Atheists & Agnostics

Stuckinthebush

(11,225 posts) Wed Aug 14, 2013, 09:21 AM Aug 2013

I'm praying for....! [View all]

What is up with friends/family/coworkers who feel a need to say (or post on facebook) that they are praying for people involved in tragic situations.

Example:

Local news story about a UPS plane that crashed last night - this morning on facebook numerous people say, "I'm praying for those UPS pilots who were killed and their families!"

What is the point? Why say this? Just do it. I personally think it will have zero effect on the dead or the living but so be it. If you feel the need to pray why do you feel the need to tell others about it?

Of course, I will point out that I never see the following:

International news story about unrest in Egypt: "I'm praying for those poor souls killed in Cairo today!"

19 replies

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Highlight:

I'm praying for....! [View all] Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 OP

Matthew 6:5-6 trotsky Aug 2013 #1

Nah, I disagree. malthaussen Aug 2013 #2

I don't disagree with you Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #6

I'd tentaively guess it has to do with who's doing the praying... malthaussen Aug 2013 #13

It's the oldest form of slacktivism Warpy Aug 2013 #3

True, but... Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #7

They think it is reassuring to the recipient. AtheistCrusader Aug 2013 #10

So the act of praying doesn't exist without public disclosure Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #12

Right. And if the prayee didn't say anything, the recipient would never know. AtheistCrusader Aug 2013 #15

The person doing it is approval-seeking Warpy Aug 2013 #11

Yes, that's my thought Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #14

It's just one of many ways to express sympathy. JoeyT Aug 2013 #4

That is a good point Stuckinthebush Aug 2013 #8

Thanks to Twitter, this is what I think of now when I see things like that Rob H. Aug 2013 #5

Oh, I love that and am stealing it for my own. malthaussen Aug 2013 #9

I have encountered it as a shame mechanism too Lordquinton Aug 2013 #16

God is in a quandary. You can help Him make up His mind! dimbear Aug 2013 #17

I think it's just a way of expressing sympathy, which can be difficult at times. Evoman Aug 2013 #18

I don't get why people feel the need to pray to an asshole deity who would cause/allow such tragedy. Arugula Latte Aug 2013 #19