Comment by Graham E. Lau on March 3, 2010 at 5:06am

What's unfortunate, is most of the people I hear say this don't even pray. It's become a phrase of general use, just like the whole "bless you" thing after people sneeze.

I know someone who loves the phrase "hope is not a strategy for success", but I know she would hate the similar phrase "prayer is not a strategy for success".

Comment by NO RELIGION on March 3, 2010 at 6:02am

Graham maybe it's just me but I find "My prayers go out to_____" more insensitive than actually saying something inappropriate.

Comment by Craig Nomazlab on March 3, 2010 at 10:11am

"I'm going to pretend to do something so I can feel good about myself."

Comment by Mario Rodgers on March 3, 2010 at 11:40am

I don't mind people praying over something. It's the equivalent of child's teddy bear. Whatever helps them put their mind at ease. My problem is when it's asked of me, either directly or indirectly. Like when an online friend's baby wasn't feeling well and running a high fever, she asked her acquaintances to pray for her baby. It didn't want to remain silent but was struggle on how to form my words. It's not like people want to hear "Just trust in the doctors and the power of the human body." And saying "I know everything is going to turn out okay." is just as empty of a saying as well as a half truth.

Comment by James on March 3, 2010 at 9:38pm

Prayer, how to do absolutely nothing and feel like you're helping. It amazes me that so many people say they will pray for something, and then a large percentage don't even do that. In rough times I always say that the person or family will be in my thoughts. In fact my bosses dad just died last week, and I felt it most appropriate to give my condolences and say some kind words. He sincerely appreciated it, and I feel far more than simply 'being in my prayers' would have made him feel. That simple statement just seems impersonal as well... a blanket standby phrase.

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