[WilliamCraig]

Do you guys ever see people in a store (or wherever) who want to pray for you?

I don't really know how to respond in those situations. I don't believe in prayer much, but do not want to be rude, ya know?

I would have to say that the weirdest place it happened for me was at a church that my Aunt talked me into going to once (note the "once"). Usually people go up front for their prayings and what-not, however some people came up to me and asked me if I wanted to be prayed for. I didn't want to be rude, so said yeah. They put some religious oil on my forehead and started chanting while slightly gripping and shaking my head. I guess they felt a miracle would occur.

I don't think I'll go back to a conservative Pentecostal church again... ever.

*edit* just realized I put this in the wrong section, I think.

This post has been edited by WilliamCraig: 29 April 2008 - 04:43 PM

[Texaswheelz]

LOL, I know the feeling, about 8 years ago when I was working at Best Buy, i had a couple that I had been helping for about 10 minutes. After we got everything thing they needed they said thanks and then asked if they could pray for me. Sure what ever ya wanna do is what i was thinking, but I had no idea what they meant. They started doing to me what you described, but in the middle of Best Buy while I was working. For 5 min or so they stood there with their hands on my head while praying very loudly. I didn't know what to do, Just like you I didn't wanna be rude about it, but it was also both embarassing while at the same type pissing me off. What exactly did they expect? That I would get up and walk and dance when they were done? They finished up and said thanks and then went on their merry way, while I was left there to deal with my co-workers and boss.

[Tim13]

Had a lot of people say they would/were praying for me but only one actually try to cure me.

Was getting my hair cut and the new stylist started telling me how she had the gift of healing and jesus would heal me through her, she stopped cutting my hair and put both hands on my head (thankfully putting down the scissors first) then started praying-not loudly but loud enough so other customers were looking, it went on for about five embarrassing minutes. She seemed a bit surprised that I didn't rise up and walk but gave me a card for her church before I left and I gave her a nice tip for her effort.

She wasn't there the next time I went in for a trim-can't imagine why.

This post has been edited by Tim13: 29 April 2008 - 07:05 PM

[WilliamCraig]

Quote

Was getting my hair cut and the new stylist started telling me how she had the gift of healing and jesus would heal me through her, she stopped cutting my hair and put both hands on my head (thankfully putting down the scissors first) then started praying-not loudly but loud enough so other customers were looking, it went on for about five embarrassing minutes. She seemed a bit surprised that I didn't rise up and walk but gave me a card for her church before I left and I gave her a nice tip for her effort.

Now that is funny

mdeyzel,

I have an Aunt like that too, but mine isn't drunk when she calls lol

Yeah, you can't help, but be patient with them.

[qbounce]

I had a bible thumping guy wave me down as I was strolling around my neighborhood for excercise, and he has the BALLS to tell me . . . .

''THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH''

While trying to sell me on his church.

I told him that he's got a good start because he's meek in the head!!

Some people, shheeeesh!!

[Kwag_Myers]

WilliamCraig, on Apr 29 2008, 12:41 PM, said:

Do you guys ever see people in a store (or wherever) who want to pray for you?

I don't really know how to respond in those situations. I don't believe in prayer much, but do not want to be rude, ya know?

I would have to say that the weirdest place it happened for me was at a church that my Aunt talked me into going to once (note the "once"). Usually people go up front for their prayings and what-not, however some people came up to me and asked me if I wanted to be prayed for. I didn't want to be rude, so said yeah. They put some religious oil on my forehead and started chanting while slightly gripping and shaking my head. I guess they felt a miracle would occur.

I don't think I'll go back to a conservative Pentecostal church again... ever.

That’s called the Pentecostal rub. Actually, the Bible says not to lay on hands hastily (I can look it up if you like). I take that to mean that if you’re not comfortable with it, it should be cool to say, “no”. And if it’s not cool, you don’t want these people laying hands on you. Trust me on this – roll for the door!

My suggestion is to say, “since I don’t really know you, I’m not comfortable with you laying your hands on me. But I would appreciate it if you would keep me in your prayers.”

TexasWheelz,
I think if that happened to me I’d tell the boss, “Man, what a person’s gotta do to close a sale these days!”

[Tim13]

WilliamCraig, on Apr 29 2008, 09:43 PM, said:

Quote

Was getting my hair cut and the new stylist started telling me how she had the gift of healing and jesus would heal me through her, she stopped cutting my hair and put both hands on my head (thankfully putting down the scissors first) then started praying-not loudly but loud enough so other customers were looking, it went on for about five embarrassing minutes. She seemed a bit surprised that I didn't rise up and walk but gave me a card for her church before I left and I gave her a nice tip for her effort.

Now that is funny

Don't get me wrong, offering to try to cure me is one of the nicest things a person could do and i took it as quite a compliment. Hell, at this point if someone offered to cure me by dancing around shaking a dead chicken and screaming unintelligbly, I'd say 'sure, go for it."

[E-DOG]

Tim13, on Apr 29 2008, 12:04 PM, said:

Had a lot of people say they would/were praying for me but only one actually try to cure me.

Was getting my hair cut and the new stylist started telling me how she had the gift of healing and jesus would heal me through her, she stopped cutting my hair and put both hands on my head (thankfully putting down the scissors first) then started praying-not loudly but loud enough so other customers were looking, it went on for about five embarrassing minutes. She seemed a bit surprised that I didn't rise up and walk but gave me a card for her church before I left and I gave her a nice tip for her effort.

She wasn't there the next time I went in for a trim-can't imagine why.

Yo dude,
A glass eye in a ducks ass could see,
She doesn't wanna "cure" you. And on yer back isn't where she wants to put her hands.
Dang kid, she even gave you a card with directions right to her.
Now get to work.
and stay protected.
E-dog

[Kev-O]

I had a guy come up to me one time while i was getting into my car. I was half way in an he stopped me an asked if he could pray for me, i said sure an about 2min later he finished an we were both on our way. I felt weird as hell. When he asked me if he could pray for me i should have said "no but if you really want to help, support stem cell" but i didn't want to mess up his day.

[nomis]

A family friend once told me her prayer circle was going to pray (or is it prey) for me. I gave a sheepish smile and said, If you want to.

My beliefs are different to hers and maybe she needs to do those prayers but I don't expect or want anything from prayers. Whatever life throws at me and I throw at it is what I want. If there is a something to pray to I'm sure it doesn't approve of selfish requests that don't comply with the normal running of things. I'm satisified with the world we've got. I find it odd that many religious people apparently do not appreciate it.

A pleasant man came knocking on my door asking if I knew god and would I like to pray with him. He was polite so I was polite back in telling him no, it's not my way but if he wants to pray without me then I don't mind. He was ok with that. Probably thought I was an unclean heathen and, who knows, maybe I am.

[Tired of hurting]

I've had people come up to me and want to pray for me. I say"I can use all the blessing I can get" thank you...

[knowthill]

God is always on my mind I guess that and sex. Both topics are way beyond my physical realm of being. I believe they exist and I am up to any help offered.

Growing up Catholic all my family aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, and sisters this means a lot coming from a community of 300 people in northern Iowa. I believe people who don’t understand and need to pray do so not only for me but for themselves in order to make sense in their lives.

With this in mind it is easier for me to let people close to me. In way I may not completely understand but am will to let go. Hope this helps your predicament.

[FROG]

I am a believer and I am sure that God could miraculously cure me if He so choses. I have many people who pray for me regularly. But, they are praying for my well-being and health. Every time I have someone ask if they can pray for me I respond, " Yes, certainly I need prayer for my health and well-being. Please put me on your prayer list and pray for me". I do not allow anybody to pray over me for healing in public.

[edlee]

I've, also, had many people ask if the could pray for me, but noone has tried to touch me while doing it.

I'm usually pretty friendly,, so I doubt I'ld make a fuss,,,, .

I'm not sure I really understand what good it's supposed to do. Is the cure decided by the number of prayers said,,,, or the volume of individual prayers?

Is it like STAR SEARCH or DANCING WITH THE STARS, where if enough people text in,, that can influence the outcome????

If that's the case,, maybe there's a chance I could be voted into heaven when I die. Should I start campaigning now????
ed

[E-DOG]

[quote name='FROG' date='Apr 30 2008, 09:37 AM' post='58548']
I am a believer and I am sure that God could miraculously cure me if He so choses.

I think that 75% of the people who become atheists is because of self richeous Christians

Frog,
Forgive me if I seem a bit rude, but.
If you really believe God exists.
If you really worship Him.
If you really believe He can cure you.
But He doesn't. Like He doesn't bother to cure small innocent children of all kinds of horrible diseases.
Then, to me it sounds like He's some what of an INCREDIBLY CRUEL BUTTHEAD!
And if He made you in His image, then by proxy, what does that make you?
just a question sir, please don't be offended

JLO,
And yes, I've become a devout Atheist because the people I live with, and a lot of those around me
insist upon shoving a million dollars worth of jezus up my ass a nickle at a time!
Oh, but I'm not BITTER.

[Hapahowlee]

My hubby gets it all the time, especially now that he's working. All kinds of weirdos come into the store wanting to "HEAL" him. I didn't grow up in a religious household at all. I'm not really an atheist, more agnostic. But, we live in AZ and I finally got rid of the Mormons coming to my door (I wore a cross upside down on my chest - scared them away for good), now we have the Jehovah's Witnesses. My husband answered the door and talked to them for a while as I sat in my home office laughing my ass off. They really thought my husband was so interested they came back the next week only they had to deal with me. I can't help but F*** with these jerks who interrupt my day to force their religious views on me. I don't knock on their door to talk about what I believe in. When I'm with my husband in a public place and someone wants to pray, he usually will say, "Oh yeah, go ahead," and I just tell him where I'll be in the store and take off. My husband is just trying to be nice, but he really hates it when people put their clammy, dirty hands on him for long periods of time thinking my husband is going to rise from his chair and take a jog. Once in a while if my husband isn't in a great mood, he'll force a spasm while these strangers are performing this odd ritual and sometimes they get kicked or at times they feel as if their praying caused his leg to move because a lot of ignorant people out there think everyone in a wheelchair can't feel or move. JEEEEZ!

[FROG]

[quote name='E-DOG' date='Apr 30 2008, 12:44 PM' post='58564']
[quote name='FROG' date='Apr 30 2008, 09:37 AM' post='58548']
I am a believer and I am sure that God could miraculously cure me if He so choses.

I think that 75% of the people who become atheists is because of self richeous Christians

Frog,
Forgive me if I seem a bit rude, but.
If you really believe God exists.
If you really worship Him.
If you really believe He can cure you.
But He doesn't. Like He doesn't bother to cure small innocent children of all kinds of horrible diseases.
Then, to me it sounds like He's some what of an INCREDIBLY CRUEL BUTTHEAD!
And if He made you in His image, then by proxy, what does that make you?
just a question sir, please don't be offended

JLO,
And yes, I've become a devout Atheist because the people I live with, and a lot of those around me
insist upon shoving a million dollars worth of jezus up my ass a nickle at a time!
Oh, but I'm not BITTER.
[/quote]
Hey, no problem E-dog. We are all entitled to our own beliefs.

This post has been edited by FROG: 30 April 2008 - 08:27 PM

[dom]

when i had my accident i could walk to a fashion, when i got out of hospital i went to live with my elderly parents whom are both church-goers,i went with them after years of abstinence,[only to please them] which i know is highly hypocritical,the priest during the sermon mentioned me as a 'miracle man' because i could walk,i felt like the prodigal son returning from years of debauchery,it was highly embarassing,all the parishioners were praying for me previously and i think they were sure it was their prayers that 'cured' me

[Illinois Boy]

After I first broke my neck, my mom must of drug over about 10 Faith Healers, she even conned me to going to this one shrine (Where some Drunk Jesus Freak thought he saw the Virgin Mary at a certain time every day.......)

Man, am I glad she got that SHIT outta her system.....

Anyone asks me now, I just make up some excuse to get the Hell away from them..... Or if they ask me.......
Have you found Jesus! I tell them I didn't know he was lost......

Jim

[wheeliebear75]

I believe in God. But I don't think a bunch of well meaning people with good intentions and some oil are going to heal any of us. I don't mind if people want to pray FOR me.

The one I love is where some AB swears we MUST be angry with God; after all otherwise I'd welcome any prayers in any form. There is no convincing an AB that you can be over the whole "God's gonna fix it if I just pray hard enough" and yet not be upset with God.

Politely tell them you'd rather not......however if they'd like to pray for you.......go ahead.

[jumpinjo]

c-6/7 sci, 12 yrs. i've heard 'if you stop sinning god will heal you' so many times i'm livid. i've been annointed with pentecostal holy oil and catholic holy water, and given a rosary. i was prayed over by church elders who taught healing is no longer a gift of the spirit. after my injury my pastor told my daughters pastor that the church didnt have the resources to help me and therefore wouldnt try. my daughters pastor and church members were here often while i ws in the hosp 4 months. i was a single parent of 4 ages 18, 16, 8, 6. once i was home and the tithe paid out of the ins money that pastor no longer had the resources to help me either. my oldest went to military no 2 off to college. my youngest 2 and i would walk or ride bikes (um i rolled) around town. i would get angry at these comments in front of my children. now i respond with 'no thank you but i'd be happy to lay hands on you for your issue of judging others'. oil and water ' i have been given gallons already but ty' and my favorite, when they havent seen me for years and ask 'ohhhh im so sorry about your condition, how are you?' i say 'how the hell do i look?'

don't get me wrong, i'm a christian, i read the bible and pray daily as i did before i was injured. i'm not angry at god.
Job 2:10
He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. NIV

however, people are idiots and the good ones are just trying to get through their own troubles. if being rude keeps them from hurting another disabled persons child or grandchild or a disabled child then be rude to the rude.

[longhaul]

I was on a trail the other day and this guy on a bike rides by me he turned around and came back and said to me "God just told me that I should pray for you" I said to him "he just ask you right now to pray for me and we're three feet apart why didn't he talk to me instead of you?" He was silent so I told him that if God could talk to him he could talk to me too and I didn't need a middle man so no thanks I'll wait.

This post has been edited by longhaul: 03 May 2008 - 03:18 AM

[KarenFerguson]

Yesterday hubby & I were at our towns giant local farmer's market (San Luis Obispo). Anyway, there's always those booths for some religion or another. So, we're there waiting to pay for our dried fruit and these women come up to us and ask if they can pray for hubby. He flat out told them NO WAY! I sort of chuckled and then they asked if they could pray for me ... um no. It's so bizarre when I get asked this question. I'm a pretty militant atheist and so is hubby so I'm like doublely offended - if that makes any sense.

[Georgia7]

And i thot i was the only one who got this 'pray for u request' unnecessarily.Many a time this has occured and like everyone else in an attempt to be polite i have never said no except this one time i just had to.I met this youngman one morning at campus and he helped me back to my room.We chatted alot and parted company without ever meeting again in a long time.When he came next to my room it was for a bible sharing meeting!I gave him an audience bt with a protest as this was during exam time,people were cramming and he wanted me to help him mismanage his time with his sermon.Abt 3 to 5 days later we met as i was heading for the Library.He calls "Sister Georgina,am so happy to meet u.Last time i came to ur room i had a very important message for you bt i did not tell u.'At this juncture i bet i knu wat was coming,so i chipped in and said,'are u going to tell me that God sent you to come and heal me?'People u wont believe his reaction but he exclaimed and said,'Yes,how did u know that?In a monotone he started rehearsing abt how Jesus had the power to heal me,which i do not dispute coz am a christian and i believe in God,and if i only prayed with him in that moment i would receive my healing.I burst into laughter and told him to stop being dramatic.I suppose he took abit of offence coz he seemed disappointed and walked away.
Bt people please, are we supposed to be like some specimen that people can use to test the strength of their faith.Its like a reminder that something is wrong with u and God has to fix it.Am not bitter with God abt my disability and i dont want to make my disabilty the sole reason to believe in God or not.I hate it when people overemphansise the part abt having enuff faith,it feels awkward in church especially coz it makes one feel like u have the least faith.
Life goes on anyway.

[Martin55]

I have a box full of HOLY medals, they were given to me over the years. It's not a bother to me if people pray for me, if it makes them happy but after all the prayers and medals im not cured after 32 years. strange.

[E-DOG]

Martin55, on May 6 2008, 06:46 AM, said:

I have a box full of HOLY medals, they were given to me over the years. It's not a bother to me if people pray for me, if it makes them happy but after all the prayers and medals im not cured after 32 years. strange.

Perhaps if you had just a little bit more faith. Just the teeniest, little bit more faith, just the ittsiest, bittsiest more faith................
E-dog

[edlee]

Right on E-DOG,,,, If we prayed enough HE would heal us,,,,,right?

It must , surely , be my fault....

But if HE knows everything before it happens ( that's what the nuns told me) ,,HE knew this was going to happen. So is this a trick HE's playing on me????

HE already knows whether I'll change my ways, or if I'll pray enough. Is it like training your dog to sit up???? Probably not,,, treats work better than punishment for that.

Must be more like house training,,,, get on the sofa,,, T12,,, piss on the tile,,,,C7,,,, shit on the carpet,,,, ??? Christopher Reeve??????

Well,,,,we are supposdly made in his/her image (more catholic school stuff) so I guess that's why there are so many assholes in the world.

ed

[Emily C]

edlee, on May 6 2008, 02:46 PM, said:

Right on E-DOG,,,, If we prayed enough HE would heal us,,,,,right?

It must , surely , be my fault....

But if HE knows everything before it happens ( that's what the nuns told me) ,,HE knew this was going to happen. So is this a trick HE's playing on me????

HE already knows whether I'll change my ways, or if I'll pray enough. Is it like training your dog to sit up???? Probably not,,, treats work better than punishment for that.

Must be more like house training,,,, get on the sofa,,, T12,,, piss on the tile,,,,C7,,,, shit on the carpet,,,, ??? Christopher Reeve??????

Well,,,,we are supposdly made in his/her image (more catholic school stuff) so I guess that's why there are so many assholes in the world.

ed

Ed, your second to last line made me LOL.
However, I'm confussed...does the last line mean that u think God is a ---h-le??
I agreed with everything but that. was raised a strict Pentecostal, and my family still believes that I'll get up and walk someday aoon. My grand father who's 94 had a dream that I'll be walking again and then the dream showed the calander with march 1st on it.

Look, I think we ALL agree that we'd LOVE to be healed!! But why do complete strangers feel compleled to pray over us? It happened to me today, in a health food store. I know she meant well.
I told her she could if she believes in Jesus. NO ONE is praying for me unless we agree, at least!

[Kwag_Myers]

Emily C, on May 6 2008, 06:38 PM, said:

But why do complete strangers feel compleled to pray over us? It happened to me today, in a health food store. I know she meant well.
I told her she could if she believes in Jesus. NO ONE is praying for me unless we agree, at least!

I have to say that as a Christian I'm a bit embarrassed by many of the experiences you've all posted. And as a life-long student of the bible I'd like to say that I think you are all dealing with a different type of ignorance than normal. We all come in contact with people who have no idea what our lives are like, right? And most of the people I come in contact with want to help, but don't know how. I take some comfort in the fact that there is still some compassion left in our society.

The other element is that these well-wishers are also ignorant of one fundamental point - Jesus never (to my knowledge) healed anyone who didn't ask him to. What I mean is, he didn't go around looking for someone to heal, but healed those who came to him.

Now, if I may attempt to set the record straight - according to the bible, there are several reasons for people to become sick, lame, etc. And, there is a protocol for when this happens to determine what that reason is.

Again, there is no biblical precedence that I am aware of for someone going around picking gimps out of the crowd and healing them. So, I hope that you won't reject Jesus or God simply because of some over-zealous Christian's attempt to be helpful. Many of you seem to have a skewed understanding of Christianity, and of God. I just think you should have all the facts before you make a final decision.