Why post here

[Ganymede]

Question: Why would anyone who dosen't believe in the Christian God ask for prayers to be said on their behalf? Why would anyone want prayers to be said for them to a god that they don't believe in?

 

[LoveFaith]

Non-Christians dont necessarily not believe in God.
Maybe non-Christians that are asking for prayers may have done things wrong, and against God, and are asking God for forgiveness and trying to convert.

 

[EternalMoment]

Reply are you christian? Do you want to be? God loves you!! He forgives us because HE is God, and we don't deserve His love but have it because He washes away our sins by the blood of Jesus.

 

[Simple_Mind]

Question: Why would anyone who dosen't believe in the Christian God ask for prayers to be said on their behalf? Why would anyone want prayers to be said for them to a god that they don't believe in?

I have been approached on several occassions by non-Christians asking for prayer when they are in trouble.

The motives likely vary from individual to individual.

At least some such non-Christians (I think) ask for prayer in case they are mistaken (in thinking the Christian God doesnt exist), and the Christian God really does exist.

Cordially,
John

 

[gennaoanothen]

Question: Why would anyone who dosen't believe in the Christian God ask for prayers to be said on their behalf? Why would anyone want prayers to be said for them to a god that they don't believe in?

Probably because God is calling that person, to know, that He is.

 

[the.Sheepdog]

Probably because God is calling that person, to know, that He is.

Great post Rev Norm!

 

[Ladielissa]

Probably because God is calling that person, to know, that He is.

Absolutely!! Great post!

 

[heron]

It's a good question.
The decision to be a Christian isn't always cut and dry. Some people grew up in a church, and didn't believe, but then when a crisis arises in life, it makes sense to turn to the God of their childhood for help. Or the source of strength that their relatives or friends lean on.

The forum gets posts, so there must be some common reasons.

 

[S.gal83]

Some non-christian do ask for christian prayers. I think there are some non christians who believe in every religion. That is, they believe in all kinds of God. Christian God, Taoist god etc. They will have no problem asking for prayers from christians.

 

[Andrew103]

Question: Why would anyone who dosen't believe in the Christian God ask for prayers to be said on their behalf? Why would anyone want prayers to be said for them to a god that they don't believe in?

Some people believe that Islam, Judaism, and Christianity worship the same God, and so value the prayers of others.

Some dont value the spiritual aspects, but the emotional and mental encouragement that others having enough love and care to pray for you means a lot to them. Sometimes all people need is to know someone cares enough, or to have that last bit of encouragement boost.

I believe God hears the prayers of everyone (He is God...afterall) regardless of your belief or religion. Perhaps being a faithful, obedient, intimately personal with God Christian will open tons of doors to those prayers being answered in a special way, but no doubt God knows every prayer prayed from everyone.

One of the most amazing peopel I have ever met in my personal life is Muslim. If I were to pray for anyone from the bottom of my heart, it would be for her to be healed of cancer. God hears my prayers for her. And I would feel honored to be in her prayers. Not only because I know God cares about me, about her, and so He will be moved by her prayers of love and care for me, but also because her caring for me enough to pray for me means a lot for someone like me who rarely ever gets encouragement from women and most of the time gets discouragement from non-family members who are female, especially in hurtful relationships.

Anyways, the more people who tell God "I love this person like a brother, please bless him." the better. It cannot possibly hurt me.

 

[Proud Christian 2]

Maybe because they want to beleive but don't feel that they are worthy. I'm not insulting them or anything, I'm simply saying that I know some people who would do that.
Maybe they just don't feel God will answer them alone, and need others to pray for them.

 

[Völuspá]

Non-Christian here.

I don't often pray for help, but when I do, I will take any kind of help. In a desperate situation I pray to whatever is out there that is listening. I have my particular gods I go to, but I also don't discriminate. I wont claim to know how these things work out, all that matters is the end result.

 

[a.d.ivNonasNovembres]

Lots of newagers and stuff would be entirely comfortable with being "prayed for" and desirous of it, even if they disagree with the vast majority of Christian theology.

 

[Witchy Bee]

I don't know. I usually as people not to pray for me. It's just a little uncomfortable to have people praying on your behalf to a God that's not your own regarding your soul and such.
I just don't like to be told that my beliefs are wrong and that I'm going to hell for them. I don't see how it's anyone anyone's business what happens to my soul than me. If I want to be reincarnated then I think people should respect that. I don't try to convert you, you don't try to convert me. It's that simple.

I'm sorry, I go off on tangents sometime...

 

[Lithp]

I must agree, this confounds me as well. Speaking purely on the subject of atheism, here:

Many of the Outreach topics I've seen are pretty weak, obviously actively seeking confirmation of Christian theology, rather than putting it to scientific, logical, or philosophical test.

I don't mean to call anyone out here, but "asking for prayer just in case" is one instance of that sort of idea. This doesn't even make any logical sense. Not to pull the No True Scotsman fallacy here, but you would not expect that from an avowed atheist.

You would expect that they are familiar with Pascal's Wager & know about 8 different ways it's flawed. You would not expect someone, for instance, to ask Superman for help "just in case he's real," because they honestly do not believe he exists, & thus doing this would be a waste of time, pointless, & Aristotle would argue, proof that you're insane.

 

[razeontherock]

The above post is spot on.

This is interesting:

I don't know. I usually as people not to pray for me. It's just a little uncomfortable to have people praying on your behalf to a God that's not your own regarding your soul and such.
I just don't like to be told that my beliefs are wrong and that I'm going to hell for them. I don't see how it's anyone anyone's business what happens to my soul than me. If I want to be reincarnated then I think people should respect that. I don't try to convert you, you don't try to convert me. It's that simple.

I'm sorry, I go off on tangents sometime...

If you "wanting to be re-incarnated" has the power to cause that to happen, you have my utmost respect because you are God.

I do think that our society in general shows FAR too little respect for our fellow man, and the US Church is not above that problem.

I agree with you that humans are equals and need to respect other people regardless of conflicting beliefs. Kind of a major point for America becoming a Country in the first place and all.

Still, I expect you realize you are on a CHRISTIAN website? It is not possible for me (or anyone else) to be a Christian and NOT care what happens to your soul. Because we respect you! And you are owed that respect for 2 reasons:

1) You are human
2) You are alive

Please note this is entirely different from earning or deserving respect. Our world would be a much better place to live if people realized even just this much.

 

[Joeygum]

First we Christians are to pray for everyone, we give comfort to those who need it no matter what their background is

I think it's more of people find comfort when people are praying for them. When people remember you in their thoughts, if someone feels really down, it reminds them that there are so many people out there who care for them. Its so they know that people are looking out for them, and hoping they will succeed

It serves as emotional comfort for them, and it is our privilege to be able to pray for them

---------------------------------

Question: Why would anyone who dosen't believe in the Christian God ask for prayers to be said on their behalf? Why would anyone want prayers to be said for them to a god that they don't believe in?

 

[pilgrimgal]

If a Christian prays for someone who is not a Christian..we Christians believe that God can provide an answer to that prayer which will be beneficial to the non-Christian even though the recipient does not believe in God. The Apostle Paul in the bible in the book of Acts..prayed in Athens (I think) to a God Unknown on behalf of the unbelievers there. We do the same..

 

[forGod1]

Question: Why would anyone who dosen't believe in the Christian God ask for prayers to be said on their behalf? Why would anyone want prayers to be said for them to a god that they don't believe in?

I just want to point out one thing I notice in all these posts.. the original poster is trying to over-intellectualize everything. Same old, same old. I'm telling you today, brother, if you really, really want to know Grace and His Righteousness, you'll have to take it down a couple of pegs.

 

[The writer]

Some people believe that Islam, Judaism, and Christianity worship the same God, and so value the prayers of others.

Some dont value the spiritual aspects, but the emotional and mental encouragement that others having enough love and care to pray for you means a lot to them. Sometimes all people need is to know someone cares enough, or to have that last bit of encouragement boost.

I believe God hears the prayers of everyone (He is God...afterall) regardless of your belief or religion. Perhaps being a faithful, obedient, intimately personal with God Christian will open tons of doors to those prayers being answered in a special way, but no doubt God knows every prayer prayed from everyone.

One of the most amazing peopel I have ever met in my personal life is Muslim. If I were to pray for anyone from the bottom of my heart, it would be for her to be healed of cancer. God hears my prayers for her. And I would feel honored to be in her prayers. Not only because I know God cares about me, about her, and so He will be moved by her prayers of love and care for me, but also because her caring for me enough to pray for me means a lot for someone like me who rarely ever gets encouragement from women and most of the time gets discouragement from non-family members who are female, especially in hurtful relationships.

Anyways, the more people who tell God "I love this person like a brother, please bless him." the better. It cannot possibly hurt me.

Hi Andrew, You are my brother (though I be a man encouraging you) and I love you, but even more Importantly you have a High Priest who lives always to make intercession for you.