I'll pray for you......

[osopecoso]

Well that's too bad she's got a relative in management. She sounds like a real piece of work. Who is she to judge you? Real Christian attitude.

More like a piece of "you know what". People like her is the reason why we don't attend church anymore.

 

[jliehr]

I told my wife. She called the head office and reported her. Going to meet with the head administrator Friday at lunch to discuss. Wife found out from another mom while picking up daughter today that she is the sister in law of another facility manager. Many have complained about her. Not many like her.

Well there you go, these things can turn petty and vindictive quickly. I'd either drop it or be ready to find a different place quickly.

 

[Baklava]

"Thank you." With a tone that matches theirs.

 

[L&Lfan]

I don't particularly like the expression "I'll pray for you." It's just not me. I usually say, "I'll keep you in my prayers." I hope that's never offended anyone. I generally only say it when someone has told me something where prayer would be a possible response to what they've expressed.

 

[morgan98]

In general, I would say tone has everything to do with it. I am not particularly religious (I refer to myself as a recovering Catholic) and while I am compassionate towards people, I am very careful to not specifically say, "I will pray for you," as I am sorry, I find that condescending. I think saying something like, "I will keep you in my thoughts" to be softer, but that is just me.

In the OP's case, I do not believe for one minute it was said with good intent.

 

[mefordis]

what do you say when someone tells you that.

Happened this morning. I got of traveling for work so I was able to bring my daughter to school (preschool) and meet her new teacher since I was not in town for orientation. The lady who greets everyone at the front desk is very annoying and lectures parents about their kids (lectured my wife that my daughter should not dance so much......). I walk in with my daughter and drop her off to her room. While walking out, she makes a snarky remark that all parents should be present for orientation. I told her I was traveling for work but got all the information from my wife. She says "oh your poor wife all alone while you travel the world". Keep in mind I was in Colorado, not exactly international. Then she says "I will pray for you". Thank goodness my daughter already went to class. I said "no thanks, I don't need a prayer". This set her off. She says "why are you angry with god". Remember, this is not a Christian school. They don't do prayer there and do not teach the Bible. I tell her she has no right to lecture people on religion, especially at a preschool. She rolled her eyes and laughed while walking away. Should I report her or let it slide.

I say "Thank you."

 

[rickybobby]

First world problem.

 

[bcla]

I don't particularly like the expression "I'll pray for you." It's just not me. I usually say, "I'll keep you in my prayers." I hope that's never offended anyone. I generally only say it when someone has told me something where prayer would be a possible response to what they've expressed.

Whenever I hear that phrase it seems kind of condescending. Depending on the tone it can mean different things. If the person "prayed for" is somewhat religious it sounds like the meaning is "God will take me more seriously than you." Or a question as to whether or not someone is religious or religious enough. Often it takes on a smug, superior attitude.

 

[Minnesota!]

I would have rolled my eyes and walked away from your situation. Might have thrown in a "I will pray for you" to her, as well.

As far as how I would react otherwise? I would say "thanks". If a person has beliefs that prayer helps, why does that bother you?

 

[Wishing on a star]

I told my wife. She called the head office and reported her. Going to meet with the head administrator Friday at lunch to discuss. Wife found out from another mom while picking up daughter today that she is the sister in law of another facility manager. Many have complained about her. Not many like her.

Ouch!
That would have been good info to know, before she made that phone call !!!
Please, tread very very carefully....
I think you will be very very very lucky if any good comes of this, and you do not feel any repercussions.

This is probably not a good time to have to find a new pre-school.

 

[Minnesota!]

Not in a preschool lecturing parents. If this was a Christian school then I can see that happening. Would you pray for someone who is Muslim and does not have the same beliefs as you?

Definitely, if I thought my beliefs about the situation warranted my prayers, I would.

Being a Christian, yes we would pray for Muslims (and we do).

Yep!

 

[morgan98]

Definitely, if I thought my beliefs about the situation warranted my prayers, I would.



Yep!

I know I am quoting you, but in particular of course people can pray for anyone they feel need it. When people feel the need to announce it to people when it is not asked for, that I think it can come across incorrectly.

 

[penn19]

I live in Texas. If someone said that to me, I would liken it to "bless your heart". But maybe that's because I'm not overly religious.
One time, my (overly) religious neighbor was talking to my husband about his job and the guy said "I will pray for you that you get promoted". My husband said no thanks, I will do it on my own.
I think you have to know your audience.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I told my wife. She called the head office and reported her. Going to meet with the head administrator Friday at lunch to discuss. Wife found out from another mom while picking up daughter today that she is the sister in law of another facility manager. Many have complained about her. Not many like her.

She will probably be gone by Friday given there have been other complaints, too.

 

[osopecoso]

I never wanted a prayer and don't need one People like this say I'll pray for you to make themselves feel better about them selves.

 

[scrapquitler]

what do you say when someone tells you that.

Happened this morning. I got of traveling for work so I was able to bring my daughter to school (preschool) and meet her new teacher since I was not in town for orientation. The lady who greets everyone at the front desk is very annoying and lectures parents about their kids (lectured my wife that my daughter should not dance so much......). I walk in with my daughter and drop her off to her room. While walking out, she makes a snarky remark that all parents should be present for orientation. I told her I was traveling for work but got all the information from my wife. She says "oh your poor wife all alone while you travel the world". Keep in mind I was in Colorado, not exactly international. Then she says "I will pray for you". Thank goodness my daughter already went to class. I said "no thanks, I don't need a prayer". This set her off. She says "why are you angry with god". Remember, this is not a Christian school. They don't do prayer there and do not teach the Bible. I tell her she has no right to lecture people on religion, especially at a preschool. She rolled her eyes and laughed while walking away. Should I report her or let it slide.

I inwardly roll my eyes, but say "Thank you" and keep moving along...to me it equates to 'have a nice day',

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

We were all in work meeting once ( about six of us) and one co - worker said to the boss " I'll be praying for you" and the boss immediately said, " Please don't."

Then went right on to the next agenda item.

Unless it is a Christian school, I don't believe that lady has any right to be assuming that any parent would appreciate prayers.

 

[Minnesota!]

I know I am quoting you, but in particular of course people can pray for anyone they feel need it. When people feel the need to announce it to people when it is not asked for, that I think it can come across incorrectly.

Meh. People get offended too easily. My praying (or not) for someone doesn't affect (effect?) anyone. Granted, I am NOT a religious person, but meditation and sitting with my thoughts and sending good thoughts towards people is part of my belief system. I don't know anyone who would be offended by someone wishing them good thoughts. I mean, it would be a really crappy person who would be upset that someone wished them well. Which is what prayers, good thoughts, and positivity towards a situation, etc. entail.

As far as the OP's situation - that's a crappy religious person. She is a peach.

 

[disykat]

I don't see this as a religious issue at all. I see this as an issue where a staff member was extremely rude to a patron. I think your wife did the right thing reporting her disrespect to the boss. The fact that she tried to cloak her rudeness in insincere platitudes doesn't change that for me, in fact it saddens me because it presents a very poor witness to something I strongly believe in.

 

[Colleen27]

I appreciate the thought when I share a struggle I'm dealing with and well-meaning people offer prayers; even if I don't necessarily share their belief system, I am always glad to have more people wishing me well or rooting for me, in whatever form that takes. But I have very little patience with the passive-aggressive use of prayers or blessings as a thinly veiled insult. It doesn't sound like this woman was offering prayers for a safe trip, so I would probably have said something along the same lines you did. "My wife and I are happy with our situation. No prayers needed, but thank you."

As far as reporting her to the administration, I'm not sure I'd take that step unless she seemed to make a habit of these types of comments. We all put a foot in our mouth every now and again and I'm not one to hold an occasional mistake against someone.