Pope's death brought something to my mind...

[Goofuu]

We're told to pray for the Pope's health when really if your going to pray shouldnt it be for everyone's health? (before i continue im not religous) And if God were to save the Pope's life and not thousands of dying people in Africa, wouldnt that be creul? See, this sorta thing is why i dont understand religion. >

 

[NavalGent]

I think it would be in poor taste for someone to say "pray for the pope's health, and for nobody else!" however, a far more common thing that I hear is stuff along the lines of "pray for those in need, especially the pope, those in Darfur...etc." This doesn't mean that you're ignoring those who aren't specifically mentioned, but when there are events that are out of the ordinary, such as a famine, a dying religious leader or a tsunami, I don't think it is out of place to pray especially for those affected by it.

 

[Big Foot]

You are not so much praying for the Pope to live or die, you are praying for him in general. You are praying that God's will may be done. Regarding Africa, many people do pray for the people there on a regular basis. I know it seems strange but it is quite difficult to really explain. You pretty much pray for God to do His works, and ask that He might listen to your prayers.

 

[Jonny Boy]

if you were religious and had a family member dying, would you not ask the priest to make and announcement to ask people to pray for that person?

 

[Big Foot]

if you were religious and had a family member dying, would you not ask the priest to make and announcement to ask people to pray for that person?

Hutch, usually people do do that. I know I have personally had masses said for specific people I knew, whether it was because they were in poor health or whatnot, it is a common practice.

 

[Jonny Boy]

i know thats why i was asking goofuu if he would do that. i know i did and my whole family did when my uncle had cancer. and when he passed away we asked the church to pray for him my family, and his friends.

 

[goodform]

I have a lot of christian friends, they've asked me at certain times to pray for them, for specific things. It doesn't mean that others are being neglected, just that I add something to my thoughts and prayers.

 

[beach_bum]

I have a lot of christian friends, they've asked me at certain times to pray for them, for specific things. It doesn't mean that others are being neglected, just that I add something to my thoughts and prayers.

And that is exactly it.  It's not that you are neglecting anyone...it's that you are remembering someone.