I have often heard from Christians concerning my web site, and quite often, I hear that they are praying for me. I once asked one of these people what exactly he was praying for. He replied something to the effect that he was asking God to reveal himself to me and remove my doubts about his existence. He appeared to think that this would "heal my brokenness" or something to that effect. It was very touching, I suppose.
Some people have asked me if I mind if they pray for me. Obviously, they aren't aware of how I view any sort of prayer. For the benefit of the many people who are in that boat, I'll say a few words to enlighten you a little and perhaps save you some time and/or trouble.
To me, prayer of the sort mentioned above is a completely ineffective mental exercise. You can pray for the same hoped-for event every day for the rest of your life, but that won't make anything happen. If the event you were wishing for actually does happen after so many years, I expect a believer would chalk it up as a proof that Luke's description of prayer (asking incessantly, bugging God into giving you a favor) was accurate. But you would not be able to show that such a thing was not in fact just a coincidence.
So to answer this common question, I'll say you have my permission to pray for me all you want. Let me know you're praying for me if you wish. Or keep it secret if you're so inclined. I understand there's a fair number of others already having a go at it. There may even be one or two out there who've been at it for years. Anyway, I promise I'll be sure to let everyone know if anything about my dedication to Freethought changes. I won't say that such a change in my life is "impossible." But I think it's a very unlikely event, one that would come pretty close to qualifying as a miracle.
But I have to wonder about those out there who are so upset over my lack of faith. I wonder what it is about the unbelief of one stranger that gets you so upset that you want to ask for my mind to be altered by the creator of the universe? Does it upset you that I was a devout Christian and after over 20 years discovered that it was all a delusion?* Are you upset that I don't subscribe to the common myth that religion is needed for morality? Or are you offended that I dare to speak out against a belief system that I consider wrong, while you consider it unquestionably right?
Regardless of the reasons anyone may have for praying and asking God to change my mind, I won't do anything to hinder your prayers. Be as specific or general as you feel is necessary. I can assure you that it will have no magical effect on me, no more than any of the magical wishes that have been directed my way in the past.
*I will say, however, that I found that realization very upsetting, personally. I sometimes dwell on the errors of my life as a believer, but that's all water under the bridge. And it's a set of lessons I won't soon forget.