Prayers are now a form of insult?

timewerx · Oct 27, 2022

I saw this movie, Unfortunately, I already forgot what movie it was. It was a comedy.

One funny dialogue stuck with me. There's one person who is in dire need of help so he talks to his friend, a well-to-do friend he knows can help him. But this friend, instead of helping, simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

So the guy asking for help felt insulted because instead of his friend setting aside time to help him out, offers him prayers instead.

As the story goes, their fortunes reversed. The guy became a well-to-do person and helping many other people. His friend got into many troubles and now sought to ask the guy for help.

The guy remembered what his friend did. Even though he can easily help his friend out. He simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

It's hilarious and at first glance it may appear the movie is insulting Christianity but ironically, it's not far from Biblical truth. The Bible did stress the huge importance of helping those in need, not just in prayers but also immediately fulfilling their need.

For instance, Matthew 25:35-36:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

That verse certainly did not say, "For I was hungry and you prayed for me"

The movie is actually pointing out one of the biggest failings of Christian religion. That we have become a religion of convenience. A religion that idolizes convenience, comfort, and happiness above truth.

Maria Billingsley · Oct 27, 2022

timewerx said:
I saw this movie, Unfortunately, I already forgot what movie it was. It was a comedy.

One funny dialogue stuck with me. There's one person who is in dire need of help so he talks to his friend, a well-to-do friend he knows can help him. But this friend, instead of helping, simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

So the guy asking for help felt insulted because instead of his friend setting aside time to help him out, offers him prayers instead.

As the story goes, their fortunes reversed. The guy became a well-to-do person and helping many other people. His friend got into many troubles and now sought to ask the guy for help.

The guy remembered what his friend did. Even though he can easily help his friend out. He simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

It's hilarious and at first glance it may appear the movie is insulting Christianity but ironically, it's not far from Biblical truth. The Bible did stress the huge importance of helping those in need, not just in prayers but also immediately fulfilling their need.

For instance, Matthew 25:35-36:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

That verse certainly did not say, "For I was hungry and you prayed for me"

The movie is actually pointing out one of the biggest failings of Christian religion. That we have become a religion of convenience. A religion that idolizes convenience, comfort, and happiness above truth.

I'm on the fence with this one. How about both. Pray and help!
Blessings

HTacianas · Oct 27, 2022

timewerx said:
I saw this movie, Unfortunately, I already forgot what movie it was. It was a comedy.

One funny dialogue stuck with me. There's one person who is in dire need of help so he talks to his friend, a well-to-do friend he knows can help him. But this friend, instead of helping, simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

So the guy asking for help felt insulted because instead of his friend setting aside time to help him out, offers him prayers instead.

As the story goes, their fortunes reversed. The guy became a well-to-do person and helping many other people. His friend got into many troubles and now sought to ask the guy for help.

The guy remembered what his friend did. Even though he can easily help his friend out. He simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

It's hilarious and at first glance it may appear the movie is insulting Christianity but ironically, it's not far from Biblical truth. The Bible did stress the huge importance of helping those in need, not just in prayers but also immediately fulfilling their need.

For instance, Matthew 25:35-36:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

That verse certainly did not say, "For I was hungry and you prayed for me"

The movie is actually pointing out one of the biggest failings of Christian religion. That we have become a religion of convenience. A religion that idolizes convenience, comfort, and happiness above truth.

I wouldn't use a movie as an example. A movie is merely the opinions and imagination of the screen writer. But you do bring up a point, and that point is addressed by James:

Jas 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

Jas 2:16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Jas 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

So merely offering prayers for someone but refusing to tend to their needs does little good.

Citizen of the Kingdom · Oct 27, 2022

I'm with all of the above answers, but if we go with the movie depiction, .. the prayers seemed to have worked. Prayer does open the door to God's work upon a person and why praying for your enemies can also be effective, because His discipline is also set lose too. Whether we do all we can and stand, in prayer or in armour, both need to go together.

Der Alte · Oct 27, 2022

timewerx said:
I saw this movie, Unfortunately, I already forgot what movie it was. It was a comedy.
One funny dialogue stuck with me. There's one person who is in dire need of help so he talks to his friend, a well-to-do friend he knows can help him. But this friend, instead of helping, simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"
So the guy asking for help felt insulted because instead of his friend setting aside time to help him out, offers him prayers instead.
As the story goes, their fortunes reversed. The guy became a well-to-do person and helping many other people. His friend got into many troubles and now sought to ask the guy for help.
The guy remembered what his friend did. Even though he can easily help his friend out. He simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"
It's hilarious and at first glance it may appear the movie is insulting Christianity but ironically, it's not far from Biblical truth. The Bible did stress the huge importance of helping those in need, not just in prayers but also immediately fulfilling their need.
For instance, Matthew 25:35-36:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
That verse certainly did not say, "For I was hungry and you prayed for me"
The movie is actually pointing out one of the biggest failings of Christian religion. That we have become a religion of convenience. A religion that idolizes convenience, comfort, and happiness above truth.

Or the Christian had pressing commitments he/she needed to see to at that particular time and could only offer prayers. Why is it always the Christians fault? Hmmm?
As for giving food. I was coming out of Golden Corral one morning a homeless person accosted outside the door. I said "Come on in I will buy you a meal." He said, "I wanted a hamburger." I said, "Good luck." Another time I was going into "Cookout" a homeless person at the door asked me for something to eat. I took him inside and bought him a meal.
I will give food but not money. Not long ago I was driving out of a popular chicken restaurant, it was raining. A woman who appeared to be homeless ran in front of my car. I called to her and gave her my umbrella.

Rescued One · Oct 27, 2022

Sometimes the help needed IS prsyer!

Mink61 · Oct 27, 2022

HTacianas said:
I wouldn't use a movie as an example. A movie is merely the opinions and imagination of the screen writer. But you do bring up a point, and that point is addressed by James:

Jas 2:14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

Jas 2:15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food,

Jas 2:16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?

Jas 2:17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

So merely offering prayers for someone but refusing to tend to their needs does little good.

And this post and quotes from James might be what the screenwriter was trying to project as the movie's theme.

It may have been presented in a humorous way, but I don't think it's meant to be "insulting."

The Liturgist · Oct 27, 2022

Der Alte said:
Or the Christian had pressing commitments he/she needed to see to at that particular time and could only offer prayers. Why is it always the Christians fault? Hmmm?
As for giving food. I was coming out of Golden Corral one morning a homeless person accosted outside the door. I said "Come on in I will buy you a meal." He said, "I wanted a hamburger." I said, "Good luck." Another time I was going into "Cookout" a homeless person at the door asked me for something to eat. I took him inside and bought him a meal.
I will give food but not money. Not long ago I was driving out of a popular chicken restaurant, it was raining. A woman who appeared to be homeless ran in front of my car. I called to her and gave her my umbrella.

I like to buy food for homeless people.

The Liturgist · Oct 27, 2022

Der Alte said:
Or the Christian had pressing commitments he/she needed to see to at that particular time and could only offer prayers. Why is it always the Christians fault? Hmmm?
As for giving food. I was coming out of Golden Corral one morning a homeless person accosted outside the door. I said "Come on in I will buy you a meal." He said, "I wanted a hamburger." I said, "Good luck." Another time I was going into "Cookout" a homeless person at the door asked me for something to eat. I took him inside and bought him a meal.
I will give food but not money. Not long ago I was driving out of a popular chicken restaurant, it was raining. A woman who appeared to be homeless ran in front of my car. I called to her and gave her my umbrella.

By the way has anyone ever told you you are a hero? When you repose I intend to venerate you as a saint @Der Alte assuming you don’t like convert to Scientology or anything (which I think its a safe bet you won’t!).

Brad D. · Oct 27, 2022

Brad D. · Oct 27, 2022

Der Alte said:
A woman who appeared to be homeless ran in front of my car. I called to her and gave her my umbrella.

I like the umbrella thing. That was sweet.

Der Alte · Oct 27, 2022

The Liturgist said:
By the way has anyone ever told you you are a hero? When you repose I intend to venerate you as a saint @Der Alte assuming you don’t like convert to Scientology or anything (which I think its a safe bet you won’t!).

Don't know much about Scientology but I have been at this since LBJ was president. Think I'll keep on.

Gregory Thompson · Oct 27, 2022

timewerx said:
I saw this movie, Unfortunately, I already forgot what movie it was. It was a comedy.

One funny dialogue stuck with me. There's one person who is in dire need of help so he talks to his friend, a well-to-do friend he knows can help him. But this friend, instead of helping, simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

So the guy asking for help felt insulted because instead of his friend setting aside time to help him out, offers him prayers instead.

As the story goes, their fortunes reversed. The guy became a well-to-do person and helping many other people. His friend got into many troubles and now sought to ask the guy for help.

The guy remembered what his friend did. Even though he can easily help his friend out. He simply tells him "we'll send you prayers!"

It's hilarious and at first glance it may appear the movie is insulting Christianity but ironically, it's not far from Biblical truth. The Bible did stress the huge importance of helping those in need, not just in prayers but also immediately fulfilling their need.

For instance, Matthew 25:35-36:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

That verse certainly did not say, "For I was hungry and you prayed for me"

The movie is actually pointing out one of the biggest failings of Christian religion. That we have become a religion of convenience. A religion that idolizes convenience, comfort, and happiness above truth.

Reminds me of James, when the person says to the poor "be warm and filled with food" when he could just give him food. etc.

Gregory Thompson · Oct 27, 2022

Prayers can be applied as a form of insult. You start quoting from the bible, but it contradicts someone's theology. So they say "we'll pray for you"

Berserk · Oct 27, 2022

Almost a year ago, I felt an urgent impulse to do something I never do--go out after dark for a short walk downtown. After a block, I ran into Clint. He was severely distraught because he had just found his son on the kitchen floor, dead from a drug overdose (probably fentenyl. Some kind soul had cruelly told him his son had it coming! He needed to vent with someone who would comfort and caringly listen to him as he poured out his sorrow. Recently, I ran into Clint on the street again and this time he was distraught over the fact that he had just been evicted from his rental home. He had another place to stay, but his truck was broken down; so he had no means of moving his furniture to his new place. I told him I'd pray for him. But as I walked home, I realized this was a cop-out and I needed to do more. Clint was poor and a new Christian; so I called the church he was attending and explained Clint's situation. I told the secretary to relay the message to the pastor that his church could greatly endear itself to Clint if they would ask him how he is doing and, if he explained his plight, offer to provide volunteers and a pickup truck to help him move his furniture. I didn't want Clint to know that I had shared news of his eviction.

My typical reaction when I hear evangelicals say, "I'll pray for you" is that the comment is an insincere ploy to "act nice" to avoid the need to continue to be present and help the needy person with their problem. I find it especially offensive when I hear a news anchor say after a tragedy, "Our thoughts and prayers go with you." I wonder how much time that TV anchor actually spent in the promised prayer.

timewerx · Oct 27, 2022

Der Alte said:
Or the Christian had pressing commitments he/she needed to see to at that particular time and could only offer prayers. Why is it always the Christians fault? Hmmm?
As for giving food. I was coming out of Golden Corral one morning a homeless person accosted outside the door. I said "Come on in I will buy you a meal." He said, "I wanted a hamburger." I said, "Good luck." Another time I was going into "Cookout" a homeless person at the door asked me for something to eat. I took him inside and bought him a meal.
I will give food but not money. Not long ago I was driving out of a popular chicken restaurant, it was raining. A woman who appeared to be homeless ran in front of my car. I called to her and gave her my umbrella.

Your country thanks you for your generosity!

In the movie, the Christian had plenty of free time and disposable income and then he had a friend in need. But instead of being there for him, he simply offered prayers.

Karma or w/e gets this Christian and now the moment comes for him to ask for help so he went to the guy who used to ask him for help but instead of helping him, only offered to pray for him with a big smile.

Der Alte · Oct 27, 2022

timewerx said:
Your country thanks you for your generosity!
In the movie, the Christian had plenty of free time and disposable income and then he had a friend in need. But instead of being there for him, he simply offered prayers.
Karma or w/e gets this Christian and now the moment comes for him to ask for help so he went to the guy who used to ask him for help but instead of helping him, only offered to pray for him with a big smile.

I was unaware that we were talking about a scene in a movie. Which is even worse if it did not show the Christian having a more pressing situation then it was portraying the Christian, and all other Christians, as uncaring. I'll get off here if you don't mind.

timewerx · Oct 27, 2022

Mink61 said:
And this post and quotes from James might be what the screenwriter was trying to project as the movie's theme.

It may have been presented in a humorous way, but I don't think it's meant to be "insulting."

For a non-Christian movie, it brings the message home hard.

It's most unfortunate, I can't remember the movie's title, let alone the characters. I think Kevin Hart was in the movie, not really sure.

It's a typical comedy film where well-to-do or rich guy becomes poor and asks his friends for help. He goes to his well-to-do Christian friend, assuming that Christians are supposed to be generous but all he got is a prayer and a big smile, nothing else. He took it as insult and the movie made the whole thing quite hilarious.

Eventually, he had his revenge in exactly the same manner to drive home the message that prayers can become insulting you had the ability to help someone in a much more tangible manner but chose not to help but only offer prayers.

Can't remember who is the main character in the film, the guy who went poor or the well-to-do friend who only offers prayers and became poor himself and now realizes the insulting nature of prayers if that is all you can bother to offer despite having all the means to help.

timewerx · Oct 27, 2022

Der Alte said:
Which is even worse if it did not show the Christian having a more pressing situation then it was portraying the Christian, and all other Christians, as uncaring. I'll get off here if you don't mind.

The movie did even worse!

The movie showed this Christian had plenty of free time. Having fun and leisure with friends all the time. Must be retired or "early retiree"

From a worldly perspective, you have every right to refuse help even to a friend on your fun or "me time". The

Ironically, this non-Christian movie drove the message hard about "wearing somebody else's shoes" or living somebody else's situation to truly understand them and the generally self-centered, hypocritical nature of the American middle class Christian culture. It really pains me to say the movie is accurate. I've seen the problem among Christians in the real world.

The Liturgist · Oct 28, 2022

Der Alte said:
Don't know much about Scientology but I have been at this since LBJ was president. Think I'll keep on.

And this is why I admire you so much.

Scientology is pretty horrifying actually. L. Ron Hubbard was pretty much a monster. However what many people don’t realize is that the same abusive techniques scientology uses are also used by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and to a lesser extent the Mormons!

Prayers are now a form of insult?

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