**
Very very annoying indeed!
I'm sorry you feel that way. but then, we all have different perspectives.
**If prayer really is so powerful, why do Christians and others have to tell you they're praying for you?
Perhaps because if someone asks to have a prayer said for them, it seems to be the polite thing to do to acknowledge that you understand there is a problem and that you will do as asked.
**What's that about? To prove how much they care for you? Maybe.
No, I don't see it that way. It doesn't "prove" anything in that sense, but to agree that you will send love and encouraging thoughts their way.
**But I also think it's a subtle bit of manipulation which implies "See how much we care about you and are worried about you." Which, I'm sorry to say, is an over-worked response that even the JWs use.
I'm sorry, but I don't understand any connection between a loving gesture from the heart---and a manipulation implying anything but what it genuinely is. It's a kindness, not a tactic.
**
No, don't pray for me. Have confidence that I have the skills and abilities to work out things for myself. I need divine intervention like a hole in the head.
Nope, I wouldn't dream of it! LOL. But prayer has nothing to do with skills and abilities, but I really don't want to get into the dynamics of prayer. I do feel that you have been very disappointed (haven't we all?) and have real animosity about the "prayer" issue.
**A healthier life belongs to those who take responsibility for their own life and stop all the mind games that go along with both the JWs and Born Again Christians. Same spaghetti; different flavored sauce.
I personally don't see prayer as a "mind game", but it's your prerogative to see it this way and call things as you see them. I think it's comforting to have friends here that will pray, or send good vibes, light candles etc when someone is undergoing something stressful.
This is one of THE greatest things about this board----that we CAN discuss things that matter to us, and hold dear what we choose to.
Annie
