to absolutely possitively not to do that or even say Bless you. I figure it's good intentions so I let it slide. But start to preach, I'm out a' there like a silver bullet.

I don't exactly find it offensive. Sometimes I find it presumptive and arrogant. If it is made with sincerity (and not an attempt to get their Deity to convert and save my heathen soul), I am flattered. It is nice to have someone care, even if I think what they are doing isn't going to help me. It is nice to have their energy and positive/comforting thoughts directed my way, and to know that they care enough to take the time to do that.

It just means im thinking about you

I find it funny when they do it a nasty way like "I'll pray for you" otherwise I don't care.

I don't really care as long they aren't praying for their God to change me into someone who agrees with them. Otherwise I am just happy that they are thinking of me and wish good things for me.

I don't think that you should take it so hard. Even if you don't believe in the other person's religion, they do and are just trying to help you.